UNIT 5
What is a Signal?
o A signal is a function that carries information and changes with time.
Classification of Signal
(1) Continuous time and discrete time signals
A signal is said to be a continuous time signal if it is defined at every instant of time.
A signal is said to be discrete time signal if it is defined only at discrete instant of time.
(2) Deterministic and non-deterministic signals
A signal is said to be deterministic if there is no uncertainty with respect to its value at
any instant of time.
A signal is said to be non-deterministic if there is uncertainty with respect to its value at
some instant of time.
(3) Even and odd signals
An even signal is a signal that satisfies the condition
X(t) = X(-t)
Hence, the graph of an even signal is symmetric about the y-axis
An odd signal is a signal that satisfies the condition
X(t) = -X(-t)
Hence, the graph of an odd signal is symmetric about the origin.
(4) Periodic and non-periodic signals
A signal is said to be periodic if it repeats itself after a regular interval of time.
A signal is said to be non-periodic if it does not repeat itself after a regular interval of time.
Elements of communication system
OR
Block Diagram of the communication System
o A communication system is a setup used to transfer information (like sound, images, or
data) from one place (sender) to another (receiver).
o Communication system can be divided into three parts
(1) Information Source
(2) Transmitter
(3) Channel (Medium)
(4) Receiver
(5) Destination
Block Diagram of Communication
(1) Information Source
o This is where the original message or data is generated (e.g., sound, video, text).
o Example: Human voice, sensor data, etc.
(2) Transmitter
a) Transducer
o Converts the message signal (like sound) into an electrical signal.
o Example: Microphone converts sound to electrical signals.
b) Modulator
o Combines the message signal with a high-frequency carrier wave.
o Types: AM, FM, PM, etc.
c) Amplifier
o Increases the power of the modulated signal
d) Transmitting Antenna
o Converts the amplified electrical signal into electromagnetic waves and radiates it into
space.
(3) Channel (Medium)
o The physical path the signal travels through (air, cable, optical fiber).
o Noise may affect the signal here.
(4) Receiver
a) Receiving Antenna
o Captures the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the channel.
o Converts them into a weak electrical signal.
b) Amplifier
o Boosts the weak received signal to a suitable level for further processing.
c) Demodulator
o Extracts the original message signal from the modulated carrier wave.
d) Transducer
o Converts the electrical signal back into its original form (e.g., sound, image).
o Example: A speaker converting the signal into sound.
(5) Destination
o Final point where the information is delivered (e.g., human ear, computer, display).
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic
radiation. These radiations are waves of energy that travel through space and differ in
wavelength and frequency.
Types of EM Waves
Modulation
o Modulation is the process of adding a message (like voice, music, or data) to a
carrier wave (a high-frequency wave) so that it can be easily sent over long
distances.
Types of Modulation:
1. AM (Amplitude Modulation)
o Amplitude (height) of carrier wave is changed
o Used in AM radio
2. FM (Frequency Modulation)
o Frequency of the carrier wave is changed
o Used in FM radio
3. PM (Phase Modulation)
o Phase (position) of the wave is changed
Need of Modulation
1. To Increase the Range of Transmission
o The height of an antenna depends on the frequency of the signal.
o Lower frequency → Very tall antenna
o Higher frequency (after modulation) → Shorter antenna
Without Modulation:
• Frequency = 10 kHz
With Modulation:
• Frequency = 1 MHz
2. Avoids Mixing of Signals
o If multiple signals are sent using the same frequency, they will overlap and interfere.
o Modulation assigns different carrier frequencies to different signals.
o This prevents signal mixing and allows clear communication.
3. Increases the Range of Communication
o Low-frequency signals are weak and can’t travel far.
o Modulation adds them to strong high-frequency waves which can travel long distances
through space or cables.
4. Multiplexing is Possible
o Multiplexing means sending multiple signals through a single communication channel.
o Modulation allows each signal to use a different frequency band, so they can travel
together without interference.
5. Reduction in Power Dissipation
o Low-frequency signals get weakened quickly due to resistance and loss in the medium.
o High-frequency modulated signals can be amplified easily with less energy loss.
o This saves power during transmission.
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
o The amplitude of the carrier signal is modulated according to the instantaneous amplitude
of the message signal (like voice or music).
o The frequency and phase of the carrier remain constant.
Modulation Index (m)
It is defined as the ratio of maximum amplitude of the message signal to the maximum amplitude
of the carrier signal
Q.5 A 600-Watt carrier power is modulated to depth of 80%, calculate the total power in
the modulated wave.
Q.6 Calculate the transmission efficiency if the modulation factor is 0.5.
Q.7 AM radio transmitter radiates 6 kW power when modulation % is 70%. Determine the
