Amplitude Modulation Circuit Implementation for use in a Communication Course for Electrical Engineering Students

Paper ID #18541
Amplitude Modulation Circuit Implementation for use in a Communication
Course for Electrical Engineering Students
Dr. Robert J. Barsanti Jr., The Citadel
Robert Barsanti is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Citadel
where he teaches and does research in the area of target tracking and signal processing. Since 2015,
Dr. Barsanti has served as the William States Lee Professor and Department Head. Before joining The
Citadel in 2002, he served on the faculty and as a member of the mission analysis design team at the
Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Dr. Barsanti is a retired United States Naval Officer. His
memberships include the Eta Kappa Nu, and Tau Beta Pi honor societies.
Dr. Jason S. Skinner, The Citadel
Jason S. Skinner was born in Marion, South Carolina on December 10, 1975. He received the B.S. degree
(with departmental honors) in electrical engineering in 1998 from The Citadel, The Military College of
South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. He received the M.S. degree in 2002 and the Ph.D. degree in
2005, both in electrical engineering, from Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. He joined the
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Citadel in January 2006, where he is currently
an associate professor. From May 2006 to July 2007, he also held the position of senior engineer with
Scientific Research Corporation, North Charleston, South Carolina. His current research interests include
mobile wireless communication systems and networks, spread-spectrum communications, adaptive pro-
tocols for packet radio networks, and applications of error-control coding. Dr. Skinner is a member of
AFCEA, ASEE, Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Kappa Phi. He served as president of the South Carolina Gamma
chapter of Tau Beta Pi from 1997 to 1998. He was an M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory Fellow from 2002 to
2005 and a Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative Fellow from 2004 to 2005. In 1998, he re-
ceived the George E. Reves award for outstanding achievements in mathematics and computer science at
The Citadel.
c

American Society for Engineering Education, 2017

Amplitude Modulation Circuit Implementation for use in an Undergraduate
Communication Course for Electrical Engineering Students
Abstract – Modern descriptions of analog communication schemes are mathematics based using
transform theory and block diagrams. This presentation style leaves undergraduate students with
the challenge of relating these theories to real world circuit implementations. This is particularly
true if the lecture class does not have a complementary laboratory component. This paper
attempts to bridge this gap by presenting a basic yet comprehensive project that can be used to
demonstrate amplitude modulation and demodulation theory. It is specifically designed to stir the
interest of junior or senior level electronics minded electrical engineering students. In this
project, a double sideband large carrier waveform is produced using a simple switching
modulator circuit. The resulting amplitude modulation (AM) waveform is then demodulated
using an envelope detector circuit. The proposed project requests that students perform a circuit
simulation as well as an actual circuit implementation. The circuit behavior is studied via both
analysis using software tools and measurement using hardware components. The project further
requires that the electrical signals are visualized in both the time and frequency domain to
enhance concept understanding. The paper outlines an introduction to the modulation theory
along with an overview of the necessary circuits and concepts. Additionally, suggested student
activities, project assignment alternatives, along with detailed mathematical solutions are
provided.
Keywords: Engineering communications, Circuit Projects, PSpice software.
BACKGROUND
Course projects are one of the seven high impact practices discussed by Koh in [1]. Additionally,
hands on activities are noted to improve learning motivation and retention. For example, it is
noted by Zhan in [2] that the use of real world examples in the classroom improves student
involvement and enhances the learning experience. In that regard, the electrical engineering
curriculum has used simulations to assist student learning for more than two decades. A strong
argument for the use of circuit simulators in the classroom can be found in [3], where the authors
argue the superiority of the ‘learn by doing” approach to teaching circuit analysis. A more recent
example of this teaching paradigm can be found in [4] where circuit simulation software is
combined with Mathcad to permit student interactive experimentation.
Incorporation of projects into lecture classes provides an added mechanism to align the
curriculum with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) program
outcomes. Four of the relevant program outcomes are listed below.
• Outcome a: "an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering"
The proposed project requires the student to apply communications theory to a practical
circuit implementation.

