TOPIC BEYOND SYLLABUS
PULSE CODE MODULATION
When a digital signal undergoes Pulse Code Modulation, it converts the analog information into a
binary sequence (1 and 0). Through the demodulation process, we can obtain the original analog
signal. The figure below represents the output of the PCM signal with respect to the sine wave.
Pulse Code Modulation techniques are used to produce a series of numbers or digits in binary
form. Hence this process is called digital modulation. The amplitude at that particular time of the
signal sample is indicated by the binary codes.
In the PCM process, a sequence of coded pulses indicates the message signal. This message
signal represents amplitude and time.
Pulse code modulations are of two types:
Differential pulse code modulation (DPCM)
Adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM)
Differential pulse-code modulation is a signal encoding process which adds functionalities based
on the prediction of the samples of the signal.
Adaptive differential pulse-code modulation is a technique in which the size of the quantization
step is varied, to allow the further reduction of the required data bandwidth to a given signal-to-
noise ratio.
The Pulse Code Modulation process is done through the following steps:
Sampling
Quantisation
Coding
Block diagram of the Pulse Code Modulation process is as shown in the figure below.
In the PCM process, it is possible to digitise all forms of analog data, including music, telemetry,
voice, full-motion video. To obtain a pulse code modulated waveform from an analog waveform
at the transmitter end and to convert the message signal into the binary form, a process known as
quantization is used.
At the receiver end of the pulse code circuit, demodulation takes place, and the signal is
converted into pulses with the same quantum levels.
Low Pass Filter
A low pass filter helps in removing the high-frequency components included in the input of the
analog signal. These frequency components are higher than the highest frequency of the message
signal. Hence, a low pass filter is added in the pulse code modulation technique to avoid aliasing
of the message signal.
Sampler
Sampler helps to collect the sample data at any time of the message signal, in order to reform the
original signal. As per the sampling theorem, the sampling rate is greater than the highest
frequency component of the message signal.
Quantizer
Quantizer helps to minimize the error through the process known as quantizing. The sampled
output when passed through a quantizer, reduces the unnecessary bits and also helps in
compressing the obtained values.
Encoder
The encoder is used for digitizing the analog signal. Encoder helps to allot each quantized level
through a binary code. The sample-and-hold process is adopted in this. Low pass filter, sampler,
and quantiser aids to convert analog to digital forms. Encoding also aids in minimizing the usage
of bandwidth.
Regenerative Repeater
Regenerative repeater is used to compensate for the signal loss and also reform the signal. It also
helps to increase signal strength. Hence, the output of the channel is equipped with one
regenerative repeater circuit.
Decoder
The decoder helps to form the original signal by decoding the pulse coded waveform. Decoder
acts as the demodulator.
Reconstruction Filter
The reconstruction filter helps to obtain the original signal. In the pulse code modulator circuit,
the given analog signal is digitized, coded and sampled. The resultant signal is transmitted in an
analog form. In order to obtain the original signal, the whole process is repeated in a reverse
pattern .
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Pulse Code Modulation is used in long-distance communication.
The efficiency of the transmitter in PCM is high.
Higher noise immunity is seen.
Efficient method.
Disadvantages
The bandwidth requirement is high.
PCM is a complex process, since it involves encoding, decoding and quantisation of the
circuit.
Applications of Pulse Code Modulation
It is used in telephony and compact discs.
Pulse Code Modulation is used in satellite transmission systems and space
communications.
Read more about modulation and the need for modulation.