Amplitude Modulation of a wave

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of amplitude modulation of a wave, specifically the representation and derivation of modulated signals in relation to carrier and modulating signals. Participants express confusion regarding the equations presented in their textbook and the implications of using linear versus nonlinear devices in signal processing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to reconcile differing expressions for the modulated signal and questions the validity of the textbook's approach. Some participants discuss the effects of linear versus nonlinear devices on signal outputs and explore the implications of frequency mixing.

Discussion Status

The discussion has evolved with participants providing insights into the nature of linear and nonlinear systems. The original poster expresses a realization regarding the arrangement of information in the textbook, indicating a productive direction in understanding the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the textbook's presentation of equations and the assumptions made in deriving them. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity introduced by nonlinear devices in signal processing.

Prashasti
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Homework Statement


I am utterly confused. When I was reading my textbook , I found something unacceptable.


While deriving an expression for a modulated wave,
It's been given that
"A sinusoidal carrier wave can be represented as c (t) = Ac sin
(ωt + Φ)
where c (t) is the signal strength of the carrier wave.
Let m (t) = Am sinωmt represent the message or the modulating signal.
The modulated signal cm (t) can be written as
cm= (Ac+Amsin ωmt) sin ωct

I wonder how's it possible! Shouldn't it be cm (t) = Acsin ωct + Am sinωmt ?

But then I made an adhoc assumption - which was not satisfactory - but I thought it could be justified from a more rigorous application of mathematics. So, I continued reading

On the next page, I found something in contrast to my "assumption".
In the topic "Production of amplitude modulated wave" -
According to my textbook "Here the modulating signal Am
sinωmt is added to the carrier signal Acsinωt to produce the signal x (t). This signal x (t) = Am sinωmt + Ac sin ωct is passed through a square law device."

Now this equation for x (t) is different from the one which was used (in the textbook) earlier.
What even is happening?
 
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If the sum of two signals of different frequencies ω1 and ω2 is the input of a linear network, the output would be again the sum of two signals with the same frequencies.
Using a nonlinear device, one, for example, that produces the square of the input, it will "mix" the frequencies. Expand (Asin(ω1t) + Bsin(ω2t ))2, what do you get? ( there will be components with frequencies of 2ω1, 2ω2, ω12, ω12).
Semiconductor diodes, transistors have nonlinear characteristics, and can be used for "mixing frequencies"
 
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ehild said:
If the sum of two signals of different frequencies ω1 and ω2 is the input of a linear network, the output would be again the sum of two signals with the same frequencies.
Using a nonlinear device, one, for example, that produces the square of the input, it will "mix" the frequencies. Expand (Asin(ω1t) + Bsin(ω2t ))2, what do you get? ( there will be components with frequencies of 2ω1, 2ω2, ω12, ω12).
Semiconductor diodes, transistors have nonlinear characteristics, and can be used for "mixing frequencies"

Ok.
So, the problem lies in the arrangement of all that in my textbook..
 
They mentioned the result before deducing the expression for the same.
I got it!
Thanks!
 

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