• Outcome b: "an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret data"
The proposed project provides the opportunity for the student to experiment with the circuit
parameters and evaluate the circuit response.
• Outcome e: "an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems"
The proposed project gives the student a chance to solve for a number of circuit components
and signal parameters associated with the assignment.
• Outcome k: "an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary
for engineering practice"
The proposed project uses modern simulation software and basic circuit measurement
techniques to produce the requested results.
INTRODUCTION
Senior level undergraduate electrical engineering students at The Citadel may elect to take a one
semester course in Communications Engineering as part of their degree requirements. This three
credit hour course presents the basic principles of analog communications systems including
signal flow and processing in amplitude, frequency and pulse modulation systems. This course is
typically taught using one of the popular Communication Engineering textbooks such as ref [5].
Unfortunately, these texts can be overly mathematical, leaving the student mystified by the
modulation and demodulation process. The purpose of this paper is to describe a simple circuit
simulation project that demonstrates the relevant concepts in an intuitive manner.
This project covers amplitude modulation and demodulation. A double sideband large carrier
waveform is produced using a simple switching modulator circuit. The resulting AM waveform
is then demodulated using an envelope detector circuit. It requires the students to simulate the
circuit and then construct the circuit and monitor signal in both the time and frequency domain.
Plots and discussion are required at each stage to show understanding of the relevant modulation
concepts.
The learning objectives for the proposed project covering six levels of Bloom’s taxonomy are:
1. The student should be able to list the necessary components of the AM switching modulator
and the associated demodulator circuit.
2. The student should be able to explain the operation of the switching modulator and
demodulator.
3. The student should be able to use simulation software to describe the signal flow thorough the
circuit.
4. The student should be able to compute required values for various circuit components.
5. The student should be able to anticipate how changes in the signal or circuit will affect the
results.
6. The student should be able to be able to suggest improvements to the circuit.

BASIC AMPLITUDE MODULATION THEORY
Amplitude modulation is the process of transferring information signals to the amplitude of a
high-frequency continuous-wave carrier. The modulated AM waveform can be described by
= +
cos2, (1)
where Ac is the carrier amplitude, m(t) is the arbitrary message signal, and fc is the carrier
frequency. As a result of the modulation property of the Fourier transform, the signal spectrum
is given by
=

2
− + + + − + + , (2)
where the carrier spectrum is composed of two Dirac delta functions at ±fc and the message
signal spectrum is translated to ±fc.
Creation of the AM waveform of Equation (1) can be realized in a three-step process depicted in
figure 1.
Figure 1: Amplitude modulation block diagram
The Project Assignment
The Modulator
As discussed in ref [5], page 79, a switching modulator circuit can be constructed as shown in
figure 2. The large signal carrier V1 and single tone message V2 are placed in series. The carrier
signal causes the diode D1 to turn on and off periodically at the carrier frequency resulting in the
modulation of the message signal m(t) onto the carrier c(t). The frequencies and amplitudes were
chosen for illustration purposes, not to simulate any particular AM system.
The project directions have the student use PSpice software (Orcad PSpiceTM
) to generate the
circuit of figure 2 to implement the signal
= 21 + 0.8 210
210. (3)
The assignment directs them to reproduce and explain the time-domain and frequency-domain
plots and to relate them to the circuit implementation. The explanation should include the reason
for the spectral replication and why the replicas are reduced in amplitude. Extra credit is
provided to those who take the effort to compute the Fourier series coefficients as
m(t)
c(t)
+
Nonlinear
Device
{Switching
modulator}
Bandpass
Filter
s(t)

