Module on Amplitude Modulation (AM)
1. Introduction to Amplitude Modulation (AM)
Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a technique used in electronic communication, most
commonly in transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. The amplitude of the carrier
signal is varied in proportion to the message signal (which can be audio, video, or other data
types). In AM, the carrier frequency remains constant while the carrier amplitude changes
according to the amplitude of the message signal.
2. Basic Concept
In AM, a carrier signal c(t)c(t)c(t) with a constant frequency fcf_cfcis multiplied by a message
signal m(t)m(t)m(t) (the information signal). The result is a modulated signal that carries the
message.
The general formula for an AM signal is:
s(t)=[Ac+Amm(t)]cos(2πfct)s(t) = [A_c + A_m m(t)] \cos(2 \pi f_c t)s(t)=[Ac+Amm(t)]cos(2πfct)
Where:
AcA_cAc= amplitude of the carrier signal
AmA_mAm= amplitude of the message signal
fcf_cfc= carrier frequency
m(t)m(t)m(t) = message signal (the baseband signal you want to transmit)
s(t)s(t)s(t) = resulting AM signal
3. Characteristics of AM Signal
1. Carrier Signal: The carrier is the high-frequency signal that is modulated by the
information signal.
2. Sidebands: The modulation process creates two symmetrical sidebands at frequencies
fc+fmf_c + f_mfc+fmand fc−fmf_c - f_mfc−fm, where fmf_mfmis the highest frequency of
the message signal.
3. Bandwidth: The bandwidth required for AM transmission is twice the highest frequency
of the message signal:
4. B=2fmB = 2 f_mB=2fm
5. Power Distribution: The total power of an AM signal is distributed between the carrier
and the sidebands. The carrier carries the majority of the power, with the sidebands
carrying the information.
4. Mathematical Expression
For simplicity, let's assume the message signal m(t)m(t)m(t) is a simple sinusoidal signal:
m(t)=Amcos(2πfmt)m(t) = A_m \cos(2 \pi f_m t)m(t)=Amcos(2πfmt)
Then, the AM signal becomes:
s(t)=[Ac+Amcos(2πfmt)]cos(2πfct)s(t) = [A_c + A_m \cos(2 \pi f_m t)] \cos(2 \pi f_c t)s(t)=[Ac+Am
cos(2πfmt)]cos(2πfct)
Using trigonometric identities, this can be expanded into:
s(t)=Accos(2πfct)+Am2[cos(2π(fc−fm)t)+cos(2π(fc+fm)t)]s(t) = A_c \cos(2 \pi f_c t) + \frac{A_m}
{2} \left[ \cos(2 \pi (f_c - f_m) t) + \cos(2 \pi (f_c + f_m) t) \right]s(t)=Accos(2πfct)+2Am[cos(2π(fc
−fm)t)+cos(2π(fc+fm)t)]
This shows that the modulated signal consists of the carrier and two sidebands, one at
fc+fmf_c + f_mfc+fmand the other at fc−fmf_c - f_mfc−fm.
5. Modulation Index
The modulation index (or depth of modulation) μ\muμ is a measure of the extent of
modulation and is defined as the ratio of the amplitude of the message signal to the
amplitude of the carrier signal:
μ=AmAc\mu = \frac{A_m}{A_c}μ=AcAm
The modulation index determines the extent to which the carrier is modulated:
If μ=1\mu = 1μ=1, the modulation is 100%.
If μ>1\mu > 1μ>1, the signal is overmodulated, leading to distortion.
If μ<1\mu < 1μ<1, the modulation is undermodulated, and the signal is weak.
6. Power in AM
The total power in an AM signal is the sum of the carrier power and the power in the
sidebands. The carrier power is:
Pc=Ac22RP_c = \frac{A_c^2}{2R}Pc=2RAc2
Where RRR is the load resistance. The total power in the AM signal is:
Ptotal=Pc(1+μ22)P_{total} = P_c \left( 1 + \frac{\mu^2}{2} \right)Ptotal=Pc(1+2μ2)
This shows that the total power increases as the modulation index increases.
7. Applications of AM
1. AM Radio Broadcasting: AM is widely used in AM radio for broadcasting sound, especially
for medium- and long-wave transmissions.
2. Communication Systems: AM is used in aircraft communications, CB (Citizens Band)
radio, and some forms of two-way radio systems.
3. Television: In older black-and-white television systems, AM was used to transmit video
signals.
8. Advantages of AM
Simplicity: AM transmitters and receivers are relatively simple and inexpensive.
Long-range: AM signals can travel long distances, especially during the night when
ionospheric conditions allow.
Compatibility: AM can be demodulated by simple circuits, making it a good choice for
basic communication systems.
9. Disadvantages of AM
Susceptibility to Noise: AM signals are more susceptible to noise and interference
because noise affects amplitude directly.
Inefficient Use of Power: A significant amount of power is wasted in the carrier, which
doesn't carry any information.
Limited Bandwidth: AM uses a wider bandwidth than some other modulation schemes
like Frequency Modulation (FM), making it less efficient in terms of spectrum usage.
10. Conclusion
Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a foundational technique in analog communication systems,
offering simplicity and long-range transmission, but with inherent limitations like power
inefficiency and susceptibility to noise. Understanding the fundamentals of AM, its
mathematical model, and its characteristics provides a good base for studying more
advanced modulation techniques used in modern communication systems.
This module covers the key concepts of AM, and you can dive deeper into each section for
further study. Let me know if you'd like to explore any of the sections in more detail!
