ERODE SENGUNTHAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai)

Perundurai, Erode – 638 057
III Year – B.E. Biomedical Engineering
Continuous Assessment Test – I
Credit: 3 23ECY02 – COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING R-2023
Date : 03.09.2025 SET – II Maximum Marks: 100
Time: 09.45am – 12.45pm ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS Duration: 3 Hours.
PART B ( 10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
CO BL Marks
Answer All Questions
Calculate percentage modulation in AM if carrier amplitude is 20V and modulating
signal is of 15V.
Answer:
Given:
 Carrier amplitude Vc = 20
 Modulating signal Vm=15 V
Solution:
 Formula for modulation index:
1. 1 AP 2

 Substitute the values:

 Percentage modulation:

When a signal m (t) = 4 cosɷmt modulates a carrier c (t) = 5 cosɷct using AM,
Calculate the modulation index.
Answer:
Given:
 Message signal:

 From the above the amplitude of message signal

Vm = 4 V
2.  Carrier signal: 1 AP 2

 From the above the amplitude of carrier signal

Vc = 5 V
Solution:
 Formula for modulation index:

 Substitute values:
  Percentage modulation

Distinguish between narrowband FM and wideband FM.

Answer:
NBFM WBFM
Feature
(Narrowband FM) (Wideband FM)
Modulation
<1 >1
index

3. Bandwidth Small Large 1 UN 2

Frequency
Small (few KHZ) Large (many kHz)
deviation
Noise
Poor Good
immunity
Complexity Simple More Complex
Walkie-talkies, Mobile
Applications FM Radio, TV Sound & Music
Communication.
State carson’s rule of FM bandwidth.
Answer:
 The total bandwidth of an FM signal is approximately twice the sum of the peak
frequency deviation and the highest modulating frequency.
4. 1 UN 2

 Where

Draw the RZ-Bipolar line code format for the information (10110).
Answer:

5. 2 RE 2

 A ‘1’ is represented by alternating positive and negative half-bit pulses (Return-to-

Zero).
 A ‘0’ is represented by a zero level for the entire bit period.
 In a PCM system the number of bit per symbol is raised from 8 to 10. Then calculate
the SNR improvement in dB.
Answer:
 The general formula for PCM Signal-to-Quantization-Noise Ratio (SQNR)

 Calculate SQNR for n = 8 bits

6. 2 AP 2

 Calculate SQNR for n = 10 bits

 Improvement in SNR

State Sampling theorem for band limited signal of finite energy.

Answer:
 If a signal x(t) has finite energy and is band-limited to a maximum frequency fm
Hz, then it can be completely represented and recovered from its samples taken at a
rate:
7. 2 RE 2

 Where

What is meant by Pseudoternary signalling? Draw the necessary diagram.

Answer:
 Pseudoternary is a line coding technique used in digital communication.
 In this scheme:
 Bit 0 → represented by alternating positive and negative pulses.
 Bit 1 → represented by no pulse (zero level).
 Diagram for Bit Sequence (e.g., 1011001)

8. 2 RE 2
 Sketch the PSK and QPSK waveforms of the bit stream 11110011.
Answer:

9. 3 AP 2

 BPSK: Each bit (1 or 0) shifts the carrier phase by 0° or 180°.

 QPSK: Each symbol (2 bits) shifts the carrier phase by 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°.

Differentiate between QPSK and BPSK techniques.