∑
#$%
'(#
)
(*# . (4)
Figure 3: Switching modulator with bandpass filter
From Fourier theory, we know that periodic sampling of a continuous message signal will
produce a periodic repetition of the message signal spectrum. These replica spectra will occur at
the sampling frequency and will be scaled by the Fourier series coefficients of the sampling
pulses. Therefore in order to capture the double-sideband large-carrier (DSB-LC) signal at
frequency fc, and reject all others, a bandpass filter is required to be centered at fc.
The students are directed to compute a bandpass filter centered at the carrier frequency fc. They
should have the requisite knowledge to know that
+, = 2'
. (5)
And, if they are given that
- = 2., = 2, (6)
The students should be able to compute one choice of solution to be R = 1kΩ, L = 2.5mH, C =
100nF. Added credit could be given for computing the 3 dB down bandwidth using the filter
theory equation
2/ =
#
01
=
23
4
. (7)
After selecting the R, L, and C values, the plot of the DBS-LC waveform of figure 4 should be
produced.
V1
FREQ = 10k
VAMPL = 2
VOFF = 0
V2
FREQ = 1k
VAMPL = 0.8
VOFF = 1
D1
D1N4002
R1
500
0
C1
100n
L1
2.5mH
1
2
R2
1k
V

Figure 4: AM DSB-LC waveform in the time domain
The Envelope Detector
Recovery of the message signal m(t) from the modulated waveform s(t) is accomplished for large
signal AM via an envelope detector, or peak-following circuit. Since the information of the
message will reside in the amplitude variations of the AM wave, by tracing the amplitude
variations of the high-frequency carrier, the message signal is recovered. Not coincidentally, the
simplicity of the demodulation is the reason for the popularity of broadcast AM. Figure 5 shows
the addition of a diode and RC circuit to accomplish the demodulation and recovery of the
message signal.
Figure 5: Addition of the peak detector circuit
Proper selection of the RC time constant will permit fast charging and slow discharge of the
output capacitor. This results in an output voltage that will follow the peak of the AM waveform,
thereby recovering the message signal. This results in an output voltage that will follow the peak
of the AM waveform, thereby recovering the message signal. Typically, the value of the RC time
Time
0s 1ms 2ms 3ms 4ms 5ms 6ms 7ms 8ms 9ms 10ms
V(L1:2)
-2.0V
-1.0V
0V
1.0V
2.0V
V1
FREQ = 10k
VAMPL = 2
VOFF = 0
V2
FREQ = 1k
VAMPL = 0.8
VOFF = 1
D1
D1N4002
R1
500
0
C1
L1
1
2
R2
1k
D2
D1N4002
R3
1.5k
C2
1u
V

constant is chosen to be near the period of the carrier waveform to allow proper peak detection.
Extra credit is awarded to students that show the mathematical relationship between the RC time
constant and the resulting output ripple voltage as
567889: = 58:; =

01
?, (3)
where T is the period of the carrier. The recovered signal can be seen below in figure 6.
Figure 6: Modulated (top) and recovered (bottom) signal in time domain
Time
0s 1ms 2ms 3ms 4ms 5ms 6ms 7ms 8ms 9ms 10ms
V(R3:2)
0V
200mV
400mV
V(C1:1) V(C1:2)
-2.0V
-1.0V
-0.0V
1.0V
SEL

Breadboard Circuit Implementation
The hands-on portion of the assignment can be accomplished using standard components and
measuring equipment found in a typical electronics lab. Figure 8 depicts one breadboard
implementation. As an alternative to using a function generator source and oscilloscope
measuring device, the necessary signals can be created and measured using the Analog
Discovery instrument and Waveforms SDK manufactured by Digilent Inc. [8, 9, 10]. As an
example, figure 9 displays a DSBSC spectrum produced by the Waveforms software.
Frequency
2.0KHz 4.0KHz 6.0KHz 8.0KHz 10.0KHz 12.0KHz 14.0KHz 16.0KHz 18.0KHz 20.0KHz 22.0KHz 24.0KHz 26.0KHz 28.0KHz
V(R3:2)
0V
20mV
40mV
V(C1:1) V(C1:2)
0V
250mV
500mV
750mV
SEL
Figure 7: Modulated (top) and recovered (bottom) signal in frequency domain
Figure 8: Amplitude Modulator and Demodulator breadboard circuit

