Amplitude Modulation
Amplitude modulation uses the instantaneous amplitude of a modulating signal (voice, music, data, etc.) to directly vary the amplitude of a carrier signal. Modulation index, m, is used to describe the ratio of maximum voltage to minimum voltage in the modulated signal. If the modulating signal is equal in magnitude to the carrier, then m = 1 and the modulated signal varies from a scaled maximum of unity down to zero (see figure below). When m = 0, no modulation of the carrier is performed. If m is greater than 1, the carrier is actually cut off for some period of time, and unwanted harmonics are created at the transmitter output. In the frequency domain, the carrier frequency is flanked on both sides by mirror image copies of the modulating signal.
ΩM1 = Ωc ± ωm1, ΩM2 = Ωc ± Ωm2
| AM General Equation | ||||
| Let the carrier be xc(t) = Xc·sin (Ωct), and the modulating signal be xm(t) = Xm·sin (ωmt) | Then x(t) = Xc·[1+m·sin (Ωmt)]·sin (Ωct) | |||
| Modulation Index | ||||
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In the following examples, the carrier frequency is nine times the modulation frequency. Red (dashed) lines represent the modulation envelope. Blue (solid) lines represent the modulated carrier. |
| 100% Modulation |  | ||
Here, the maximum voltage (Vmax) is 2 V and the minimum (Vmin) is 0 V. From the modulation index formula:
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| 50% Modulation |  | ||
Here, the maximum voltage (Vmax) is 3 V and the minimum (Vmin) is 1 V. From the modulation index formula:
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| 25% Modulation |  | ||
Here, the maximum voltage (Vmax) is 1.25 V and the minimum (Vmin) is 0.75 V. From the modulation index formula:
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| 150% Modulation |  | ||
Here, the maximum voltage (Vmax) is 2.5 V and the minimum (Vmin) is -0.5 V. From the modulation index formula:
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Note: AM waveforms created with MathCAD 4.0 software.
| Class | Conduction Angle | Maximum Efficiency | Description |
| A | 360º | 25% | Device is biased in to conduct in the linear region all the time. |
| AB | > 180º, << 360º | --- | Two devices connected like a Class B, but biased to conduct somewhere between Class A and Class B. |
| B | 180º | 78.5% | Two devices in series with the output taken at the common junction. Both devices biased to conduct in the linear region for opposite half a cycle, i.e., they are never on at the same time. |
| C | > 0º, < 180º | --- | Device is biased to turn on after a certain input threshold voltage is exceeded. Very efficient, but creates distortion. |
| D | 100% | Used to switch completely on or completely off. | |
| E | Used for rectangular input signals. |
Related Pages on RF Cafe
- Amplitude Modulation
- Frequency Modulation
- Quadrature (I/Q) Modulator Sideband Suppression
- Bessel Functions & Graphs
- Modulation Principles, AM Modulation, NEETS
- Modulation Principles, FM Modulation, NEETS
- Modulation Principles, Demodulation, NEETS
- Frequency Mixer, Converter, Multiplier, Modulator Vendors
- Amplitude Modulation
- Frequency Modulation
- Quadrature (I/Q) Modulator Sideband Suppression
- Bessel Functions & Graphs
- Modulation Principles, AM Modulation, NEETS
- Modulation Principles, FM Modulation, NEETS
- Modulation Principles, Demodulation, NEETS
- Frequency Mixer, Converter, Multiplier, Modulator Vendors
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