Chapter- 2 AM and FM Modulation

 Basics of Modulation:

In the Modulation process, two signals are used namely the modulating signal and the
carrier signal.
The modulating signal is baseband signal or information signal while carrier signal is high
frequency sinusoidal signal.

Modulator
Modulating Signal Modulated Signal

Carrier Signal

 Modulation:

Modulation is the process of changing the some parameters of the carrier signal (such as
amplitude, frequency or phase) in proportion with the instantaneous values of the
modulating signal.

The characteristics of the message signal, if changed, the message contained in it also alters.
Hence it is a must to take care of the message signal. A high frequency signal can travel up
to a longer distance, without getting affected by external disturbances. We take the help of
such high frequency signal which is called as a carrier signal to transmit our message signal.
Such a process is simply called as Modulation.

 Need for Modulation

The baseband signals are incompatible for direct transmission. For such a signal, to travel
longer distances, its strength has to be increased by modulating with a high frequency
carrier wave, which doesn’t affect the parameters of the modulating signal.

 Advantages of Modulation

The antenna used for transmission, had to be very large, if modulation was not introduced.
The range of communication gets limited as the wave cannot travel to a distance without
getting distorted.

Following are some of the advantages for implementing modulation in the communication
systems.

 Reduction in antenna height.

 No signal mixing occurs.
 Communication range increases.
 Multiplexing of signals occur.
 Reception quality improves.
Reduction in antenna height:

For transmission of radio signals, the antenna height must be a multiple of λ/4. Here y is
wavelength. λ= c/f, where c is velocity of light and f is frequency of the signal to be
transmitted.

Suppose, f= 10 kHz

So, Minimum antenna height= λ/4 = c/4f

= 3x108
4x 10x103
= 7500 meters i.e. 7.5km
Practically antenna of this height is impossible to install.

Now, consider a modulated signal at f= 1MHz

So, Minimum antenna height= λ/4 = c/4f

= 3x108
4x 10x106
= 75 meters
This antenna can be easily installed practically.

 Signals in the Modulation Process

Following are the three types of signals in the modulation process.

1. Message or Modulating Signal

The signal which contains a message to be transmitted is called as a message signal. It is a

baseband signal, which has to undergo the process of modulation, to get transmitted.
Hence, it is also called as the modulating signal.

2. Carrier Signal

The high frequency signal which has a certain phase, frequency, and amplitude but contains
no information is called a carrier signal. It is an empty signal. It is just used to carry the
signal to the receiver after modulation.

3. Modulated Signal

The resultant signal after the process of modulation is called as the modulated signal. This
signal is a combination of the modulating signal and the carrier signal.
 Types of Modulation:

There are many types of modulations. Depending upon the modulation techniques used,
they are classified as shown in the following figure.

The types of modulations are broadly classified into continuous-wave modulation and pulse
modulation.

 Continuous-wave Modulation

In the continuous-wave modulation, a high frequency sine wave is used as a carrier wave.
This is further divided into amplitude and angle modulation.

 If the amplitude of the high frequency carrier wave is varied in accordance with the
instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal, then such a technique is called as
Amplitude Modulation.
 If the angle of the carrier wave is varied, in accordance with the instantaneous value of
the modulating signal, then such a technique is called as Angle Modulation.

The angle modulation is further divided into frequency and phase

modulation.

o If the frequency of the carrier wave is varied, in accordance with the

instantaneous value of the modulating signal, then such a technique is called
as Frequency Modulation.
o If the phase of the high frequency carrier wave is varied in accordance with
the instantaneous value of the modulating signal, then such a technique is
called as Phase Modulation.

 Pulse Modulation

In Pulse modulation, a periodic sequence of rectangular pulses, is used as a carrier wave.

This is further divided into analog and digital modulation.
In analog modulation technique, if the amplitude, duration or position of a pulse is varied in
accordance with the instantaneous values of the baseband modulating signal, then such a
technique is called as Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) or Pulse Duration/Width
Modulation (PDM/PWM), or Pulse Position Modulation (PPM).

