COMPLEX

ENGINEERING
PROBLEM
ANALOG AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Imran Javed

KHUSHBAKHT (2021-EE-156)
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

Analog & Digital Communications Lab

Complex Engineering Problem

SDR-based System Design and Implementation for

FM Tone Modulation and Demodulation
Objective:
This report outlines the design and analysis of an FM (Frequency Modulation)
transmitter and receiver system built using fundamental building blocks in GNU
Radio. The system aims to transmit and receive a sinusoidal message signal
wirelessly, while investigating the effects of varying carrier frequency, message
frequency, and modulation index on the resulting FM signal, its spectrum, and the
generation of sidebands. Detailed observations and findings are presented to
provide insights into the behavior and performance of the FM system.

Introduction:
Frequency Modulation (FM) is a modulation technique widely used in
communication systems to transmit information through variations in the
frequency of a carrier signal. In FM modulation, the frequency of the carrier signal
is modulated in proportion to the amplitude of the input signal (message signal).
This modulation process results in a signal with varying frequency, where the
instantaneous frequency deviation from the carrier frequency represents the
information being transmitted.
FM demodulation, on the other hand, is the process of recovering the original
message signal from the modulated FM signal. Demodulation involves extracting
the variations in frequency from the received FM signal to reconstruct the original
message signal. This process is essential for recovering the transmitted information
accurately.
In summary, FM modulation and demodulation are fundamental techniques used in
communication systems for transmitting and receiving information by modulating
and demodulating the frequency of a carrier signal, respectively.

Theoretical Background:
In this modulation scheme, the phase angle of the carrier wave varies in accordance
with the message signal, leading to the transmission of information. Unlike
amplitude modulation (AM), where the amplitude of the carrier wave varies with
the message signal, FM signals maintain a constant amplitude, allowing for the
utilization of power-efficient nonlinear power amplifiers.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

In FM modulation, the phase angle of the carrier wave is linearly related to the
message signal. For phase modulation (PM), the phase angle varies directly with
the message signal, while for FM, the derivative of the phase angle is linearly
related to the message. Both FM and PM signals exhibit a constant amplitude or
constant envelope, facilitating efficient transmission. FM modulation finds
extensive applications in various communication systems, including radio
broadcasting, analog TV audio, and public safety two-way radios. FM signals are
known for their resistance to noise, albeit at the cost of larger bandwidth compared
to AM.

The equation for an FM wave can be derived from three starting points: the
variation of instantaneous amplitude with the message signal in AM, the linear
variation of instantaneous frequency with the message signal, and the
representation of a general signal in terms of amplitude and phase. By combining
these starting points, the FM signal can be expressed in terms of its amplitude,
phase, and message signal.
Demodulation of Frequency Modulation (FM) signals involves the extraction of the
original message signal from the modulated FM waveform. This is typically
achieved using a Frequency Discriminator, which converts variations in frequency
into corresponding variations in voltage. The FM signal is first passed through a
frequency-sensitive element, such as a resonant LC circuit or a differentiator, which
produces an output voltage proportional to the frequency deviation. This voltage is
then processed by a detection stage, often a diode or phase detector, to rectify and
filter the signal, extracting the variations induced by frequency modulation.
Through subsequent low-pass filtering, the original message signal is reconstructed,
resulting in the demodulated output. Careful selection and design of demodulation
circuitry are essential to match the characteristics of the FM signal and ensure
accurate extraction of the message signal, ultimately enabling effective
communication in FM-based systems.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

Task 1
FM Transmitter
a) Construct a flowgraph of FM transmitter with a sinusoidal
message signal.

Figure 1: Flow Graph of FM Transmitter

b) Explain the design of your transmitter:

When transmitting a sinusoidal modulating wave

𝑚(𝑡)=𝐴𝑚cos(2𝜋𝑓𝑚𝑡)m(t)=Amcos(2πfmt)

the resulting FM wave can be expressed as:

𝑠(𝑡)=𝐴𝑐cos(2𝜋𝑓𝑐𝑡+𝛽sin(2𝜋𝑓𝑚𝑡))s(t)=Accos(2πfct+βsin(2πfmt))

Here, Ac represents the carrier amplitude, fc is the carrier frequency, fm denotes

the message frequency, and β signifies the modulation index. This equation signifies
that the instantaneous frequency of the FM wave varies around the carrier
frequency fc according to the sinusoidal message signal m(t).
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

