Frequency
Modulation (FM)
Introduction to FM
FM is an analog modulation technique where the instantaneous frequency
of a carrier wave is varied in proportion to the instantaneous amplitude of
the message signal.
Key Characteristics:
Constant carrier amplitude.
Frequency deviation is proportional to the message signal amplitude.
More resistant to noise and interference than AM.
Wider bandwidth than AM.
Modulation Index and
Bandwidth
Modulation Index (β): Ratio of the maximum frequency deviation (Δf) to
the highest frequency component (fm) in the message signal.
β = Δf / fm
Bandwidth: The range of frequencies occupied by the FM signal.
Carson's Rule: BW ≈ 2(Δf + fm)
FM Modulation Techniques
Direct FM: The instantaneous frequency of the carrier is directly varied using
a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO).
Indirect FM: The phase of the carrier is first modulated using a phase
modulator, and then the resulting PM signal is passed through a frequency
discriminator to obtain FM.
FM Demodulation
Frequency Discriminator: Converts frequency variations in the FM signal
back into corresponding amplitude variations, recovering the original
message signal.
Phase-Locked Loop (PLL): A feedback system that tracks the
instantaneous frequency of the FM signal and generates an output voltage
proportional to the frequency deviation.
Noise in FM Systems
FM Capture Effect: When multiple FM signals are present at the receiver,
the stronger signal "captures" the demodulator, suppressing the weaker
signals.
FM Threshold Effect: At low SNR, the noise starts to dominate, causing a
sudden increase in the output noise level.
Advantages and
Disadvantages of FM
Advantages:
Improved noise immunity compared to AM
Better audio fidelity
Efficient power usage
Disadvantages:
Wider bandwidth requirement
More complex circuitry for modulation and demodulation
Applications of FM
FM Radio Broadcasting: High-
fidelity audio transmission
Two-way Radio Communication:
Police, fire, and emergency
services
Satellite Communication: TV
broadcasting, data transmission
QUESTIONS?
