Understanding Modulation of Sound Waves to AM/FM

In summary, an AM transmission modulates sound waves to create FM waves, while a FM transmission modulates sound waves to create AM waves.
  • #1
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CAn someone explain how sound waves is modulated into Am and FM carrier waves? I only have a poor illustrarion i don't understand.
 
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  • #2
Greetings !

Well, in an FM transmission, after the sound wave
frequency is the transmitted (via a microphone) into
electromagnetic oscillations the frequency of the sound
waves can be "added" or "substracted" in a set proportion
from the set FM transmission frequency. The amplitude of the
FM waves is determined by the amplitude of the sound waves.

In an AM transmission the reverse happens. The amplitude of
the AM waves is determined by the frequency of the sound waves
and the frequency of the AM waves is determined by the amplitude
of the sound waves - with some proportionate addition/substraction
from the set AM transmiossion frequency.

In both cases it's also possible to make a digital date
transmission. In the FM case you would need 1 or two
frequencies and for an AM transmission you'll require
1 or 2 amplitudes (1 because the 1 could just be represented
by a stop in the transmission/reception).

Live long and prosper.
 
  • #3
Hello, I have two descriptions:

1. As quoted from one of my old military scrap books:

In AM transmitters, the instantaneous amplitude of the rf output signal is varied in proportion to the modulating signal. The modulating signal may consist of many frequencies of various amplitudes and phases, such as the signals making up your own speech pattern. The microphone converts the audio frequency input (a person’s voice) into corresponding electrical energy. The driver amplifies the audio, and the modulator further amplifies the audio signal to the amplitude necessary to fully modulate the carrier. The output of the modulator is applied to the power amplifier. The power amplifier combines the rf carrier to the modulating signal in the power amplifier to produce the amplitude-modulated (AM) signal output for transmission. In the absence of a modulating signal, a continuous rf carrier is radiated by the antenna.

In frequency modulation (FR) the modulating signal combines the carrier to cause the frequency of the resultant wave to vary with the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal. The modulating signal applied to a variable capacitor (varicap) causes the reactance to vary. The varicap is connected across the tank circuit of the oscillator. With no modulation, the oscillator generates a steady center frequency. With modulation applied, the varicap causes the frequency of the oscillator to vary around the center frequency in accordance with the modulating signal. The oscillator output is then fed to a frequency multiplier to increase the frequency and then to a power amplifier to increase the amplitude to the desired level for transmission.

2. There is usually more to it than this, but to keep it basic, basically what the above states is:

AM radio waves are oscillated energy waves who’s amplitude (current and/or voltage levels) are increased and decreased, even though its frequency stays the same for a given AM radio channel. For AM radio’s, when someone speaks into the microphone, the microphone converts the sound vibrations into electricity, which is then amplified in power levels so that it can effectively influence the power levels of the wave form produced by the frequency generator that generates the carrier wave (the oscillator tank circuit) when it is applied to the carrier wave (usually in the form of biasing) on the oscillator tanks circuits output to produce a varying voltage and/or current levels of the carrier wave, and then the whole is amplified again and then sent to a transmitter.

FM radio waves are oscillated energy waves who’s frequency (oscillation pulse rate in Hertz) are increased and decreased, even though its amplitude (current and/or voltage levels) stays pretty much the same for a given FM radio channel. For FM radio’s, when someone speaks into the microphone, the microphone converts the sound vibrations into electricity, which is then amplified in power levels, which is then introduced to the variable capacitor of the oscillator tank circuit (the frequency generator that generates the carrier wave), which causes the tank circuit to produce a varying frequency directly proportional to the microphones signal influence, which is then sent to an amplifier and then to a transmitter.

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:

1. What is modulation of sound waves?

Modulation of sound waves refers to the process of changing the characteristics of a sound wave, such as its frequency, amplitude, or phase. This allows for more efficient transmission of sound signals over different mediums, such as air or electronic circuits.

2. What is the difference between AM and FM modulation?

AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation) are two different methods of modulating sound waves. In AM, the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied to encode the original sound signal, while in FM, the frequency of the carrier wave is varied. AM is more commonly used for transmitting voice signals, while FM is used for music and other high-quality audio transmissions.

3. How does modulation affect the quality of sound?

The type of modulation used can greatly impact the quality of the sound. In AM, the quality of the sound may be affected by interference and noise, resulting in a lower quality signal. FM is less susceptible to interference, resulting in a higher quality sound signal. Additionally, the bandwidth used for transmission can also affect the quality of sound.

4. What is the purpose of modulation in sound transmission?

The main purpose of modulation is to allow for the efficient transmission of sound signals over different mediums. Without modulation, sound signals would not be able to travel long distances or through different mediums, such as electrical wires. Modulation also allows for multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously without interfering with each other.

5. How is modulation of sound waves used in everyday technology?

Modulation of sound waves is used in many everyday technologies, such as radio, television, and cell phones. These devices use AM or FM modulation to transmit sound signals over long distances. Modulation is also used in audio equipment, such as speakers, to amplify and reproduce sound signals with higher fidelity.

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