In digital modulation, the modulation technique used is Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
where the analog signal is converted into digital form of 1s and 0s. As the resultant is a
coded pulse train, this is called as PCM. This is further developed as Delta Modulation (DM),
which will be discussed in subsequent chapters. Hence, PCM is a technique where the
analog signals are converted into a digital form.

To analyze a signal, it has to be represented. This representation in communication

systems is of two types −

 Frequency domain representation, and

 Time domain representation.

Consider two signals with 1 kHz and 2 kHz frequencies. Both of them are represented
in time and frequency domain as shown in the following figure.

Time domain analysis, gives the signal behavior over a certain time period. In the frequency
domain, the signal is analyzed as a mathematical function with respect to the frequency.
Frequency domain representation is needed where the signal processing such as filtering,
amplifying and mixing are done.

Amplitude Modulation:
“The amplitude of the carrier signal varies in accordance with the instantaneous amplitude
of the modulating signal.” Which means, the amplitude of the carrier signal which contains
no information varies as per the amplitude of the signal, at each instant, which contains
information.

em = Em COS wmt

ec = Ec COS wct
Where

Ec and Em = Amplitude of the carrier wave and the modulating signal.

COS wct = phase of the carrier wave and wc= 2 fc

COS wmt = phase of the modulating signal and wm= 2 fm

The modulating wave which is shown first is the message signal. The next one is the carrier
wave, which is just a high frequency signal and contains no information. While the last one
is the resultant modulated wave.

It can be observed that the positive and negative peaks of the carrier wave are
interconnected with an imaginary line. This line helps recreating the exact shape of the
modulating signal. This imaginary line on the carrier wave is called as Envelope. It is the
same as the message signal.

Mathematical Expression:

We have carrier wave and modulating signal,

em = Em COS wmt
and

ec = Ec COS wct

Where, em = modulating signal, ec = carrier wave.

Em and Ec are Amplitude of modulating signal and carrier wave respectively in Amplitude
modulation. We are superimposing modulating signal into carrier wave and also varying the
amplitude of the carrier wave in accordance with the amplitude of the modulating signal
and

The amplitude-modulated wave eAM will be,

eAM = A COS (2 fct) -I

Where, A = Envelope of AM wave,

A= Ec + em
A= Ec + Em COS wmt - II
Hence the AM is given by,
 eAM = A COS (2 fct)
from equation-II,

eAM = [Ec +Em (COS wmt)] (COS wct)

eAM = Ec [ 1+ Em/ Ec (COS wmt)] (COS wct)
Let, m = Em/ Ec be modulation index.

eAM = Ec [ 1+ m (COS wmt)] COS (wct)

This expression represents the time domain representation of AM signal.

 Modulation Index
In AM wave the modulation index (m) is defined as the ratio of Amplitude of modulating
signal to amplitude of the carrier wave.
m = Em/ Ec
The modulation index or modulation depth is often denoted in percentage called as
Percentage of Modulation. We will get the percentage of modulation, just by multiplying
the modulation index value with 100.
For a perfect modulation, the value of modulation index should be 1, which implies the
percentage of modulation should be 100%.
For instance, if this value is less than 1, i.e., the modulation index is 0.5, then the modulated
output would look like the following figure. It is called as Under-modulation. Such a wave is
called as an under-modulated wave.
If the value of the modulation index is greater than 1, i.e., 1.5 or so, then the wave will be an
over-modulated wave. It would look like the following figure.
 Frequency spectrum of the AM Wave:
The frequency spectrum is graph of amplitude on Y axis versus frequency on X axis. So,
consider the equation for AM wave,

eAM = [Ec +Em COS (Wmt)] COS (Wct)

eAM = Ec [ 1+ Em/ Ec COS (Wmt)] COS (Wct)
Let, m = Em/ Ec be modulation index.

eAM = Ec [ 1+ m (COS Wmt)] COS (Wct)

Simplifying equation,
eAM = Ec COS (Wct)+ m COS (Wmt) .COS (Wct)
Solving second term using following standard identity:
2COS A COS B= COS (A+B) + COS (A-B)
Therefore equation becomes,
eAM = Ec COS (Wct)+ mEc COS (Wm +Wc )t + mEc COS (Wm -Wc )t
2 2
Carrier Upper sideband Lower sideband

Bandwidth of AM Wave:
The bandwidth of the AM signal is equal to difference between the highest and the lowest
frequency component in the frequency spectrum.

