EE423

Sep. 7, 99

Experiment 3: Frequency Modulator and Wideband FM demodulator

WHERE USED: FM Modulation is widely used in communication systems. The most well-
known use is in FM broadcasting. Digital FM is used in modems and multitone selective
signaling systems.

CAUTIONS:
• Double-check your circuit connections before powering up the circuit. The communications
IC can be easily damaged if incorrectly connected.

PURPOSE: This experiment demonstrates some of the principles of VCO operation using the
NE566 integrated circuit. Mathematical theory is demonstrated in both the frequency and time
domains. A simple wideband demodulator demonstrates one method of recovering a frequency
modulated signal.

TEST EQUIPMENT:
1. Spectrum Analyzer
2. Oscilloscope
3. Krohn-Hite Filter
4. Digital Multimeter
5. Audio Signal Generator
6. Power Supplies (+5 vdc)

REFERENCE: See textbook, page 166-191. Concentrate on the Spectrum of an angle-modulated

Signal (Pg 171-177).

BACKGROUND: In this lab we will observe the effects of modulation and demodulation of
an FM signal. Figure 1 is a simple block diagram of a complete FM system.

The information source is often audio, e.g. speech or music or tones. The voltage output of the
source is called the modulation signal and can be produced by a microphone, CD player, or audio
signal generator. The FM generator is a square-wave signal source with a voltage controlled
frequency. This is usually referred to as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The FM
generator can also be thought of as a voltage-to-frequency converter. The modulation signal
affects both the magnitude of the frequency change and the rate at which it changes. The channel
is the link between the transmitter and receiver. The FM demodulator recovers an estimate of the
modulation signal from the carrier. Since there is usually some distortion and noise on the
recovered signal, it must be thought of as an estimate of the modulation signal.

Figure 4 shows the FM circuit which will be used for this experiment. This board has two inputs:
1. Power supply (+Vcc=5 v, ground and - Vcc=-5 v).
2. Modulation signal. This voltage should not exceed 2 volts peak-to-peak for linear operation
of the VCO.

Experiment designed by Prof. Steve F. Russell.

EE423
Sep. 7, 99
The output frequency f0 is proportional to the voltage across pins 5 and 8 of the NE566. More
specifically:

f0 =
FG 2 IJ FG IJ
V85
= 40 V85
H KH K
R6C5 VCC
By applying a modulation signal to V85, an FM signal results.

For demodulation of the FM signal a simple pulse-rate modulator and integrator are used as
shown in Figure 2. Pulse-rate modulation can be achieved through the use of a simple
monostable multivibrator circuit as shown in Figure 3. The 74121 produces a pulse of constant
width each time pin 5 makes a high-to-low transition. In this manner, the 74121 detects the zero
crossing of the FM signal produced by the VCO. The area for each pulse is constant but the rate
at which the pulses are produced varies with the amplitude of the modulation signal because the
VCO frequency varies with the amplitude of the modulation signal. Simple averaging (lowpass
filtering) of these pulses produces an output proportional to the modulation signal.

PROCEDURE:

HINT: Have one partner build the demodulator circuit and a second build the signal generator.
Monitor all circuit waveforms with the oscilloscope.

1. BLOCK DIAGRAM: Draw a block diagram of the experimental setup, showing all
equipment as it is connected, and all test points where measurements are made. Follow the
notation selected for the block diagram to reference all measurement points and for giving
descriptions of any of the procedures used.
2. WAVEFORMS: Observe the waveforms at pins 3 and 4 (not test points) of the NE566 and
briefly describe them (i.e. peak-to-peak voltage, DC component and shape).
3. VOLTAGE-TO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER: Use the NE566 voltage controlled oscillator
(FM generator) to demonstrate voltage-to-frequency conversion (Hint: the frequency output
depends on the voltage input at the modulation input terminal, #5. We know that the
laboratory VCO circuit will oscillate at a frequency proportional to the voltage at the input.
This proportionality is represented by the equation:
f0 = D f V85 + C 0.5 < V85 < 2.0
The average or DC value of V85 is changed by adjusting the ten turn potentiometer marked
“VCO CONTROL.” By taking different measurements of f0 for different values of V85, write
these values down in a simple table and plot the points on a graph of f0 vs. V85. Determine
estimates for Df and C by fitting a line to the data using a linear regression program. How
well do these points follow a straight line (what is the correlation coefficient?)? With the
present circuit setup, what is the tuning range of the VCO? Now set the “VCO CONTROL”
so that the output frequency is approximately 40 kHz.
4. DEMODULATION: Build the FM demodulator circuit shown in Figure 3. Use an RC
network as a lowpass filter (design yourself) and observe the filter output on an oscilloscope.
Test the demodulator by using a signal generator for the input. Adjust the generator
frequency and determine the effective frequency range for the circuit. Try to get an
understanding of the operation of the 74121 monostable multivibrator and the Krohn-Hite
filter in the demodulation process. Now connect the demodulator to the FM modulator and

Experiment designed by Prof. Steve F. Russell.

EE423
Sep. 7, 99
make appropriate tests. Describe what you have learned in your lab report and any limitations
that think this type of circuit may have.

LABORATORY REPORT
Include all measurements, waveform sketches, and calculations for the steps given above.

m(t) s(t) FM m(t)

Information FM
Source Generator Demodulator
Modulation Modulation
Channel
signal signal
Figure 1: FM System Block Diagram

s(t) p(t) m(t)

Pulse Rate Lowpass
Modulator Filter
Channel PRM Signal Modulation
signal
Figure 2: FM Demodulator Block Diagram

0.005 µF RC Lowpass
+5 V
4 kHz corner freq.

14 13 12 11 10 9 8 Krohn-Hite m(t)
Lowpass
74121 PRM
p(t) Signal Filter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
100 Ω
s(t)

Figure 3: FM Demodulator Circuit

Experiment designed by Prof. Steve F. Russell.