Frequency Modulation

Frequency Modulation or FM is a method of encoding information on one carrier wave by changing

the wave carrier frequency. Frequency Modulation technology is used in the fields of computing,
telecommunications, and signal processing. In frequency modulation, the frequency of the carrier
wave is changed according to the frequency of the modulating signal.

In this article, we will discuss the definition of frequency modulation, its advantages and
disadvantages, the modulation index, the differences between AM and FM, and the expressions for
frequency modulation.

Table of Content

• What is Frequency Modulation?

• Frequency Modulation Deviation

• Frequency Modulation Demodulation

• Application of Frequency Modulation

• Modulation Index

• Difference between FM and AM

What is Frequency Modulation?

Frequency Modulation is a process of encoding information on one carrier wave by changing its
frequency. The frequency of the carrier wave is changed according to the frequency of the
modulating signal. Frequency modulation is used for broadcasting and radio communication.
Modulation is the process of converting the carrier signal into an electrical signal. Amplitude and
phase remain the same in FM.

Frequency Modulation is used in FM radio broadcasting, magnetic tape-recording systems,

monitoring newborns for seizures via EEG, radar, seismic prospecting, sound synthesis, telemetry,
two-way radio systems, and video-transmission systems.

Frequency Modulation System

A Frequency Modulation system refers to a communication or signal processing system that utilizes
frequency modulation to encode and transmit information. Frequency Modulation system consist of
input signal, carrier wave, modulation process, transmission, reception, demodulation and output
signal.

Frequency Modulation Deviation

Frequency Modulation Deviation refers to the extent to which the frequency of a carrier wave is
changed or deviated from its center frequency in response to change in the amplitude of the
modulating signal. It is a key parameter in frequency Modulation systems and determines the
amount by which the carrier frequency shifts during the modulation process.

Frequency Modulation Demodulation

Frequency Modulation Demodulation is the process of extracting the original information usually an
audio signal from a modulated FM carrier wave. Demodulation is an important step in FM receivers
to recover the transmitted information accurately. The goal of FM modulation is to reproduce the
original information encoded in the FM signal, ensuring high-quality audio output.

Frequency Modulation Waveform

Frequency Modulation generates a modulated waveform by changing the frequency of a carrier

signal in response to change in the amplitude of a modulating signal. The result is s waveform that
has characteristic distinct from the original carrier wave. The shape of the waveform is highly
dependent on the characteristic of the modulating signal and the specific parameters of the FM
modulation process.

The wave form of frequency modulation signal is shown in the image added below,
Representation of Frequency Modulation Signal

Frequencies in Frequency Modulation

In Frequency Modulation, the frequency of the carrier signal is varied in accordance with the
instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal. The parameters associated with FM are carrier
frequency, Modulating Signal Frequency, Frequency deviation, Modulation index, Sideband
Frequencies and Total Bandwidth. The expression for the instantaneous frequency can be expressed
mathematically based on the modulation index, the frequency deviation and the modulating signal.
Expression for Frequency Modulated Wave

The expression for a frequency modulated wave can be derived from the basic equation for
frequency modulation. The general form of an FM wave can be written as

s(t) = Ac cos(2πfct + 2πkf ∫t 0 m(τ)dτ

where,

• Ac is the Amplitude of the Carrier Signal

• fc is the Frequency of the Carrier Signal

• kf is the Frequency Deviation Sensitivity

• m(t) is the Modulating Signal

Radio Frequency Modulation

Radio frequency Modulation is a technique of encoding the information on a carrier wave by

changing its frequency. It is used in field of telecommunication and employed in radio broadcasting,
two-way radio communication, television broadcasting and various wireless communication systems.
Radio frequency Modulation is a fundamental concept in the world of wireless communication,
enabling the transmission of information over the airwaves efficiently and reliably.

Pulse frequency Modulation

Pulse frequency Modulation is a type of modulation where the information is encoded by changing
the frequency of a series of pulses. It is used in field of digital communication and control system.
Pulse frequency Modulation is commonly used in applications where resistance to noise is important.

