YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11

Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator

Digital Communication Lab

Objectives:
1. To understand the operation theory of the amplitude shift keying (ASK)
modulation.
2. To understand the signal waveform of the ASK modulation.
3. To implement the ASK modulator by using MC1496.
4. To understand the methods of testing and adjusting the ASK modulation
circuit.

1. Theory Review
In the wireless digital communication, it is not easy to transmit the digital
data directly. This is because it needs to pass through the modulator and modulate
the carrier signal in order to send the signal effectively. One of the easiest ways is to
use the different data stream to change the amplitude of carrier, this kind of
modulation is called amplitude modulation, and we call it as amplitude shift keying
(ASK) modulation in digital communication.

Figure 11-1 is the basic circuit diagram of ASK modulator. Let the input data
be 5 V, when the signal pass through the buffer, the switch S 1 will switch to point A,
at this time the ASK output waveform is f1• When the input data is 0 V, when the
signal pass through the buffer, the switch S 1 will switch to point B, at this time the
ASK output waveform is DC 0 V. The above-mentioned is the basic theory of ASK
modulation.

ASK modulation signal can be expressed as:

𝑥𝐴𝑆𝐾 (𝑡) = 𝐴𝑖 cos(𝜔𝑐 𝑡 + 𝜙0 ) ; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑇, 𝑖 = 1,2, … , 𝑀 (1)

𝜔𝑐 : Cutoff frequency.

𝜙0 : Phase.

In equation (1), the values of amplitude Ai have M types of possible change,

the 𝜔𝑐 and 𝜙0 denote the cutoff frequency and phase, respectively. If we choose
M=2, the 𝑥𝐴𝑆𝐾 (𝑡) signal will transmit the binary signal, therefore, the values of A are
𝐴1 = 0 and 𝐴2 = 𝐴, 𝐴 is the arbitrary constant so we can obtain the binary ASK
modulated signal waveform as shown in figure (2). When input logic is 1, then the
signal is transmitted out; when the input logic is 0, then no signal is transmitted, so
this also called on-off keying (OOK), this type of method is used in the past time.

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

In this Lab, we utilize 2206 IC waveform generator and MC1496 multiplier to

produce the modulated ASK signal. First of all let's introduce the characteristics of
2206 IC. 2206 IC is a waveform generator, which is similar to 8038 IC. Figure (3) is the
circuit diagram of the ASK modulator by using 2206 IC. In figure (3), resistors 𝑅2 , 𝑅5
comprise a voltage divided circuit. The main function of the voltage divided circuit is
to let the negative voltage waveform of the 2206 IC operates normally. The
oscillation frequency of 2206 IC is determined by resistor 𝑅1 and the resistor located
1 1
at pin 8. Its oscillation frequencies are 𝑓1 = 2𝜋𝑅 , 𝑓2 = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶 where 𝑅 is the resistor
1𝐶
at pin 8. If 𝑅 = ∞, then frequency 𝑓2 equal to zero. There is an internal comparator
in 2206 IC. Assume that when the input is 5 V, the output frequency is 𝑓1 , and when
the input is 0 V, the output frequency is 𝑓2 . We can utilize the TTL signal at pin 9 to
control the output frequency to be 𝑓1 or 𝑓2 . This type of structure is similar to the
structure in figure (1) Therefore, by using the characteristic of this structure, we can
achieve ASK modulation easily.

Figure (1) Basic circuit diagram of ASK modulator

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Figure (2) ASK modulation signal waveform

Figure (3) Circuit diagram of ASK modulator by using 2206 IC.

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Figure (4) The basic block diagram of ASK modulator.