Figure 9: Spectrum of a DSBC signal produced using Analog Discovery Software [8].
Student Comments and Additional Activities
The simulation part of this project was assigned for the first time in 2014, and again in 2015, and
2016. The circuit implementation was added in 2016, based on student course feedback. In 2014,
the class was taught to 33 students spread over two class sections. In 2015, it was taught to 37
students in two class sections.
Student course feedback comments about the project assignment were positive and showed an
appreciation for the simulations. Below are listed a sampling of the applicable student responses
to the question- What did you like most about this course?
“The projects that integrated the course material into the completion of basic circuit design were
a nice component of the class that helped tie concepts and procedures which were learned in
other classes into the material that we were covering”
“I enjoyed learning and using the PSpice simulations that we were required to do for lab
assignments.”
“Having projects in PSpice gave me a better understanding for the concepts of how AM and FM
signals are manipulated.”
Both verbal and written student course feedback indicated that the students enjoyed this project.
They particularly appreciated being able to trace the signal path at each step of the modulation
and demodulation process. In the second and third class attempts a number of student
innovations were submitted. These included: using transistors instead of diodes to improve the

switching response, using active filters to improve the filtering response, and adding a dc
blocking capacitor to the demodulator output to remove the dc bias.
Since our students have significant PSpice experience from previous course work, they were able
to focus on the project and not on how to get the software to cooperate. For this project, the
students were given specific values for the frequencies since a standard result was desired for
grading purposes. However, the project could easily be made more “open ended” by not
specifying the signal or circuit particulars. This would add difficulty, but would allow the
students to experiment with alternative designs. For example, different carrier frequencies could
be used and extra credit could be awarded for computing the necessary BPF filter parameters.
Another idea is to have the students try other message signals, such as square, triangle, or voice
waveforms.
Future projects will incorporate the Analog Discovery Kit as a relatively inexpensive means to
conduct the breadboard part of the project. The associated Waveform SD Kit allows for the
generation and measurement of all the necessary signals.
SUMMARY
This paper discussed a student project to create an amplitude modulator and demodulator using
simple passive circuit elements. The theory of the circuits was discussed along with the
anticipated results. The learning objectives for the project were presented, as were the ABET
outcomes that would be satisfied. Post lesson student comments and ideas for additional student
activities, and alternate assignments were also provided.
REFERENCES
[1] Kuh, G. D., “High Impact Educational Practices: What They Are, Who has Access to Them, and
Why they matter, AACU, 2008.
[2] Zhan, W., Wang, J., Vanajakumari,, M., “High impact activities to improve student
learning”, 120th
ASEE Annual conference, June 2013.
[3] Parker, R., Buchanan, W. Circuit Simulators and Computer Algebra- An integrated Curriculum for
Electronics Students, Proceedings of 1996, ASEE Annual Conference.
[4] Campbell, C, Saffih, F.,Nigim, K, Improved learning efficiency with integrated math and circuit
simulation tools in electrical and computer engineering courses, 2006, ASEE, page 11.730.1
[5] Haykin, Moher, Communication Systems, 5th
Ed., John Wiley Sons, 2009.
[6] Neaman, Microelectronics Circuit Analysis and Design, 4th
Ed., McGraw Hill, 2010.
[7] B. Kanmani, The Modified Switching Modulator for Generation of AM and DSB-SC: Theory and
Experiment, Proceeding of IEEE 13th
DSP and 5th
SPE Workshop, 2009.
[8] Analog Discovery Technical Reference Manual, Digilent Inc., 2013
[9] Waveforms SDK manual, Digilent Inc., 2015.
[10] Mazzaro, G., Hayne, R., Instructional Demos, In-Class Projects, and Hands-On Homework: Active
Learning for Electrical Engineering using the Analog Discovery, Proceedings of 2016 ASEE annual
conference.

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