B.W. = fUSB - fLSB

B.W = (fc + fm) – (fc - fm)
B.W = 2fm
Types of AM Wave based on frequency spectrum:
 Double side-band full carrier (Traditional Amplitude Modulation)
 Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier(DSB SC)
 Single sideband (SSB)
 Vestigial sideband (VSB)

1. Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB SC):

If carrier is suppressed and the power saved is distributed to the two sidebands, such
a process is called as Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier system, or simply DSBSC. It is
plotted as shown in the following figure.

2. Single sideband (SSB):

The process of suppressing one of the sidebands, along with the carrier and transmitting a
single sideband is called as Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier system, or simply SSB-SC or
SSB. It is plotted as shown in the following figure.
This SSB-SC or SSB system, which transmits a single sideband has high power, as the power
allotted for both the carrier and the other sideband is utilized in transmitting this Single
Sideband (SSB).

Hence, the modulation done using this SSB technique is called as SSB Modulation.

Sideband Modulation − Advantages

The advantages of SSB modulation are −

 Bandwidth or spectrum space occupied is lesser than AM and DSB signals.

 Transmission of more number of signals is allowed.
 Power is saved.
 High power signal can be transmitted.
 Less amount of noise is present.

Sideband Modulation − Disadvantages

The disadvantages of SSB modulation are −

 The generation and detection of SSB signal is a complex process.

 Quality of the signal gets affected unless the SSB transmitter and receiver have
excellent frequency stability.

Sideband Modulation − Applications

The applications of SSB modulation are −

 For power saving requirements and low bandwidth requirements.

 In land, air, and maritime mobile communications.
 In point-to-point communications.
 In radio communications.
 In television, telemetry, and radar communications.
 In military communications, such as amateur radio, etc.

3. Vestigial sideband (VSB):

Vestigial Sideband Modulation or VSB Modulation is the process where a part of the signal
called as vestige is modulated, along with one sideband. A VSB signal can be plotted as
shown in the following figure.
Along with the upper sideband, a part of the lower sideband is also being transmitted in this
technique. A guard band of very small width is laid on either side of VSB in order to avoid
the interferences. VSB modulation is mostly used in television transmissions.

Transmission Bandwidth
The transmission bandwidth of VSB modulated wave is represented as −

B.W = (W + fv) Hz

Where,
W = Message bandwidth
fv = Width of the vestigial sideband
VSB Modulation − Advantages
Following are the advantages of VSB −
 Highly efficient.
 Reduction in bandwidth.
 Filter design is easy as high accuracy is not needed.
 The transmission of low frequency components is possible, without difficulty.
 Possesses good phase characteristics.

VSB Modulation − Disadvantages

Following are the disadvantages of VSB −

 Bandwidth when compared to SSB is greater.

 Demodulation is complex.

VSB Modulation − Application

The most prominent and standard application of VSB is for the transmission of television
signals. Also, this is the most convenient and efficient technique when bandwidth usage is
considered.

Power Relation in DSB-FC AM:

1. Total Power in an AM Wave:
The total Power in an AM Wave is given by,

Ptotal = Pcarrier + PLSB + PUSB

2. Carrier Power (Pc):

Pcarrier = E2c/R
Where, Ec is amplitude of carrier.

Now, when converting to R.M.S,

Pc= (E2c/ √ 2)2

R
 Pc=E2c/2R
3. Power in the Sidebands:
The power in two sidebands in given as,

PUSB= PLSB= E2LSB/R

Peak amplitude of each sideband is (mEc/2)

PLSB=PUSB= (mEc/2√ 2)2/R

PLSB=PUSB =m2E2c/ 8R

= (m2/4) x (E2c/2R)

But Pc= E2c/2R

Therefore,
PLSB=PUSB = m2Pc/4

Total Power in an AM Wave:

The total Power in an AM Wave is given by,
Pt = Pc + PLSB + PUSB

Pt = Pc + m2Pc/4 + m2Pc/4

Pt = [1 + m2/2]. Pc

Modulation Index in terms of Pt and Pc:

Pt = [1 + m2/2]. Pc

Pt / Pc = [1 + m2/2]

m2 = 2[Pt / Pc -1]

m = {2[Pt / Pc -1]} ½

Transmission Efficiency:

Transmission efficiency of an AM wave is the ratio of the transmitted power which contains
the information to the total transmitted power.
Only the sidebands contain all the information and carrier doesn’t contain any information.
η = PLSB + PUSB
Pt
 η = [m2Pc/4 + m2Pc/4]

[1 + m2/2] Pc

η= m2/2
1 + m2/2

η=m2
2 + m2
The Percentage transmission efficiency is given by,
η= m2 x 100 %
2
2+m

AM Power in terms of Current:

The total power Pt of an AM wave and the carrier power Pc can be expressed in terms of
currents.
Measuring the current passing through an antenna may be more possible:
Total Power is Pt = I2tR

Modulation Index in terms of Currents:

It = Ic [ 1 + m2/2]

1 + m2/2 = [It/Ic]1/2

m = 2[(It/Ic) – 1] ½
1. Problem 1
A modulating signal m(t)=10cos(2π×103t) is amplitude modulated with a carrier signal

c(t)=50cos(2π×105t). Find the modulation index, the carrier power, and the power
required for transmitting AM wave.

Solution:

Given, the equation of modulating signal as

m(t)=10cos(2π×103t)
We know the standard equation of modulating signal as

m(t)=Em cos(2πfmt)
By comparing the above two equations, we will get

Amplitude of modulating signal as Em=10 volts

and Frequency of modulating signal as

fm=103Hz=1KHz
Given, the equation of carrier signal is

c(t)=50cos(2π×105t)
The standard equation of carrier signal is

c(t)=Ec cos(2πfct)
By comparing these two equations, we will get

Amplitude of carrier signal as Ec=50volts

and Frequency of carrier signal as fc=105Hz=100KHz

We know the formula for modulation index as

m = Em / Ec

Substitute, Am

and Ac values in the above formula.

m=10/50=0.2
Therefore, the value of modulation index is 0.2 and percentage of modulation is 20%.

The formula for Carrier power, Pc=

is

Pc=E2c/ 2R

Assume R=1Ω

and substitute Ac

value in the above formula.

Pc=(50)2 / (1)=1250W

Therefore, the Carrier power, Pc

is 1250 watts.

We know the formula for power required for transmitting AM wave is

⇒Pt=Pc(1+m2/2)

Substitute Pc and m values in the above formula.

Pt=1250(1+(0.2)2/2) =1275W
Therefore, the power required for transmitting AM wave is 1275 watts.

2. Problem 2
The equation of amplitude wave is given by s(t)=20[1+0.8cos(2π×103t)]
cos(4π×105t). Find the carrier power, the total sideband power, and
the band width of AM wave.
Solution

Given, the equation of Amplitude modulated wave is

s(t)=20[1+0.8cos(2π×103t)] cos(4π×105t)

Re-write the above equation as

s(t)=20[1+0.8cos(2π×103t)] cos(2π×2×105t)
We know the equation of Amplitude modulated wave is

s(t)=Ec[1+mcos(2πfmt)] cos(2πfct)

By comparing the above two equations, we will get

Amplitude of carrier signal as Ec=20volts

Modulation index as m=0.8

Frequency of modulating signal as fm=103Hz=1KHz

Frequency of carrier signal as fc=2×105Hz=200KHz

The formula for Carrier power, Pc is

Pc=Ec2 /2R

Assume R=1Ω and substitute Ec value in the above formula.

Pc= (20)2 /2(1) =200W

Therefore, the Carrier power, Pc is 200watts.

We know the formula for total side band power is

PLSB = Pc.m2 /4

Substitute Pc and m values in the above formula.

PLSB =200× (0.8)2 / 4 =32W

Therefore, the total side band power is

= PLSB + PUSB = 64 watts.

We know the formula for bandwidth of AM wave is

BW=2fm

Substitute fm

value in the above formula.

