Modulation Index Dilemma - DSB-LC AM Modulation

In summary, the conversation discusses a DSB-LC AM transmitter with an unmodulated power output of 1kW and a 50 ohm resistive load. When a sinusoidal test tone of 5V is applied, the spectral line for each sideband carrier is found to be 40% of the output of the carrier line. The modulation index is calculated to be 0.8 and the carrier amplitude is determined to be 316V. The question of whether the modulation index is the ratio of the input amplitude to the carrier amplitude is raised.
  • #1
hmph
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Homework Statement



A given DSB-LC AM transmitter develops an unmodulated power output of 1kW across a 50 ohm resistive load. When a sinusoidal test tone of 5V is applied to the input of the modulator, it is found that the spectral line for each sideband carrier in the magnitude spectrum is 40% of the output of the carrier line.

Homework Equations



The output signal of the modulator is (mA cos (w_mt) + A) cos (w_c t)
Where m is the modulation index, A is the carrier amplitude and w_m is the modulating frequency and w_c is the carrier frequency

The Attempt at a Solution



The "40% of the output carrier line" corresponds to a modulation index (m) of 0.8. (which is in the solution - I am not interested in the solution here really).

But since the "unmodulated power output is 1 kW across a 50 ohm resistive load), it means that A = √ (2RP_c) = √(2*50*1000) = 316.67. (This is also indirectly in the solution)

If the carrier amplitude is 316 V, and the input is 5V, is the modulation index not 5/316 ? Is the modulation index not the ratio of the input amplitude to the carrier amplitude?

The questions that follow on this make perfect sense to me if I ignore the fact that the input is a 5V sinusoid
 
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  • #2
And the question is ... ?
 

1. What is modulation index?

The modulation index is a measure of the degree of modulation in an AM radio signal. It is calculated by dividing the amplitude of the modulating signal by the amplitude of the carrier signal. This ratio determines the strength and clarity of the audio signal that is transmitted.

2. What is DSB-LC AM modulation?

DSB-LC (double-sideband, large carrier) AM modulation is a method of amplitude modulation where both the upper and lower sidebands are transmitted, along with the full strength of the unmodulated carrier signal. This results in a more efficient use of the available bandwidth compared to other types of AM modulation.

3. What is the "modulation index dilemma" in DSB-LC AM modulation?

The modulation index dilemma is a problem that arises in DSB-LC AM modulation when the modulation index is too high. This causes the transmitted signal to be over-modulated, resulting in distortion and loss of clarity in the audio signal. However, if the modulation index is too low, the transmitted signal may not be strong enough to be received clearly.

4. How can the modulation index dilemma be solved?

The modulation index dilemma can be solved by carefully adjusting the modulation index to a level that is neither too high nor too low. This requires precise control over the amplitude of the modulating signal and the carrier signal. Other methods, such as using a pre-emphasis circuit, can also help mitigate the effects of the modulation index dilemma.

5. What are some applications of DSB-LC AM modulation?

DSB-LC AM modulation is commonly used in broadcasting for AM radio transmissions. It is also used in some telecommunication systems, such as military air traffic control systems. However, due to its limitations and potential for interference, it is being replaced by other modulation techniques in many applications.

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