Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)

Module-5: Analog Communication Schemes & Digital Modulation Schemes

I. Modern Communication system scheme:

Communication:
➢ Transfer of information from one point to other (or) Exchange of Information between two points.

Electronic Communication:
➢ Sending data or Information using electronic devices. This allows rapid transfer of goods, money
and ideas

Need for Communication:

➢ Speedy transmission: Requires only few seconds to communicate through electronic-media due to
the technology available for quick transmission
➢ Wide Coverage: The whole world has become a global village and communicationaround the
globe requires just a second
➢ Low Cost: Cost of an SMS is cheaper than sending a letter by post-
➢ Exchange of feedback: Instant exchange of feedback.
➢ 24/7 accessibility: Can be accessed anytime

Message signal:
➢ The signal that consists information is called modulating signal. The modulating signal is usually
of low-frequency signal. (20 Hz – 20 KHz)

Carrier signal:
➢ The signal which carries the information is called carrier signal. Carrier signal is a high frequency
signal which does not contains any information. The purpose of this signal is just to carry the
message signal. The range is in terms of Mega Hertz.

II. General form of a Basic communication system

Fig(1): Schematic block diagram of a basic communication system in most general form

➢ The main constituents of basic communication system are

1. Information source and input transducer
2. Transmitter
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
3. Channel or medium
4. Noise
5. Receiver
6. Output transducer and final destination
➢ A communication system transmits information from an information source (message) to a
destination. Examples: Voice, Live scenes (video), music, written text, and e-mail.
➢ A transducer is a device that converts a physical signal into its corresponding electrical signal and
vice versa.

1. Information Source and Input Transducer

➢ Message or information originates in the information source may be in the form of sound (human
speech), picture (image source), words (text). However, out of these messages, only the desired
message is selected and communicated.
➢ Type of Signals: Signals are functions that carry information. These are used to convey information
from place to place. In electronics, signals are mainly in the form of varying voltages. There are
two types of signals.
Analog signal Digital signal

Analog signal is continuous and time varying Digital signal have two or more states (binary form)
Troubleshooting is difficult. Troubleshooting is easy.
Easily affected by the noise. These are stable and less prone to noise
Analog signals use continuous values to represent Digital signals use discrete values to represent the
the data, usually in the form of sine wave data, usually in the form of square wave
Accuracy may be affected by noise. Accuracy is immune from the noise
Analog signals may be corrupted during data Digital signals are not corrupted during data
transmission transmission
Analog signals use more power. Digital signals use less power.
Examples: Temperature, Pressure, Flow
Examples: Motor Start, Trip, etc
measurements etc.
Components like resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Components like transistors, logic gates, and
Diodes are used in analog circuits micro-controllers are used in digital circuits
➢ A transducer is a device which converts one form of energy into another form. Generally, the input
transducer converts the non-electrical signal (Ex: sound signal or light signal) into an electrical
signal.
➢ For example, in case of radio-broadcasting, a microphone converts the information or massage
which is in the form of sound waves into corresponding electrical signal.

2. Transmitter
➢ The base band signal (electrical form), output from the input transducer is applied to the input of
the transmitter. The transmitter section processes the signal prior to transmission. The nature of
processing depends on the type of communication system. There are two options for processing
signals prior transmission
• (i)The baseband signal, which lies in the low frequency spectrum, is translated to a higher
frequency spectrum --- carrier communication system. In this process, modulation is the main
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
function of the transmitter. In modulation, the message signal is superimposed upon the high-
frequency carrier signal. As the original message signal cannot be transmitted over a longer
distance because of their low frequency and amplitude, they are superimposed with high
frequency carrier signal.
• (ii)The baseband signal is transmitted without translating it to a higher frequency spectrum ---
baseband communication system

➢ If the signal is to be transmitted through the space, then the transmitter will convert the electrical
signals into radio waves. If the signal is to be transmitted through the fiber optic cable then the
transmitter will convert the electrical signal into light or optical signal.