To transmit a real signal ϕ as a complex signal 𝑒𝑗𝜙 in GNU Radio, we can utilize
the Phase Mod block. This block introduces a phase shift to the input signal
according to its sensitivity parameter. By setting the sensitivity parameter to 1, the
input real signal 𝜙 is effectively transmitted as a complex signal 𝑒𝑗𝜙. The Phase
Mod block computes the output as 𝑒𝑗(𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡)(𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦), where the input represents
the real signal, and the sensitivity parameter represents 𝛽 in this context.
In practice, we can implement an FM transmitter for a sine message signal by
constructing a GNU Radio flowgraph. This flowgraph utilizes QT GUI Range blocks
to control variables such as the message frequency (fm), carrier frequency (fc), and
modulation index (β). By manipulating these variables, we can adjust the
parameters of the FM signal. The message signal is generated using a Signal
Source block and modulated using a Phase Mod block to achieve the desired FM
waveform. Throttle blocks are incorporated to ensure smooth signal processing.
Ultimately, this flowgraph facilitates the transmission of an FM signal with a
sinusoidal message over GNU Radio.
Here’s a breakdown of the blocks used in the FM transmitter block diagram:

• Sample Rate Block: This block sets the sampling rate for the entire
flowgraph. The sampling rate must be greater than twice the bandwidth of
the widest signal in the flowgraph. In this case, the sample rate is set to 500
kHz.
• Signal Source (Sine) Block: This block generates a sinusoidal signal at a
specified frequency. The frequency of the signal is set by the “Frequency”
parameter. In this case, the frequency is set to 5 kHz, which is the message
signal.
• Multiply Const Block: This block multiplies the input signal by a constant
value. The constant value is set by the “Constant” parameter. In this case,
the constant value is set to 4. This block is used to adjust the amplitude of
the message signal.
• Throttle Block: This block limits the data rate of the signal to a specified
value. The data rate is set by the “Limit” parameter. This block is used to
prevent overloading the SDR hardware.
• Signal Source (Cosine) Block: This block generates a cosine signal at a
specified frequency. The frequency of the signal is set by the “Frequency”
parameter. In this case, the frequency is set to 25 kHz, which is the carrier
signal.
• Multiply Block: This block multiplies two signals together. The two signals
are the message signal and the carrier signal. The output of the multiply
block is a modulated signal.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

• File Sink Block: This block writes the modulated signal to a file. The filename
is specified by the “File” parameter. In this case, the filename is set to
"FM_TX_Sine.dat".

These blocks working together create an FM transmitter that transmits a 5 kHz

sine wave on a 25 kHz carrier signal. The amplitude of the carrier signal is
modulated by the 5 kHz sine wave. This creates an FM signal that can be received
by an FM radio.
Here are some additional details about the blocks used in the diagram:
• The Scope blocks are used to view the signals at various points in the
flowgraph.
• The QT GUI Range blocks are used to specify the range of values that can be
displayed in the QT GUI scopes.
• The QT GUI Time Sink block is used to view the signal in the time domain.
• The QT GUI Frequency Sink block is used to view the signal in the frequency
domain.

c) Setting Values of QT GUI Range Blocks:

Each block is labeled accordingly:

• Message Freq (kHz)
• Carrier Freq (kHz)
• Modulation Index (β)

Configured QT GUI Range Values:

1. Message Freq (kHz):

• Minimum value: 0 kHz
• Maximum value: 10 kHz
• Default value: 5 kHz
2. Carrier Freq (kHz):
• Minimum value: 0 kHz
• Maximum value: 100 kHz
• Default value: 25 kHz
3. Modulation Index (β):
• Minimum value: 0
• Maximum value: 10
• Default value: 4
• Step size: 0.025
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

d) Visualize the output of the flowgraph:

Figure 2: m(t) with default values in time domain

Figure 3: s(t) with default values in time domain

Figure 4: s(t) with default values in frequency domain

Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

e) Interpret the spectrum of FM signal.

Figure 5: Location of 1st Side Band

First Sideband
The first sideband, as you mentioned, has an amplitude of approx. -30 dB.
Typically, the first sideband in an FM signal is located at a frequency equal to the
carrier frequency plus or minus the modulating frequency.

FM Tone Modulation Theory

• The carrier frequency modulates around a central frequency based on the
amplitude of the input signal.
• Sidebands are generated at intervals of the modulating frequency around the
carrier, and their amplitudes are influenced by the modulation index
(β=Δf/f_m), where Δf is the frequency deviation and fm is the modulating
frequency.
• The spectrum's shape, particularly the amplitude of the sidebands relative to
the carrier, can be described by Bessel functions of the first kind, which
predict how energy is distributed among the carrier and sidebands based on
the modulation index.