BW=2(1K) =2KHz
Therefore, the bandwidth of AM wave is 2 KHz.

Angle Modulation:
Angle Modulation is the process in which the frequency or the phase of the carrier signal
varies according to the message signal.
Angle modulation is further divided into frequency modulation and phase modulation.

Frequency Modulation:
In amplitude modulation, the amplitude of the carrier signal varies. Whereas, in Frequency
Modulation (FM), the frequency of the carrier signal varies in accordance with the
instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal.

Hence, in frequency modulation, the amplitude and the phase of the carrier signal remains
constant. observing the following figures.

The frequency of the modulated wave increases, when the amplitude of the modulating or
message signal increases. Similarly, the frequency of the modulated wave decreases, when
the amplitude of the modulating signal decreases. The frequency of the modulated wave
remains constant and it is equal to the frequency of the carrier signal, when the amplitude of
the modulating signal is zero.
The amount by which the carrier frequency deviates from its unmodulated value is called as
‘deviation’.
Instantaneous frequency of an FM wave:
In FM, the frequency f of the FM wave varies in accordance with the modulating voltage.
The instantaneous frequency of the FM wave is denoted by fi (t) and is given by,

fi (t) = fc [1+ kf x(t)]

fi (t) = fc [1+ kf Em cos (2π fm t)]

fi (t) = fc + fc kf Em cos (2π fm t)

fi (t) = fc + δ cos (2π fm t)

where, δ = fc kf Em and it is called as frequency deviation, where kf is a constant with unit
Hz/volts, which is called as deviation sensitivity.

Frequency Deviation (δ) or Δf:

Frequency deviation is defined as the maximum departure of the instantaneous frequency fi
(t) of the FM wave from the carrier frequency fc.
Since, δ = fc kf Em, the frequency deviation is proportional to the amplitude of modulating
voltage (Em) and it is dependent of the modulating frequency (fm). it is also denoted as Δf.

Mathematical Expression for F.M:

The FM wave is a sinewave having a constant amplitude and a variable instantaneous
frequency. As the instantaneous frequency is changing continuously, the angular velocity ‘w’
of an FM wave is the function wave is represented by,

eFM = s(t) = Ec sin [ F(wc, wm) ]

= Ec sin θ(t)
Where, θ(t) = F(wc, wm)
 t=t

θ t= 0

Ec

As shown in fig., Ec sin θ(t) is a rotating vector. If ‘Ec’ is rotating at a constant velocity ‘w’
then we could have written that θ(t) = wt. but in FM this velocity is not constant. The angular
velocity of FM wave is given as,
w = wc [1+ kf Em cos wmt]
To find θ(t), we must integrate ‘w’ with respect to time
θ(t) = ∫ w dt

θ(t) = ∫ wc [1+ kf Em cos wmt]

θ(t) = wc ∫ [1+ kf Em cos wmt]

θ(t) = wc [ t + kf Em sin wmt ]

wm

θ(t) = wc t + kf Em wc sin wmt

wm
θ(t) = wc t + kf Em fc sin wmt
fm
as per the definition, δ = fc kf Em

θ(t) = wc t + δ sin wmt

fm
substitute this of θ(t) in the equation of FM wave,

eFM = Ec sin θ(t)

eFM = Ec sin [ wc t + δ sin wmt ]
fm
but, δ / fm = mf i.e. modulation index of FM wave.

eFM = Ec sin [ wc t + mf sin wmt ]

Modulation Index (mf or β):
The FM modulation index is equal to the ratio of the frequency deviation to the modulating
frequency.

mf=Frequency deviation
Modulation frequency

deviation ratio
The FM deviation ratio can be defined as: the ratio of the maximum carrier frequency
deviation to the highest audio modulating frequency.

deviation ratio =Max frequency deviation

Max modulation frequency

 Frequency Spectrum of FM Wave:

To represent the FM wave in frequency domain, consider the equation of FM wave
again.
The expression for the FM wave is not sample. It is complex since it is sine of sine
function. The only way to solve this equation is by using the Bessel function.