2.1. Typical Analog transmitter

➢ Let s(t) be the baseband signal applied to the modulated stage as shown in the fig1, to translate
(modulate) it from low to high frequency spectrum. That means, s(t) is superimposed upon the
high-frequency carrier signal c(t), which is generated by a high frequency carrier oscillator. The
output of the modulated stage is called the modulated signal, and is designated as x(t). This signal
is then applied to amplifier stage. The voltage of the modulated signal is amplified to drive the
power amplifier stage. The power amplifier that amplifies the power of the modulated signal x(t)
and thus it carries enough power to reach the receiver stage of the communication system. Finally,
the signal is passed to the transmission medium or channel.

➢ For example, in radio broadcasting the sound signal (message signal) is converted into the electrical
signal (baseband signal), by the input transducer. Then, it is modulated with the Radio Frequency
(RF) range carrier signals to produce radio signals. These radio signals are transmitted through
electromagnetic waves (open space), referred to as radio waves.
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
➢ RF bands spread in the range between 30 kHz and 300 GHz. Transmission systems are operated in
the RF spectrum range including analog radio, aircraft navigation, marine radio, amateur radio, TV
broadcasting, mobile networks and satellite systems.
Frequency Name Frequency Range Application
Super high frequencies 3GHz-30GHz RADAR
Ultra high frequencies 300MHz-3GHz Satellite communication, cellular phones
Very high frequencies 30MHz-300MHz TV and FM
High frequencies 3MHz-30M Commercial short wave broadcast
Low frequencies 30kHz-300kHz Navigation, submarine communication
Very low frequencies 3kHz-30GHz Navigation, submarine communication
Voice frequencies 300Hz-3kHz Navigation ,submarine, audio
Extremely low frequencies 30Hz-300GHz Power transmission
Table 1: Frequency ranges and its application in communication systems

3. Channel or medium:
➢ The term channel means the medium through which the message travels from the transmitter to
the receiver. The transmitted signal should have adequate power to withstand the channel noise.
The channel characteristics also impose constraints on the bandwidth. Depending on the physical
implementations, one can classify the channels in the following two groups:

➢ 3.1. Hardwired channels (Manmade structure) Transmission lines: It is a conductive medium

consisting of two or more conductors through which electrical signal are transmitted from
transmitting point to receiver point.
Example:
• Twisted pair cables used in telephony, in which two conductors are twisted together for the
purposes of improving electromagnetic compatibility.
• Coaxial cable used in TV transmission, to carry high-frequency electrical signals with low
losses.
• Waveguide: consisting of a hollow, metal tube of uniform cross-section used for transmitting
electro- magnetic waves. When signals entered the waveguides are reflected at the metallic
walls and propagate at the other end. The energy is in the form of electric field and magnetic
field which are perpendicular to each other.
• Optical Fibre: consist of very thin hollow glass fibre through which signal is transmitted in the
form of light energy.

➢ 3.2. Soft-wired channels (no physical link between transmitter and receiver): Natural resources
which can be used as the transmission medium for signals.
Example: Air or Open space and Sea water. The signals are transmitted in the form of
electromagnetic (EM) waves also called radio waves. Radio waves travel through open space at a
speed equal to that of light (c = 3 x 108 m/s)

4. Noise:
➢ Noise is defined as unwanted electrical signal which do not have any useful information. Noise is
a highly undesirable part of a communication system, and has to be minimized. When noise is
mixed with the transmitted signal, it rides over it and deteriorates its waveform.
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
4.1. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and Noise figure (F)
➢ SNR is defined as the ratio of signal power (S) to the noise power (N), often expressed in decibels
(dB).

5. Receiver:
➢ The main function of the receiver is to reproduce the original message signal. This reproduction of
the original signal is accomplished by a process known as the demodulation or detection.
Demodulation is the reverse process of modulation carried out in transmitter. The signal received
by the receiver is r(t). Due to attenuation this received signal r(t) is a weak signal. A voltage
amplifier amplifies to make strong enough for further processing
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
➢ Next, this signal is applied to the demodulator. In demodulation, the baseband signal is separated
from the high-frequency carrier signal. After recovering the original baseband signal s’ (t), its
voltage and power is amplified before send to the final destination block.

6. Destination:
➢ Destination is the final stage which is used to convert an electrical message signal into its original
form. For example in radio broadcasting, the destination is a loudspeaker which works as a
transducer that converts the electrical signal to original sound signal.

III. Multiplexing:
➢ Multiplexing is a process which allows more than one signal to be transmitted through a single
channel.