Practical Insights
a) Carrier and Sideband Amplitudes: The carrier at -18.48 dB and the first
sideband at -30 dB indicate how much the original signal's power is
distributed due to frequency modulation. This suggests a specific modulation
index, which you could calculate if the modulating frequency and maximum
frequency deviation are known.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

b) Quality and Performance: The clarity and spacing of the sidebands, as well as
their decay in amplitude, indicate the efficiency and correctness of the
modulation process. Any irregularities might suggest issues with the
modulator or signal interference.

f) Effect of carrier frequency on FM signal and its spectrum:

The carrier frequency in frequency modulation (FM) affects both the

characteristics of the FM signal and its spectrum.

1. FM Signal Characteristics:

• Frequency Deviation: The maximum frequency deviation of the FM

signal is directly proportional to the modulation index and the
amplitude of the modulating signal. As the carrier frequency increases,
the same frequency deviation corresponds to a smaller modulation
index.
• Bandwidth: The bandwidth of an FM signal is dependent on the
modulation index and the maximum frequency deviation. With a
higher carrier frequency, the same frequency deviation results in a
wider frequency band due to the relationship between the modulation
index and the frequency deviation.
• Phase Noise: Higher carrier frequencies may introduce more phase
noise due to various factors such as oscillator instability and
interference, which can degrade the signal quality.

2. FM Spectrum:

• Sidebands: In FM, sidebands are created around the carrier frequency.

The number and distribution of sidebands depend on the modulation
index and the amplitude of the modulating signal. As the carrier
frequency increases, the separation between sidebands also increases.
• Power Distribution: The power of the FM signal is distributed among
the carrier and sidebands. The power in the sidebands increases with
modulation depth and thus affects the spectral content of the FM
signal. Higher carrier frequencies may result in a broader spread of
power across the spectrum due to increased sideband spacing.
• Adjacent Channel Interference: With higher carrier frequencies, the
spacing between adjacent channels in the spectrum also increases.
This affects the potential for interference between adjacent channels,
which is important in applications such as radio broadcasting.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

In summary, the carrier frequency in FM affects the frequency deviation,

bandwidth, phase noise, sideband distribution, and interference
characteristics of the resulting FM signal and its spectrum.

g) Effect of message frequency on FM signal and its spectrum:

The message frequency, also known as the modulation frequency or the

frequency of the modulating signal, plays a significant role in determining
the characteristics of the resulting FM signal and its spectrum.

1. Frequency Deviation:
• The frequency deviation of the FM signal is directly proportional to the
amplitude of the modulating signal (message frequency). A higher
amplitude modulating signal results in a larger frequency deviation.
• Therefore, the message frequency affects the maximum frequency
excursion of the carrier signal, which is a key parameter in FM
modulation.

2. Bandwidth:
• The bandwidth of the FM signal is influenced by the modulation
frequency. Specifically, it is proportional to the modulation frequency
and the modulation index (ratio of frequency deviation to modulation
frequency).
• Higher message frequencies lead to wider bandwidths in the FM
signal. This is because a higher modulation frequency results in faster
variations in the frequency of the carrier signal.

3. Spectrum:
• The spectrum of the FM signal consists of the carrier frequency and
sidebands. The spacing and distribution of sidebands are determined
by the modulation index and the amplitude of the modulating signal
(message frequency).
• Higher message frequencies result in sidebands that are spaced closer
together in the spectrum. This is because faster variations in the
frequency of the carrier signal lead to sidebands with higher
frequencies.
• The power of the sidebands relative to the carrier frequency is also
influenced by the modulation frequency. Higher message frequencies
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

can result in greater power distributed in the sidebands compared to

the carrier.

In summary, the message frequency affects the frequency deviation,

bandwidth, sideband distribution, and susceptibility to interference and noise
of the resulting FM signal and its spectrum. Higher message frequencies lead
to wider bandwidths, closer spacing of sidebands, and greater power in the
sidebands relative to the carrier frequency.

h) Effect of modulation on the resulting FM signal and its spectrum:

Modulation is the process of varying one or more properties of a carrier signal in
accordance with the characteristics of a modulating signal. In frequency
modulation (FM), the modulation affects the resulting FM signal and its
spectrum in several ways:
Frequency Deviation:
• The modulation signal, also known as the message signal, modulates the
frequency of the carrier signal. The amplitude of the modulation signal
directly influences the frequency deviation of the resulting FM signal.
• Higher amplitudes of the modulation signal result in larger frequency
deviations, causing the carrier frequency to vary more widely around its
center frequency.
Bandwidth:
• The bandwidth of an FM signal is determined by the modulation index,
which is the ratio of the peak frequency deviation to the modulation
frequency. The modulation index is directly proportional to the amplitude
of the modulation signal.
• Therefore, stronger modulation (higher amplitude modulation signal)
leads to wider bandwidths in the FM signal. This is because the carrier
frequency undergoes more significant deviations over time.