Figure (4) is the basic block diagram of ASK modulator, which the balanced
modulator can meet the objectives of amplitude modulation, and the bandpass filter
will remove the high frequency signal to make the ASK signal waveform perfectly.
We use the MC1496 to implement the balanced modulator in this experiment.
Figure (5) is the internal circuit diagram of MC1496, where 𝐷1 , 𝑅1 , 𝑅2 , 𝑅3 , 𝑄7 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄8
comprise a current source, it provides DC bias current to 𝑄5 and 𝑄6 . The 𝑄5 and 𝑄6
comprise a differential amplifier, which is used to drive the 𝑄1 , 𝑄2 , 𝑄3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄4 to
become double differential amplifiers. The data signal is inputted between pin 1 and
pin 4. The carrier signal is inputted between pin 8 and pin 10. The gain of balanced
modulator is inputted between pin 2 and pin 3, which is controlled by the resistor
between pin 2 and pin 3. The range of bias current of the amplifier is determined by
the resistor connected at the pin 5.

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Figure (5) Internal circuit diagram of MC1496

Figure (6) is the circuit diagram of ASK modulation, which the MC1496
comprises a balanced modulator. The carrier signal and data signal are single-ended
input. The carrier signal is inputted at pin 10 and the data signal is inputted at pin 1.
𝑹𝟏𝟑 and 𝑹𝟏𝟒 determine the gain and the bias current of this circuit, respectively. If
we adjust 𝑽𝑹𝟏 or the data signal amplitude, it can prevent the ASK modulation signal
from distortion. Slightly adjust 𝑽𝑹𝟐 will avoid the asymmetric of the signal
waveform. The pin 12 of balanced modulator will send the output signal to uA741.
The 𝑪𝟑 , 𝑹𝟏𝟕 , 𝑹𝟏𝟖 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑹𝟏𝟗 comprise a bandpass filter to remove the high frequency
signal, so that the ASK signal waveform will become more perfect.

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Figure (6) Circuit diagram of ASK modulator by using MC1496

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Practical 1: XR 2206 ASK modulator

1. Refer to figure DCS11-1 on ETEK DCS-6000-06 module. Let J2 be short circuit
and J3 be open circuit.

2. Let the two terminal of I/P be short circuit and JP1 be open circuit, i.e. at the
data signal input terminal (Data l/P), input 0 V DC voltage. By using
oscilloscope, observe on the output signal waveform of ASK signal (ASK O/P),
then record the measured results in table (1).

3. Let the two terminal of l/P be open circuit and JP1 be short circuit, i.e. at the
data signal input terminal (Data l/P), input 5 V DC voltage. By using
oscilloscope, observe on the output signal waveform of ASK signal (ASK O/P),
then record the measured results in table (1).

4. At the data signal input terminal (Data l/P), input 5 V amplitude, 100 Hz TTL
signal. By using oscilloscope, observe on the output signal waveform of ASK
signal (ASK O/P), then record the measured results in table (1).

5. According to the input signal in table (1), repeat step 4 and record the
measured results in table (1).

6. Refer to figure DCS11-1 on ETEK DCS-6000-06 module. Let J2 be open circuit

and J3 be short circuit.

7. According to the input signal in table (2), repeat step 2 to step 4 and record
the measured results in table (2).

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Practical 2: MC 1496 ASK modulator

1. Refer to figure DCS11-2 on ETEK DCS-6000-06 module.

2. At the data signal input terminal (Data l/P), input 5 V amplitude, 500 Hz TTL
signal. Then at the carrier signal input terminal (Carrier l/P), input 400 mV
amplitude and 20 kHz sine wave frequency.

3. By using oscilloscope, observe on the output signal waveform of the

modulated ASK signal (ASK O/P). Adjust 𝑽𝑹𝟏 until the signal does not occur
distortion. Then adjust 𝑽𝑹𝟐 to avoid the asymmetry of the signal. Finally
record the output signal waveform of the balanced modulator (TP1) and the
ASK O/P in table (3).

