I. OBJECTIVES
1. To observe an AM wave signal on oscilloscope generated by a function
generator using internal or external modulation.
2. To measure the modulation index of an AM wave.
II. BASIC CONCEPTS
Amplitude modulation is a process where the carrier frequency is varied in
amplitude in the same rate as the intelligence (or message) frequency. As the
intelligence amplitude reaches a maximum amplitude positive value, the AM
waveform has a maximum amplitude. Same thing happen when the intelligence
amplitude reaches a maximum negative value, the AM waveform reaches a
minimum value. See figure 1 for the illustration.
The method used to produce a usable AM signal is to combine the carrier and
intelligence frequency through a non-linear device. The output signal consists of
(1) DC level and (2) components at each of the two original frequencies.
Ec
Em or Ei
AM
or
%m =B - A
B+A
100%
Ei
Ec
III.
PROCEDURE
1. Set up the instruments as shown in Figure 1. The oscilloscope probe is
connected to the BNC clip of the function generator (ground to ground).
OSCILLOSCOPE
FUNCTION
GEN
CH 1
CH 2
BNC
PROB
Modulating
Signal fm
fm1
fm2
fm3
fm4
Carrier frequency
fc
100kHz
100kHz
100kHz
100kHz
Emax(V)
Emin(V)
%m
IV.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. The antenna current of an AM transmitter is 12A. When unmodulated but
increases to 13A when modulated. Calculate %m.