Spectrum:
• The spectrum of an FM signal consists of the carrier frequency and
sidebands. The number, spacing, and amplitude of the sidebands are
determined by the modulation index and the frequency of the modulation
signal.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

• Stronger modulation results in more closely spaced sidebands with higher

amplitudes. The spectral energy is distributed across a wider frequency
range, with more energy in the sidebands compared to the carrier
frequency.
In summary, modulation affects the frequency deviation, bandwidth, spectrum,
noise immunity, and susceptibility to interference of the resulting FM signal.
Stronger modulation results in larger frequency deviations, wider bandwidths,
more closely spaced sidebands, improved noise immunity, and enhanced
resistance to certain types of interference.

i) File Sink block to save the FM signal:

Figure 6: File Sink Block to save the output

Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

Task 2
FM Receiver
Construct a flowgraph of FM receiver using the input FM signal as the
stored data file (i.e., FM_TX_Sine.dat)

Explanation of Design of Receiver:

Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

Description of Flow Graph:

The diagram you provided appears to be a block diagram for an FM receiver built
using a graphical tool like GNU Radio. Each block in the diagram has a specific
function in processing the signal. Here's a detailed explanation of each block and its
parameters:
Signal Source
• Sample Rate: 500 kHz - This is the rate at which samples of the signal are
processed.
• Waveform: Cosine - The type of waveform generated, in this case, a cosine
wave.
• Frequency: -25 kHz - The frequency of the cosine wave.
• Amplitude: 1 - The amplitude scale of the wave.
• Offset: 0 - A DC offset applied to the signal.
• Initial Phase (Radians): 0 - The starting phase of the waveform.
File Source
• File: Location of the file that probably contains modulated FM data to be
demodulated.
• Repeat: Yes - The file playback will loop.
• Offset: 0 - The start points in the file for reading data.
Multiply
• This block multiplies the cosine signal from the "Signal Source" with the FM
modulated signal from the "File Source". This could be part of a mixer stage
where the signal is being down converted.
Low Pass Filter
• Gain: 1 - The gain applied to the signal passing through the filter.
• Sample Rate: 500 kHz - The rate at which the filter processes samples.
• Cutoff Frequency: 250 kHz - The frequency beyond which signals are
attenuated.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

• Transition Width: 10 kHz - The width of the transition band from passband
to stopband.
• Window: Hamming - The window function used to shape the frequency
response of the filter.
• Beta: 6.76 - A parameter typically used with the Kaiser window; might be
mislabeled or misused here.
QT GUI Time Sink
• Number of Points: 1.024k - The number of data points displayed in the time
domain plot.
• Sample Rate: 500 kHz - Rate at which samples are processed for display.
• Autoscale: No - Whether the display scale adjusts automatically to signal
levels.
QT GUI Frequency Sink
• FFT Size: 1024 - The size of the Fast Fourier Transform used to convert the
signal from time to frequency domain.
• Center Frequency: 0 Hz - The frequency at the center of the display.
• Bandwidth, 500 kHz - The total bandwidth displayed in the frequency
domain plot.
Delay
• Delay: 1 - The number of samples by which the signal is delayed. This is used
to align signals in time when necessary.
Multiply Conjugate
• This block likely multiplies the signal by its complex conjugate, a common
operation in digital signal processing for energy detection or phase recovery.
Complex to Arg
• This block converts a complex-valued signal to its argument (or phase angle),
which is useful in FM demodulation, where the information is contained in
the phase variations.
Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

Output:

Figure 7: m(t) in Time Domain

Figure 8: m(t) in Frequency Domain

Output Comparison:
Both demodulated and the message signal are same.

Figure 9; message signal m(t)

Figure 10: demodulated signal

Khushbakht 2021-EE-156

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the implementation of Frequency Modulation (FM) modulation and
demodulation using low-level blocks in GNU Radio and Software Defined Radio
(SDR) offers a versatile and powerful platform for signal processing and
communication experimentation.
Through this project, we've gained valuable insights into the principles of FM
modulation and demodulation, including the relationship between frequency
deviation, modulation index, and bandwidth. By utilizing GNU Radio's intuitive
graphical interface and the flexibility of SDR platforms, we've been able to construct
FM systems with ease and efficiency. Moreover, this endeavor has provided
practical experience in software-defined radio development, enabling us to
understand the complexities of real-world communication systems and the
importance of signal processing techniques in achieving reliable transmission and
reception.
Overall, the exploration of FM modulation and demodulation using GNU Radio and
SDR not only enhances our theoretical understanding but also equips us with
practical skills essential for future endeavors in the field of wireless communication
and signal processing.