Answer:
NBFM WBFM
Feature
(Narrowband FM) (Wideband FM)
Bits per
1 bit 2 bits
symbol
Phase states 2 (0°, 180°) 4 (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°)
10. 3 UN 2
Bandwidth
Low High
efficiency
Bit error rate
Lower BER Slightly higher than BER
(BER)
More Complex
Complexity Simple modulation/demodulation
modulation/demodulation
Satellite & Deep-space Wi-Fi, 3G/4G
Applications
Communication , Broadband Systems
 PART C (5 × 14 = 70 Marks )
No Answer All Questions CO BL Marks
A 40W carrier is amplitude modulated to the depth of 100%. Calculate the total
power in case of the AM and DSBSC techniques. How much power saving in
watts is achieved for DSBSC? If the depth of modulation is changed to 75%,
then how much power in W is required for transmitting the DSBSC wave?
Compare the power required for DSBSC in both cases and comment on the
reason for change in the power levels.
Answer:
Given:
Carrier Power = Pc = 40 W
Solution
 Total power in AM system:

 Power in DSB-SC system:

Case 1: 100% Modulation (m = 1)

 For AM:

a) 1 AP 16

 For DSB-SC:

11.
 Power Saving:

Case 2: 75% Modulation (m = 0.75m)

Comparison
Feature Modulation Index (m) Total Power
AM 1.0 60 W
DSB-SC 1.0 20 W
DSB-SC 0.75 11.25 W
(OR)
A carrier wave is represented by equation ec(t) = 12 sin ɷt. Draw the waveform
of AM wave for depth of the modulation of i) 1, ii) 0.5, iii) 3/2, iv) 2/3.
Answer:
Expression of AM Wave
b) 1 AP 16
 For Carrier Signal

 For Message Signal

  The Expression for the AM with modulation index

 Here, Ac = 12 V
 Case (i) m = 1

 Case (ii) m = 0.5

 Case (iii) m = 1.5

 Case (iv) m = 2 / 3

A television sound receiver employs the Foster–Seeley discriminator to extract

audio from FM-modulated signals. Examine the internal operation of the
discriminator, and evaluate how the output waveform represents the original
12. (a) modulating signal. 1 AN 16
Answer:
Foster–Seeley Discriminator in FM Receivers
  It is used in FM receivers to convert frequency variations of the received FM
signal into voltage variations, which correspond to the original
audio/modulating signal.
 It works as a frequency-to-amplitude converter.
a) Block Diagram:

 Input & Transformer Section

 The FM signal is applied to the primary coil of a tuned transformer.
 The secondary coil is center-tapped and provides two equal but opposite
voltages depending on the instantaneous frequency deviation.
 Diodes (D1 & D2)
 The two diodes act as rectifiers.
 When the frequency shifts above the carrier frequency, one diode
conducts more and the other less (and vice versa).
 This converts frequency variations into amplitude differences.
 Capacitors (C1, C2) and Resistors (R1, R2)
 These form a filter and load network.
 They smooth the rectified signals and combine them to produce a DC
component plus an AC component (the recovered audio).
 RF Choke
 The choke blocks RF components and allows only the audio frequency
to reach the output.
 Audio Output
 The difference between the diode outputs is proportional to the
frequency deviation of the FM signal.
 This voltage corresponds to the original modulating (audio) signal.
Evaluation of Output Waveform in Foster–Seeley Discriminator
 The discriminator converts instantaneous frequency deviations of the FM
wave into a proportional voltage.
 When the FM frequency goes above the carrier, the output voltage becomes
positive.
 When the FM frequency goes below the carrier, the output voltage becomes
negative.
 Thus, the output voltage varies in the same pattern as the original audio
signal.
 After filtering (RC + choke), the waveform is a clean replica of the
modulating signal.
 Within the linear range, the output shows faithful reproduction of audio with
minimal distortion.
 Hence, the discriminator output represents the original modulating signal in
voltage form.
 (OR)
A commercial FM radio station uses a superheterodyne receiver in its
broadcast receivers. Analyse how the receiver processes the incoming RF signal
to extract the original audio, and evaluate how intermediate frequency helps in
achieving selectivity.
Answer:
 A commercial FM receiver uses a superheterodyne design.
 The incoming FM radio signal is converted to a fixed, lower frequency
called the Intermediate Frequency (IF).
 At this IF, the signal is easier to amplify and filter.
 The IF stage helps the receiver achieve high sensitivity and high selectivity.
 The original audio is then extracted from the FM signal.
 Main advantage: most amplification is done at one constant frequency,
making the design stable and efficient.
a) Block Diagram:

(b) 1 AN 16

b) Analysis of FM Superheterodyne Receiver Operation:

 Antenna & RF Section
 The antenna picks up the FM broadcast signal (88–108 MHz).
 RF amplifier boosts the desired station while rejecting others.
 Mixer & Local Oscillator
 The incoming RF is mixed with a local oscillator signal.
 The difference frequency = Intermediate Frequency (IF = 10.7
MHz).
 Intermediate Frequency (IF) Amplifier
 IF stage provides most of the gain and sharp selectivity.
 Filters at IF ensure only the chosen station passes.
 FM Demodulator (Discriminator/Ratio Detector)
 Converts frequency variations of the IF signal into voltage variations.
 Produces the original audio signal.
 AF Amplifier & Loudspeaker
 Audio is amplified and fed to the speaker for sound reproduction.
c) Evaluation – Role of IF in Selectivity
 A fixed IF (10.7 MHz) allows the use of narrow-band, high-Q filters.
 Provides better selectivity, separating closely spaced FM stations.
 Enhances sensitivity and stability compared to direct RF filtering.
 Ensures consistent performance across the wide FM band.
In a 5G test environment, PSK is being evaluated for its bandwidth efficiency.
Examine how data is mapped onto the carrier, how it is retrieved at the receiver
and discuss the spectral efficiency of this approach.
13. (a) 2 AN 16
Answer:
a) Data Mapping onto the Carrier (Transmitter Side):
 In Phase Shift Keying (PSK), the information is carried by the phase of the
 carrier wave.
 A digital bit stream is grouped into symbols. Each symbol corresponds to a
specific phase angle of the carrier.
 Binary PSK (BPSK):
 Uses 2 phases (0° and 180°).
 Each symbol carries 1 bit.
 Quadrature PSK (QPSK):
 Uses 4 phases (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).
 Each symbol carries 2 bits.
 Higher-order PSK (8-PSK, 16-PSK):
 More phase states represent more bits per symbol.
b) Retrieval at the Receiver:
 The receiver uses a coherent demodulator to detect the phase of the
incoming carrier.
 It involved:
 Carrier Recovery: A local oscillator generates a reference carrier.
 Phase Comparison: The incoming modulated carrier is compared with
the reference.
 Decision Logic: The measured phase is mapped back to the nearest
valid phase state (decision boundary).
 Bit Reconstruction: Each detected phase corresponds to the original
symbol (bits).
 Synchronization between transmitter and receiver is crucial,
 Error correction coding is often combined with PSK to improve reliability in
noisy 5G channels.
c) Spectral Efficiency
 Spectral efficiency = Number of bits transmitted per second per Hertz
(bps/Hz).
 BPSK → 1 bit/symbol → Lower efficiency but high noise resistance.
 QPSK → 2 bits/symbol → Doubles spectral efficiency compared to
BPSK.
 8-PSK → 3 bits/symbol, 16-PSK → 4 bits/symbol, and so on.
 In 5G test environments, QPSK and higher-order PSK (like 8-PSK, 16-PSK)
are evaluated because they balance:
 Bandwidth efficiency (more bits/Hz)
 Error performance (acceptable BER in noisy channels)
(OR)
A defense communication system must transmit encrypted voice, radar data
and GPS signals securely over a single channel. Explain how TDM can be
applied in this case and suggest modifications or hybrid methods to ensure
security and reliability.
Answer:
a) Application of TDM in Defense Communication
 Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) allows multiple signals to share a single
channel by transmitting them in different time slots.
(b) 2 AN 16
 In this case:
 Encrypted voice is assigned to one slot.
 Radar data is assigned to another slot.
 GPS signals are placed in a third slot.
 A TDM frame is formed with these slots, repeating continuously.
 At the receiver, the signals are de-multiplexed based on timing and delivered
to their respective subsystems.
 It ensures efficient bandwidth use, prevents overlap, and maintains signal