➢ In multiplexing, each baseband signals are modulated with different carrier frequencies. At the
transmitter they can be mixes and transmitted. At the receiver end, all different transmitted signals
can be easily separated by the known carrier frequencies.
➢ Due to multiplexing it is possible to increase the number of communication channels so that more
information can be transmitted where it makes the communication system economical. The typical
applications of multiplexing are telephone, satellite communication etc.

IV. Types of Communication Systems:

I. Communication Systems based on Physical Infrastructure:
➢ Line communication systems: Uses power lines to transfer data from one point to another point.
There is a physical link, called a hardwire channel between the transmitter and the receiver inline
communication systems. Ex: Land line telephony, Cable TV.

II. Communication systems based on Signal specifications:

➢ A. Based on Nature of baseband or information signal
• (i) Analog communication systems: Exchange of information between two points through
analog signals. Ex: Audio, video and pictures between two points using the analog signals.
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
• (ii) Digital communication systems: Exchange of information between two points through
digital signals. Ex: Audio, HDTV

➢ B. Based on Nature of the transmitted signal

• (i)Baseband communication system: Baseband signals are transmitted without translating
(or amplified) to higher frequencies. Ex: Land line, fax, etc
• (ii)Carrier communication system: The baseband signal (low frequency) is mixed with high
frequency carrier signal. Ex: Radio, voice messages and calls.

V. Types of Modulation:
➢ Modulation is the process in which any one of the parameters (amplitude, frequency or phase) of
the high frequency carrier signal is varied according to the instantaneous values of the low
frequency message signal, keeping other parameters constant.

➢ Analog modulation is typically used for AM, FM radio, and short-wave broadcasting. Digital
modulation involves transmission of binary signals (0 and 1).

1. Amplitude Modulation (AM):

➢ It is the process in which the amplitude of the carrier
signal is varied according to the instantaneous values of
the message signal, whereas the frequency and phase are
kept constant. It is as shown in the fig.
➢ The first figure is the carrier wave, which is a high
frequency signal and contains no information. Denoted
as c(t) = Ac cos(2πfct)
➢ The next one is the modulating wave, which is the
message signal; (low frequency signal) contains
information. Denoted as m(t) = Am cos(2πfmt)
➢ The last one is the resultant amplitude modulated wave.
➢ Mathematically, AM is denoted as

➢ In AM, most of the transmitted power is wasted in carrier, but used for longer distance
communication.

2. Frequency Modulation (FM):

➢ It is defined as a process in which the frequency of the carrier is varied in accordance with the
instantaneous values of the message signal, whereas the amplitude and phase are kept constant.
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)

➢ In FM, all the transmitted power is useful, but used for short distance communication.

3. Phase Modulation:
➢ It is defined as a process in which the phase of the carrier is varied in accordance with the
instantaneous values of the message signal, whereas the amplitude and frequency are kept constant.

VI. Radio Wave Propagation:

➢ Radio waves exhibit the properties of light with velocity 3x108m/s. These are electromagnetic
waves that consist of electric and magnetic field components. It is traversed in nature. Radio signals
can travel from one end to another over vast distances. Since these are EM waves, they exhibit
properties (like light waves) such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, absorption, polarization and
scattering.
➢ Radio propagation is the way of transmitting radio signals in different ways:
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
1. Ground or surface wave:
➢ Ground waves can be used for radio communication. Ground wave transmission is very reliable
irrespective of the atmospheric conditions.

➢ Frequency range: 30 kHz to 3 MHz

➢ Transmission distance: 100 to 1000 km
➢ Example: AM radio broadcast in the medium frequency band cover local areas.