By using the Bessel function the equation for FM wave can be explained as follows:

eFM = s(t) = Ec {J0 (mf) sin wct + J1 (mf) [ sin (wc + wm) t - sin (wc - wm) t]
– J2 (mf) [ sin (wc + 2wm) t - sin (wc - 2wm) t]
+ J3 (mf) [ sin (wc + 3wm) t - sin (wc - 3wm) t]
+ J4 (mf) [ sin (wc + 4wm) t - sin (wc - 4wm) t] ……...}

= Carrier + Infinite number of sidebands

Expanding the above equation, we get,
eFM = J0 (mf) Ec sin wct + J1 (mf) Ec [ sin (wc + wm) t - sin (wc + wm) t]

Carrier Pair of first sidebands

 Modulation Index (or Deviation ratio)

 Practical Bandwidth:
Theoretically, Bandwidth of the FM wave is infinite. But practically it is calculated it is
based on how many sidebands have significant amplitude.

BW = 2fm x Number of significant sidebands

With increase in modulation index, the number of significant sidebands increase. This will
increase the bandwidth.
 Carson’s Rule:
The second method to find the practical bandwidth is a rule of thumb (Carson’s rule). It
states that the sum of the deviation and the highest modulating frequency.

BW = 2 [ δ + fm(max)]
 Types of F.M.:
FM can be divided into Narrowband FM and Wideband FM.

Narrowband FM:
Following are the features of Narrowband FM,

 This frequency modulation has a small bandwidth when compared to wideband FM.
 The modulation index mf is small, i.e., less than 1.
 Its spectrum consists of the carrier, the upper sideband and the lower sideband.
 The maximum permissible deviation is 5kHz.
 This is used in mobile communications such as police wireless, ambulances, taxicabs,
etc.

Wideband FM:
Following are the features of Wideband FM,

 This frequency modulation has infinite bandwidth.

 The modulation index mf is large, i.e., higher than 1.
 Its spectrum consists of a carrier and infinite number of sidebands, which are located
around it.
 The maximum permissible deviation is 75kHz.
 This is used in entertainment, broadcasting applications such as FM radio, TV, etc.
Examples:

1. A sinusoidal modulating waveform of amplitude 5 V and a frequency of 2 KHz is

applied to FM generator, which has a frequency sensitivity of 40 Hz/volt. Calculate
the frequency deviation, modulation index, and bandwidth.

Ans: Given, the amplitude of modulating signal, Em=5V

Frequency of modulating signal, fm=2KHz

Frequency sensitivity, kf=40Hz/volt

We know the formula for Frequency deviation as

δ=kf x Em

Substitute kf and Em

values in the above formula.

δ =40×5=200Hz
Therefore, frequency deviation, Δf is 200Hz
The formula for modulation index is
mf = δ / fm

Substitute δ and fm

values in the above formula.

mf =2002×1000=0.1

Here, the value of modulation index, mf is 0.1, which is less than one. Hence, it is Narrow
Band FM.

The formula for Bandwidth of Narrow Band FM is the same as that of AM wave.

BW=2fm

Substitute fm

value in the above formula.

BW=2×2K=4KHz

Therefore, the bandwidth of Narrow Band FM wave is 4KHz

2. An FM wave is given by s(t)=20cos(8π×106t+9sin(2π×103t)). Calculate the frequency
deviation, bandwidth, and power of FM wave.

Solution

Given, the equation of an FM wave as

s(t)=20cos(8π×106t+9sin(2π×103t))

We know the standard equation of an FM wave as

s(t)=Accos(2πfct+βsin(2πfmt))

We will get the following values by comparing the above two equations.

Amplitude of the carrier signal, Ec=20V

Frequency of the carrier signal, fc=4×106Hz=4MHz

Frequency of the message signal, fm=1×103Hz=1KHz

Modulation index, mf =9

Here, the value of modulation index is greater than one. Hence, it is Wide Band FM.

We know the formula for modulation index as

mf =δ /fm

Rearrange the above equation as follows.

δ = mf / fm

Substitute β and fm values in the above equation.

δ =9×1K=9KHz

Therefore, frequency deviation, δ is 9KHz

The formula for Bandwidth of Wide Band FM wave is

BW=2(mf +1) x fm

Substitute β and fm values in the above formula.