 separation.
b) Security Enhancements
 Source-level encryption: Each signal (voice, radar, GPS) is encrypted before
multiplexing.
 Frame scrambling: TDM slot order is randomized or altered dynamically to
prevent interception.
 Spread Spectrum Techniques (FHSS/DSSS): Applied on top of TDM to
make the signal resistant to jamming and eavesdropping.
 Key management systems: Ensure that only authorized receivers can decode
the data streams.
c) Reliability Measures
 Error control codes (CRC, LDPC, Turbo codes): Detect and correct
transmission errors.
 Redundant slot allocation: Critical signals like radar or GPS can be
transmitted in multiple slots for fault tolerance.
 Adaptive TDM: Slot duration or allocation can be adjusted dynamically
based on signal priority or channel condition.
 Synchronization systems: Ensure transmitter and receiver clocks are aligned,
preventing slot misinterpretation.
d) Suggested Modifications / Hybrid Methods
 TDM + FDMA (Hybrid): Different frequency bands combined with time
slots increase capacity and security.
 TDM + CDMA: Each user or signal is assigned a unique spreading code
within its time slot, providing extra anti-jamming protection.
 TDM with Cognitive Radio: System senses available spectrum and
dynamically assigns time slots to avoid interference.
 Prioritized TDM: Assigns higher priority slots to mission-critical data (radar,
GPS) and flexible slots for voice communication.
Draw the following line code formats for bit stream: 11001001
1. Bipolar NRZ
2. Split phase Manchester
3. Polar RZ
4. AMI
Sketch power spectral density functions for (i) and (iii) formats and compare
them with respect to their suitability to line.
14. (a) Answer: 2 AP 16
Line-code definitions (bit stream 11001001)
 Bipolar NRZ (Polar NRZ)
 1 = +A, 0 = −A for the whole bit interval.
 Example: first bit 1 → +A for 1 bit time; second 1 → +A; third 0 → −A,
etc.
  Manchester (split-phase)
 Each bit has a mid-bit transition:
o 1 = high then low (↑ then ↓ at mid-bit),
o 0 = low then high (↓ then ↑ at mid-bit).
 Always a transition in the middle → easy clock recovery.
 Polar RZ (Return-to-Zero)
 1 = +A for first half of bit then 0 for second half;
 0 = −A for first half then 0 for second half.
 Every bit returns to 0 midway.
 AMI (Alternate Mark Inversion)
 0 = 0 (no pulse), 1 = +A or −A alternating for successive 1s.
 No DC component for balanced data.
PSD / bandwidth – Comparison
 Polar NRZ
o Main lobe narrower → uses less bandwidth.
o Fewer transitions → harder to recover clock if many identical bits.
 Polar RZ
o Pulses are shorter (half bit) → main lobe wider → uses more
bandwidth.
o More transitions and clear zero-crossings → easier clock recovery.
 Bottom line:
o Use NRZ when bandwidth is limited and you can handle clock
recovery (or add scrambler/PLL).
o Use RZ (or Manchester) when you need reliable timing from the
signal itself even if you pay a bandwidth cost.
o AMI is good for AC-coupled lines because it removes DC and
keeps moderate bandwidth.
(OR)
A compact disc (CD) records audio signals digitally by using PCM. Assume the
audio signal bandwidth to be 15kHz.
1) Obtain the Nyquist rate
2) If the Nyquist samples are quantized into L=65,536 Levels and then
binary coded, determine the number of binary digits required to encode
a sample.
3) Determine the number of binary digits per second (bits/sec signaling
rate required to encode the audio signal
For practical reasons, the signals are sampled at a rate well above Nyquist rate
at 44100 samples per second. If L=65,536, determine number of bits per second
(b) required to encode the signal and transmission bandwidth of encoded signal. 2 AP 16
Answer:
Given:
 Audio bandwidth B = 15 kHz
 Quantization levels L = 65,536L
 Practical sample rate fs = 44,100 samples/s
1) Nyquist Rate