2. Space or tropospheric wave

➢ In space wave (or line of sight propagation), radio waves move in the earth’s troposphere within
about 12 KM over the surface of the earth.
➢ Frequency range: 3MHz to 30 MHz.
➢ Example, TV Transmission.
➢ The space wave is made up of two components: (a)a direct or line-of- sight wave from the
transmitting to the receiving antenna and (b)an indirect or ground-reflected wave traversing form
the transmitting antenna to ground and reflected to the receiving antenna

3. Sky wave
➢ Radio waves transmitted from the transmitting antenna reach the receiving antenna after reflection
from the ionosphere (the earth’s upper atmosphere). Sky wave is responsible for short wave
transmission around the globe via successive reflections at the ionosphere and the earth’s surface.
Ionosphere - The ionized region extending about 80 KM above the earth’s surface. In ionosphere
radiation from the sun ionizes atoms and molecules that liberate electrons and ions from molecules.
The propagation of radio wave through the ionosphere is affected by the electrons and ions. The
effect of the electrons on the propagation is much greater than that of the ions since the electronic
mass is much less than the ionic mass.
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
➢ Advantages of sky wave propagation
• It supports large distance propagation.
• The frequency range of operation is considerably high.
• Attenuation due to atmospheric conditions is less.
➢ Disadvantages of sky wave propagation
• Long-distance propagation requires large-sized antennas.
• Due to the presence of the ionosphere near and far during night and day respectively there exist
variation in signal transmission in day and night.
➢ Applications
• Sky wave propagation is widely used in mobile and satellite communications

VI. Digital Modulation Schemes:

➢ In digital communications, the modulating signal consists of binary data. When it is required to
transmit digital signals, the amplitude, frequency or phase of the sinusoidal carrier is varied in
accordance with the incoming digital data.
➢ Digital modulation schemes are classified as
1. Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)
2. Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)
3. Phase Shift Keying (PSK)

1. ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying):

➢ ASK represents digital data as variations in the amplitude of a carrier wave.
➢ ASK signal can generated when the incoming binary data and the sinusoidal carrier are applied a
product modulatoras inputs.

2. FSK (Frequency Shift Keying):

➢ In this technique digital signal is transmitted by switching between low frequency and high
frequency in order to represent 0’s and 1’s.
➢ The simplest FSK is Binary FSK (BFSK). It uses a pair of discrete frequencies to transmit binary
(0s and 1s) information.
 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
3. Phase Shift Keying (PSK):
➢ The simplest form of PSK is binary phase shift keying (BPSK).
➢ In this case, the carrier phase is shifted between two different phases (typically 0° and 180°)
depending on whether 0-bit or 1-bit is being transmitted.

Advantages of digital communication over analog communication

1. Flexibility and compatibility: In the digital form of communication, there is a possibility that the
transmission system can sustain many different sources of information.
2. Reliability: Since we use digital circuits instead of analog circuits, digital communication is more reliable
than analog communication.
3. In long distance communication, noise does not get accumulated from repeater to repeater.

4. This method of communication enables signal encryption to provide privacy of information.

5. Possible use of Integrated circuits can make more complex communication systems in a cost effective
manner.

6. Enables use of wide band channels such as geostationary satellites, optical fibre cables., co axial cables
etc.
7. Greater dynamic range

8. Can detect and correct errors by error control coding.

VII. Radio Signal Transmission:

➢ Important components of wireless transmission system

Fig: Architecture of wireless communication transmitter

 Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)
➢ The transmitter accepts a stream of bits from the application software and encodes these bits onto
a radio wave, known as a carrier, by adjusting parameters of the wave such as its amplitude or
phase.
➢ Transmitter processes the incoming bits in two stages
1. Modulator – accepts the incoming bits and computes symbols that represent the amplitude and
phase of the outgoing wave. Modulation scheme used –QPSK – the modulator takes 2 bits at a
time and transmits them using radio waves having 4 different states with phases of 450, 1350, 2250
and 3150.
2. Analogue transmitter – Generates the radio wave

VIII. Multiple Access Techniques:

➢ In cellular network, the base station has to transmit to many different mobiles at once by sharing
the resources of air interface using a technique known as multiple access.
➢ Multiple access techniques
1. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
2. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
3. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

1. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA):

➢ Each mobile receives signal on its own carrier frequency, which it distinguishes using analogue
filter. The carriers are separated by unused guard rings to minimize the interference between the
carriers.

2. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA):

➢ Mobiles receive signals on the same carrier but at different times.
➢ Entire bandwidth available, but cannot send simultaneously.

3. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA):

➢ Technique used by third generation communication systems
➢ Mobiles receive signals on the same carrier frequency and at the same time.
➢ The signals are labelled by the use of codes, which allows a mobile to separate its own signal from
the others.
Introduction to Electronics & Communication (BESCK204C)