Frequency Modulation Synthesis

Frequency Modulation synthesis is a method of sound synthesis that uses the frequency of carrier
waveform, to modulate the frequency of modulator waveform. This is particularly associated with
the creation of complex and evolving sounds.

Frequency Modulation Receiver

A Frequency Modulation receiver is a device that is used to demodulate and recover the original
modulating signal from an FM modulated carrier wave. The receiver is a crucial part of the
communication system and it has various applications such as FM radio broadcasting, two-way radio
communication, and various wireless communication system.

Frequency Modulation Music

Frequency Modulation is used in electronic music for creating a wide range of sounds, from classic
bell tones to complex textures. FM can generate complex waveforms by modulating the frequency of
one oscillator with another. Musicians explore vast sonic possibilities of FM synthesis to create
sounds that stand out and contribute to the unique character of track.

Frequency Modulation Broadcasting

Frequency Modulation broadcasting is a widely used method for transmitting audio signals over the
airways. FM broadcasting offers several advantages, including higher audio quality and resistance to
certain types of interference compared to other modulation methods like Amplitude Modulation. It
is commonly used for music, talk show, news and other forms of radio programming.

Advantages of Frequency Modulation

Some of the advantages of Frequency modulation are listed below

• The Amplitude of FM wave remains constant over time. This helps in removing noise from
received signal.

• FM is resistant to single strength variation.

• It enhances more efficient use of bandwidth.

• FM is used in radio broadcasting because FM is known for its superior quality compared to
other methods of modulation.

• It improves and increase the capacity for communication.

Disadvantage of Frequency Modulation

Some of disadvantages of Frequency Modulation are listed below

• Modulation of wave increases the complexity in implementation.

• It requires specialized equipment and knowledge to implement, which makes it less

accessible.

• Sometimes modulation leads to loss in quality of signal received, which reduces the clarity of
transmitted data.

• FM has a large bandwidth which makes it costlier.

Application of Frequency Modulation

Frequency Modulation has many applications in science and technological field. Some of its real life
uses are mentioned below

• FM is used in radio broadcasting.

• It is used by many radio stations to broadcast music over the radio (One must have heard the
term FM in radio while listening it).

• FM is used in radar.

• It is used in seismic prospecting.

• It is used in Electroencephalogram (EEG) , which is a test of brain activity.

• Frequency modulation is superior than other modulations. That’s why it has many
applications in various fields.

Modulation Index

Modulation index is denoted by μ. It is the ratio of the amplitude of modulating signal to that of the
carrier signal.

μ = Am/ Ac
Frequency Modulation Formula

The mathematical representation of an FM signal can be expressed by using the formula. The
instantaneous frequency , of the FM waveform at any given time is given by

F(t) = Fc + Kf . m(t)

where, f(t) is instantaneous frequency at time t of the modulated signal

Fc is the carrier frequency, representing the unmodulated frequency

Kf is the frequency sensitivity of the modulator, often referred to as the modulation index

m(t) is the message signal, which contains the information to be encoded into the carrier signal.

Frequency Modulation Width

The frequency modulation index is denoted by Δf or Δfmax and is defined as the maximum deviation
of the instantaneous frequency from the carrier wave.

It is expressed as

Δf = kf . Am

where,

• Δf is the Frequency Deviation

• Kf is the Frequency Sensitivity of Modulator

• Am is the Amplitude of Message Signal

Expression For Frequency Modulation

We can represent the expression for frequency-modulated wave by using a sine or cosine work for
the vitality of the baseband signal.