2) Number of bits per sample

 3) Bit rate at Nyquist rate

4) Bit rate at practical sampling rate (44.1 kHz)

5) Minimum transmission bandwidth

Analyze the block diagram of a QPSK transmitter and receiver by breaking

down the role of each component (oscillator, phase shifter, multipliers, adders).
Explain how they collectively contribute to system performance for given
sample input sequence 01101000.
Answer:
 QPSK, or Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, is a digital modulation technique
that transmits data by altering the phase of a carrier wave.
a) Block Diagram

15. (a) 3 UN 16

b) QPSK Transmitter
 Input Bit Stream (Serial-to-Parallel Converter)
 Groups bits into 2 bits per symbol (I and Q components).
 Symbol Mapper
 Maps 2-bit pairs to constellation points (Gray coding).
 Example:
o 00 → +I, +Q
o 01 → –I, +Q
o 11 → –I, –Q
o 10 → +I, –Q
 Pulse Shaping Filter
 Limits bandwidth, reduces ISI (Inter-Symbol Interference).
 Oscillator
 Generates carrier signal cos(ωct)
 90° Phase Shifter
 Produces quadrature carrier sin(ωct)
 Multipliers (Mixers)
 I (t) × cos(ωct) → In-phase component.
  Q (t) × sin (ωct) → Quadrature component.
 Adder (Summer)
 Combines I and Q branches:

c) QPSK Receiver
 Bandpass Filter
 Removes noise and unwanted frequencies.
 Local Oscillator + Phase Shifter
 Regenerates cos(ωct) and sin (ωct).
 Carrier recovery ensures synchronization.
 Multipliers
 Received signal × cos(ωct) → I-channel.
 Received signal × sin (ωct) → Q-channel.
 Low-Pass Filters
 Extract baseband I (t) and Q (t) by removing high-frequency terms.
 Symbol Decision Device (Detector)
 Determines the quadrant of I and Q → maps back to bits.
 Parallel-to-Serial Converter
 Reconstructs the original bit stream.
d) Role of Each Component
 Oscillator → Provides carrier frequency.
 Phase Shifter → Generates quadrature (orthogonal) carrier.
 Multipliers → Modulate/demodulate I and Q onto carriers.
 Adder → Combines signals to form QPSK waveform.
e) Example: Input Sequence 01101000
 Group into 2-bit symbols: 01 | 10 | 10 | 00
 Mapping (Gray coded):
 01 → I = –1, Q = +1 → 135°
 10 → I = +1, Q = –1 → 315°
 10 → I = +1, Q = –1 → 315°
 00 → I = +1, Q = +1 → 45°
 Transmitted phases: 135°, 315°, 315°, 45°
 Receiver reconstructs: 01101000
(OR)
Examine the effect of noise on a PSK communication system. Analyse how
carrier synchronization and phase ambiguity influence error probability at the
receiver.
Answer:
a) Effect of Noise
 Noise spreads the constellation points around their ideal positions.
 Error occurs when noise shifts a symbol across a decision boundary.
 BER for BPSK/QPSK:

(b) 3 UN 16

b) Effect of Carrier Synchronization Errors

 Phase Offset (φ):
 Rotates constellation points.
 Effective projection reduces by cosϕ
 Error probability:
  Phase Jitter/Noise:
 Random variation of phase → angular spreading → higher BER.
 Frequency Offset:
 Produces time-varying phase rotation.
 Causes burst errors if not corrected.
c) Phase Ambiguity
 Carrier recovery locks with a phase ambiguity of 2π / M
 Consequences:
 BPSK → 180° ambiguity → bit inversion.
 QPSK → 90° ambiguity → symbols mapped to wrong quadrants.