FM Modulation: Solving Problems with 400KHz and 40 Amplitude

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving problems related to frequency modulation (FM), specifically focusing on determining maximum frequency deviation and modulation index given a carrier frequency and bandwidth. The context includes theoretical understanding and application of FM concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the bandwidth (BW) is given by the formula BW = 2 (Frequency Deviation + Signal Frequency) and infers that the maximum deviation is 200 kHz based on a bandwidth of 400 kHz centered around a carrier frequency of 4 MHz.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the problem, suggesting that amplitude is relevant only in amplitude modulation (AM) and not in FM for determining the modulation index.
  • A third participant explains that the modulation index is calculated as the maximum frequency deviation divided by the maximum modulating frequency, asserting that the maximum deviation is 200 kHz and proposing that the problem may have been misstated regarding the maximum amplitude.
  • There is a suggestion that the term "maximum amplitude" should actually refer to "maximum frequency," indicating a potential misunderstanding in the problem statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the clarity of the problem statement, particularly about the relevance of amplitude in the context of FM. There is no consensus on the correct interpretation of the problem, and multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misstatements in the problem, such as the use of "maximum amplitude" instead of "maximum frequency," and the implications of these terms on the calculations for modulation index.

mohlam12
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Hello,

So I was studying for my exam and came across this exercice we did in class and which I really don't know how we got the answer.

It says that if we have a FM with a carrier frequency of 4MHz, and the bandwidth is 400KHz, what is then the maximum deviation.. The answer is 200KHz.

So how did they figure it out? I know that BW = 2 ( Freq. Dev. + Signal Freq.)

And, the second question states: if the maximum amplitude of the source signal is 40, what would the modulation index be? The answer is 5.

Anyone can tell me how they solved it ? Thanks.
 
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mohlam12 said:
It says that if we have a FM with a carrier frequency of 4MHz, and the bandwidth is 400KHz, what is then the maximum deviation.. The answer is 200KHz.

So how did they figure it out? I know that BW = 2 ( Freq. Dev. + Signal Freq.)

You can just think about this conceptually. If you have a signal 400 kHz wide centered on 4 MHz, you can only deviate ±200 kHz in either direction around the center frequency.

And, the second question states: if the maximum amplitude of the source signal is 40, what would the modulation index be? The answer is 5.

Anyone can tell me how they solved it ? Thanks.

This question seems unclear to me. Amplitude only matters in AM as far as the modulation index.
 
mohlam12 said:
And, the second question states: if the maximum amplitude of the source signal is 40, what would the modulation index be? The answer is 5.

Anyone can tell me how they solved it ? Thanks.
The modulation index is the maximum frequency deviation divided by the maximum modulating frequency. We already know the maximum deviation is 200 kHz and 200 kHz divided by 5 = 40 kHz.

I suspect the problem was misstated. Instead of maximum amplitude it should have said maximum frequency and instead of 40 it should have been 40 kHz.
 
Thank you. I think the problem was misstated.
 

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