4. According to the input signal in table (3), repeat step 2 to step 3 and record
the measured results in table (3).

5. At the data signal input terminal (Data l/P), input 5 V amplitude, 1 kHz TTL
signal. Then at the carrier signal input terminal (Carrier l/P), input 400 mV
amplitude and 20 kHz sine wave frequency.

6. Follow the adjustment in step 3, then record the output signal waveform of
the balanced modulator (TP1) and the ASK O/P in table (4).

7. According to the input signal in table (4), repeat step 5 to step 6 and record
the measured results in table (4).

8. At the data signal input terminal (Data l/P), input 5 V amplitude, 1 kHz TTL
signal. Then at the carrier signal input terminal (Carrier l/P), input 400 mV
amplitude and 100 kHz sine wave frequency.

9. Follow the adjustment in step 3, then record the output signal waveform of
the balanced modulator (TP1) and the ASK O/P in table (5).

10. According to the input signal in table (5), repeat step 5 to step 6 and record
the measured results in table (5).

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Input Signal 0 V (l/P SC, J1 OC) 5 V (J1 SC, l/P OC)

J2 SC
J3 OC

Input Signal 100 Hz 200 Hz

J2 SC
J3 OC

Table (1) Measured results of ASK modulator by using 2206 IC.

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Input Signal 0 V (l/P SC, J1 OC) 5 V (J1 SC, l/P OC)

J2 OC
J3 SC

Input Signal 100 Hz 200 Hz

J2 SC
J3 OC

Table (2) Measured results of ASK modulator by using 2206 IC.

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Data Signal
Data I/P TP1
Frequencies

𝑉𝑝 = 5 𝑉
𝑓𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑎 = 500 𝐻𝑧 ASK O/P

Table (3) Measured results of ASK output signal waveforms by varying the data signal
frequency. (𝑽𝒄 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑽, 𝒇𝒄 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛)

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Data Signal
Data I/P TP1
Frequencies

𝑉𝑝 = 5 𝑉
𝑓𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑎 = 1 𝑘𝐻𝑧 ASK O/P

Table (3) Measured results of ASK output signal waveforms by varying the data signal
frequency. (𝑽𝒄 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑽, 𝒇𝒄 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛) (Continue)

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Carrier Signal
Carrier I/P TP1
Frequencies

𝟐𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛
ASK O/P

Table (4) Measured results of ASK output signal waveforms by varying the carrier signal
frequency. (𝑽𝒄 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑽, 𝒇𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂 = 𝟏 𝒌𝑯𝒛)

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Carrier Signal
Carrier I/P TP1
Frequencies

𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛
ASK O/P

Table (4) Measured results of ASK output signal waveforms by varying the carrier signal
frequency. (𝑽𝒄 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑽, 𝒇𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂 = 𝟏 𝒌𝑯𝒛) (Continue)

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Carrier Signal
Carrier I/P TP1
Amplitudes

𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑽
ASK O/P

Table (5) Measured results of ASK output signal waveforms by varying the carrier signal
amplitude. (𝒇𝒄 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛, 𝒇𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂 = 𝟏 𝒌𝑯𝒛)

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Carrier Signal
Carrier I/P TP1
Amplitudes

𝟏𝑽
ASK O/P

Table (5) Measured results of ASK output signal waveforms by varying the carrier signal
amplitude. (𝒇𝒄 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛, 𝒇𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂 = 𝟏 𝒌𝑯𝒛) (Continue)

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YARMOUK Private University Assignment 11
Faculty of Informatics and Communication Engineering ASK Modulator
Digital Communication Lab

Problem Discussion
1. In figure (6), what are the functions of µA741, 𝑪𝟑 , 𝑹𝟏𝟏 , 𝑹𝟏𝟖 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑹𝟏𝟗 ?
2. In figure (6), what are the purposes of 𝑽𝑹𝟏 and 𝑽𝑹𝟐 ?
3. In figure (6), what are the purposes of 𝑹𝟏𝟑 and 𝑹𝟏𝟒 ?

*These questions should be answered in the report.

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