Islamic University

Faculty of Engineering
Department of
Electrical Engineering

EE 322 - COMMUNICATIONS THEORY

EXPERIMENT 6

FM MODULATOR

OBJECTIVES
To generate frequency modulated signal and determine the modulation index.
To determine the bandwidth for various values of amplitude and frequency of
modulating signal.

EQUIPMENTS AND COMPONENTS

Item Equipment Brand Name Model No Serial No

No
1 Digital Oscilloscope
2 Function Generator
3 DC Power Supply
4 Connecting Probes (3), Breadboard, Connecting Wires
5 IC: 8038 (1)
Capacitor: 0.1 F (1), 100pF (1)
Resistor: 39 k (2)

THEORY
Frequency modulation (FM) is a process in which the carrier frequency is varied by the
amplitude of the modulating signal (i.e. information signal). The FM signal can be expressed
by the following equation.

t

FM t A cos c t k f m d (6.1)

where m(t) is the modulating signal, c is the carrier frequency and kf is the constant of
frequency modulation. The instantaneous frequency of the FM signal can be obtained by
taking the derivative of the angle of cosine function in Eq. (6.1). Therefore,

d
t
i t
c t k f m d c k f mt (6.2)
dt

Hence, the instantaneous frequency of the FM signal is changing in proportional with the

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modulating signal m(t), kf being the proportionality constant.

When the modulating signal is a pure sinusoid (tone) with a peak value of Am and
frequency m , i.e.,

(6.3)

the FM signal and the instantaneous frequency can be expressed respectively, as

k f Am
FM t A cos c t sin m t (6.4)
m

i t c k f Am cos mt (6.5)

The frequency deviation is given by

k f Am (6.6)

Hence, the instantaneous frequency varies in c , c while cos mt varies

between [-1, +1].

The modulation index (deviation ratio) of the FM signal is defined as

k f Am
(6.7)
m m

The relation between the constant of frequency modulation kf and the deviation ratio is
found to be

m
kf (6.8)
Am

The frequency spectrum of an FM waveform as a function of the modulation index is shown

in Figure 6.1. In this figure, the spectrum at the center corresponds to the carrier signal,
whereas the spectra to the left and right of the center spectrum are the first side-bands. On the
other hand, the FM Modulator circuit is shown in Figure 6.2.

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Figure 6.1 The frequency spectrum of an FM waveform as a function of the modulation
index.

Figure 6.2 FM Modulator circuit.

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EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE AND RECORDS

1. Connect the FM modulator circuit shown in Figure 6.1.

2. Without giving modulating signal observe the carrier signal at PIN NO.2. Measure the
amplitude and frequency of the carrier signal and record the values in Table 6.1.

3. Apply the sinusoidal modulating signal of frequency 4 KHz and amplitude 3 Vp-p from
function generator Channel 1 (CH1) at pin no.7 and to Channel 2 (CH2) of the
oscilloscope.

4. Connect the OUTPUT PIN NO.2 to Channel 1 (CH1) of the oscilloscope. Change the
oscilloscope Time/Div to10 s and measure the minimum frequency fmin and maximum
frequency deviation f. Evaluate the modulating index using f/fm where f = |fc - fmin|.
Record the resulting OUTPUT waveform and modulation index in Table 6.1.

5. Calculate the bandwidth BW = 2(+1)fm = 2(f+fm). Record the values in Table 6.1.

6. Change the MODULATING SIGNAL amplitude to 3.5 Vp-p and repeat steps 4 and 5.

7. Change the MODULATING SIGNAL amplitude to 4 Vp-p and repeat steps 4 and 5.

8. While keeping the amplitude of the MODULATING SIGNAL at 3 Vp-p change its
frequency to 2 KHz, 3 KHz and 4 KHz and record the resulting OUTPUT waveforms,
modulation indices and bandwidth in Table 6.2, respectively.

Table 6.1

( Ac .....V pp , f c ..... kHz, f m 4kHz )

Modulating
Signal Modulation Index
Output Waveform
Amplitude and Bandwidth
(Am)
CH1: 1V ,CH2:1V, TD: 10 s

3Vp-p

BW=

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 CH1: 1V ,CH2:1V, TD: 10 s

3.5Vp-p

BW=

. CH1: 1V ,CH2:1V, TD: 10 s

4Vp-p

BW=

Table 6.2

( Ac .....V pp , Am 3V p p , f c .....kHz. )

Modulating
Signal Modulation index
Output Waveform
frequency and Bandwidth
(fm)
CH1: 1V ,CH2:1V, TD: 30 s

2 kHz

BW=

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 CH1: 1V ,CH2:1V, TD: 20 s

3 kHz

BW=

CH1: 1V ,CH2:1V, TD: 10 s

4 kHz

BW=

COMPARISON OF EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORATICAL RESULTS

1. Explain what happen to modulation index and bandwidth if we change the

amplitude of the Modulating signal.

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2. Explain what happen to modulation index and bandwidth if we change the
Frequency of the Modulating signal?

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3. Explain what you analyzed from Table 6.1 and Table 6.2?

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