BW=2(9+1) x 1K=20KHz

Therefore, the bandwidth of Wide Band FM wave is 20KHz

Formula for power of FM wave is
Pc=E2c/ 2R
Assume, R=1Ω and substitute Ec value in the above equation.
P= (20)2/ 2 x (1) =200W
Therefore, the power of FM wave is 200 watts.

 Comparison of AM and FM:

AM (Amplitude Modulation) FM(Frequency Modulation)

The amplitude of the carrier wave is
The frequency of the carrier wave is modified in
modified in order to send the data or
order to send the data or information.
information.
It works in a frequency range of 535 to It works in a frequency range of 88 to 108
1705 Kilohertz (KHz). Megahertz (MHz).
It has two sidebands. It has an infinite number of sidebands.
In this method, the frequency and phase
The amplitude and phase remain the same.
remain the same.
Its modulation index varies from 0 to 1. Its modulation index is always greater than one.
It can transmit over long distances, have a It cannot transmit over long distances, have a
large range. smaller range.
AM based signal transmission consumes FM based signal transmission consumes more
power than an equivalent FM based signal power than an equivalent AM based signal
transmission. transmission.
It is more susceptible to noise, has poor It is less susceptible to noise, has better sound
sound quality. quality.
It is more prone to signal distortion and It is less prone to signal distortion and
degradation. degradation.
In AM, if two or more signals are received In FM, if two or more signals are received at the
at the same frequency, both are same frequency, the receiver captures the
demodulated which causes interference. stronger signal and eliminates the weaker one.
It has simple circuit design. It has complex circuit design.
It is a less costly method. It is more costly than AM.
It requires low bandwidth in the range of It requires high bandwidth in the range of 200
10 kHz. kHz.
It operates in the medium frequency (MF) It operates in the upper VHF and UHF range
and high frequency (HF). where noise effects are less.
Wastage of power is more as a major part
No wastage of power as all transmitted power is
of the power carried by the carrier wave
carried by the information signal.
does not contain the information.
The received signal is of low quality. The received signal is of high quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Frequency Modulation:

Advantages Disadvantages
Less interference and noise. Equipment cost is higher. Has a large bandwidth.
Power Consumption is less as
The receiving are of FM signal is small.
compared to AM.
Adjacent FM channels are separated The antennas for FM systems should be kept close for
by guard bands. better communication.
Applications of frequency modulation:
 Frequency modulation can be used for the broadcasting of FM radio.
 Telemetry, radar and seismic prospecting, EEG monitoring of newborns etc also use
the technique of frequency modulation.
 It is also used in music synthesis, some systems that use video-transmission and also
for magnetic tape-recording systems.

Phase Modulation:
In Phase Modulation (PM), the phase of the carrier signal varies in accordance with
the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal.

So, in phase modulation, the amplitude and the frequency of the carrier signal remains
constant. This can be better understood by observing the following figures.
The phase of the modulated wave has got infinite points, where the phase shift in a wave can
take place. The instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal changes the phase of the
carrier signal. When the amplitude is positive, the phase changes in one direction and if the
amplitude is negative, the phase changes in the opposite direction.

Mathematical Representation
The equation for instantaneous phase ϕ(t) in phase modulation is

ϕ(t) =kp m(t)

Where,
 kp is the phase sensitivity
 m(t) is the message signal

The standard equation of angle modulated wave is

s(t)=Ec cos (2πfct + ϕ(t))

Substitute, ϕ(t) value in the above equation.

s(t)=Ec cos (2πfct+ kp m(t))

This is the equation of PM wave.

If the modulating signal, m(t)=Em cos (2πfmt)),

then the equation of PM wave will be

s(t)=Ec cos (2πfct+ kp Em cos(2πfmt))

s(t)=Ec cos (2πfct+ mp cos(2πfmt))

Where,

mp = modulation index = mp =kp Em

Advantages of PM:

1. PM has better noise immunity than Am.

2. Low power is required.
Disadvantages of PM:

1. Very large bandwidth is needed.

2. It is not preferred for radio broadcasting applications.
3. Its generation and detection is complex.