Lab Report: Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency
Modulation (FM)
1. Objective
The primary objective of this experiment was to study and practically demonstrate the
principles of Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM), including the
generation of the modulated signals and the demodulation to recover the original message signal.
2. Theory
Modulation is the process of varying one characteristic of a high-frequency carrier signal (like
its amplitude, frequency, or phase) in accordance with the instantaneous amplitude of a low-
frequency message signal (or modulating signal).
A. Amplitude Modulation (AM)
In AM, the amplitude of the carrier wave (Vc) is varied linearly with the instantaneous
amplitude of the message signal (Vm). The frequency of the carrier remains constant. The degree
of amplitude variation is quantified by the Modulation Index (μ or m), which is given by:
μ=Vmax+VminVmax−Vmin
where Vmax and Vmin are the maximum and minimum instantaneous amplitudes of the AM
modulated wave, respectively. For proper demodulation, the modulation index must be μ≤1.
B. Frequency Modulation (FM)
In FM, the instantaneous frequency of the carrier wave is varied linearly with the instantaneous
amplitude of the message signal, while the amplitude of the carrier remains constant. The
message signal's amplitude determines the frequency deviation (Δf), and its frequency
determines the rate of frequency change. The bandwidth of an FM signal is determined by the
Modulation Index (β):
β=fmΔf
where Δf is the maximum frequency deviation and fm is the frequency of the message signal.
3. Apparatus
The following equipment was used for the experiment:
1. Amplitude Modulation & Demodulation Trainer Kit (Model BCT-01) 2. Frequency
Modulation & Demodulation Trainer Kit (Model BCT-02) 3. Digital Storage
Oscilloscope (DSO) (Rohde & Schwarz RTC1002)
2. Connecting wires/patch cords
4. Procedure
The experiment was performed in three main parts: AM Modulation, FM Modulation, and FM
Demodulation.
A. AM Modulation and Demodulation
1. The Amplitude Modulation trainer kit was set up (as shown in the provided image).
2. The Modulating Signal (message signal) and Carrier Signal were generated from the
respective on-board blocks.
3. Both signals were connected as inputs to the AM Modulator Block.
4. The output of the AM Modulator (the AM wave) was observed on Channel 1 (CH1) of
the DSO.
5. The amplitude of the modulating signal was adjusted to achieve an AM wave that was
clearly modulated without over-modulation.
6. The AM Demodulator input was connected to the AM output, and the recovered
message signal was observed at the demodulator's output.
B. FM Modulation and Demodulation
1. The Frequency Modulation trainer kit was set up (as shown in the provided image).
2. The Modulating Signal and Carrier Signal (VCO input) were generated and connected
to the FM Modulator Block.
3. The output of the FM Modulator (the FM wave) was observed on CH2 of the DSO (or
CH1/CH2 depending on the setup).
4. The output of the FM Modulator was then connected to the input of the FM
Demodulator.
5. The original modulating signal (CH1) and the demodulated signal (CH2) were observed
simultaneously on the DSO for comparison.
6. Observations and Results
Frequency Modulation:
Original:
Orginal+modulated:
Orginal+Demodulated:
Amplitude Modulation:
Orginal:
Orginal+Modulated:
A. FM Modulation and Demodulation
1. Modulation: The FM wave (blue trace in Image 2, image_d435cb.png and Image 3,
image_d43643.png) shows a constant amplitude, but its frequency is visibly changing.
The frequency is highest when the message signal (yellow trace) is at its positive peak
and lowest when the message signal is at its negative peak, confirming the principle of
FM.
2. Demodulation: Image 3 (image_d43643.png) shows the original message signal (CH1,
yellow trace) and the recovered demodulated signal (CH2, blue trace). The demodulated
signal closely resembles the shape and frequency of the original modulating signal,
confirming successful FM demodulation.
o Original Message Signal (CH1): f≈196.74 Hz
o Demodulated Signal (CH2): The trace closely matches the shape and frequency
of the message signal.
A. Amplitude Modulation (AM)
Parameter Value (from DSO Screen)
AM Wave Vmax (Max Amplitude) ≈4.0 divisions×100 mV/div=400 mV
AM Wave Vmin (Min Amplitude) ≈1.2 divisions×100 mV/div=120 mV
Export to Sheets
Modulation Index (μ):
μ=Vmax+VminVmax−Vmin=400 mV+120 mV400 mV−120 mV=520280≈0.54
• The generated AM wave (Image 1, image_d431e6.png) clearly shows the envelope
following the shape of the message signal. The calculated μ of 0.54 confirms the signal is
under-modulated (μ<1), which is ideal for envelope detection.
6. Discussion and Conclusion
The experiment successfully demonstrated the generation and detection of both Amplitude
Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM) signals using the dedicated trainer kits.
For AM, the resulting waveform showed the carrier amplitude being varied by the message
signal, and the calculated modulation index of 0.54 verified that the signal was correctly under-
modulated.
For FM, the generated signal showed a constant amplitude and varying frequency, as
expected. The demodulation process was highly effective, with the recovered message signal
closely replicating the original modulating signal. This highlights the inherent advantage of FM
in terms of signal fidelity and noise rejection, as noise typically affects amplitude, which is kept
constant in FM.
The practical results obtained from the oscilloscope screens closely align with the theoretical
principles of both amplitude and frequency modulation.