We know wave equation as:

m(t) = Am cos(ωmt + ϴ)

• m(t) is Balancing Signal

• Amis Amplitude of Balancing Signal

• ωm is Angular Recurrence of Tweaking Signal

• ϴ is is Period of the Balancing Signal

when we try to modulate an input signal, we need an expression for carrier wave also

C(t) = AC cos(wct + ϴ)

From amplitude modulation , we need two sine or cosine waves for modulation

m(t) = Am cos (ωmt) and

c(t) = Ac cos (ωct)

or
m(t) = Am cos (2π fmt)

c(t) = Ac cos (2πfct)

Then frequency modulated wave will be:

fm(t) = fc + k A cos (2π fmt )

fm (t) = fc + k m(t)

where,

• fm(t) is Frequency Modulated Wave

• fc is Frequency of Carrier Wave

• m(t) is Modulating Signal

• k is Proportionality Constant

Frequency Modulation Transmitter

A Frequency Modulation transmitter is a device that modulates a carrier wave’s frequency with an
input signal, typically an audio or data signal. This device is used in broadcasting, two-way radio
communication, and various wireless applications. FM transmitters are regulated, and their use may
be subjected to licensing depending on the frequency and power at which they operate.

Difference between FM and AM

The differences between FM and AM can easily learnt form the table added below,

Amplitude Modulation vs Frequency Modulation

AM(Ampltude Modulation) FM(Frequency Modulation)

AM has a bad sound quality as compared to FM FM has a good sound quality as compared to AM

It is cheaper It is expensive

AM can be sent over a large distance FM can be blocked by things like walls

Less power efficient More power efficient

Shorter broadcast range Longer broadcast range

Modulates amplitude of the carrier signal Modulates frequency of carrier signal

Demodulation is relatively straightforward Demodulation is more complex than AM

Also, Check

• Difference between Frequency Modulation and Phase Modulation

• Radio Waves

Frequency Modulation IIT JEE Questions

Q1: What is the modulation index of an FM signal having a carrier of 100 kHz when the modulating
signal has a frequency of 8 kHz ?

Solution:

Modulation Frequency, fm = 8 kHz

Carrier Swing = 2 × Δf

2 × Δf = 100 kHz

Δf = 50 kHz

Modulation Index = Δf/fm

= 50/8

= 6.25

Q2: Calculate percentage modulation of the signal if it is broadcast in the 88-108 MHz and FM
transmission has a frequency deviation of 20 kHz ?

Solution:

For FM broadcast (Δf)max = 75 kHz

%M = (Δf)actual/(Δf)max

%M = 20kHz/75kHz

%M = 26.67%

Q3: A signal of 5 kHz frequency is amplitude modulated on a carrier wave of frequency 2 MHz. The
frequencies of the resultant signal are.

Solution:

Fm = 5 kHz

Fc = 2 MHz = 2000 kHz

Frequencies of Resultant Signal are = Fc + Fm = ( 2000 + 5)kHz = 2005 kHz

Fc – Fm = (2000 – 5) = 1995 kHz

Q4: Consider telecommunication through optical fibers. Which of the following statements is not
true ?

• (a) Optical fibers can be of graded refractive index

• (b) Optical fibers are subject to electromagnetic interference from outside

• (c) Optical fibers have extremely low transmission loss

• (d) Optical fibers may have a homogenous care with a suitable cladding

Solution:

Option (b) is correct

Frequency Modulation-FAQs

What is full form of FM and AM?

Full form of FM and AM is

• FM: Frequency Modulation

• AM: Amplitude Modulation

What is Modulation of Signal?

Modulation is process of changing a characteristic of a waveform, such as its amplitude or frequency.

Why Value of Modulation Index is kept less than 1 in General ?

Its value is kept less than 1 to avoid overmodulation which leads to distortions in the modulated
signal and makes it very hard to demodulate and extract the modulating signal.

What is Modulation Index ?

Modulation index is the ratio of the amplitude of modulating signal to that of the carrier signal.

What is Demodulator?

Demodulator is the device which is used for extracting the original information from a modulated
carrier wave.

What is Frequency Modulation?

Frequency modulation is a way of changing frequency of the carrier signal in accordance to the
amplitudes of the signal.

What are the Uses of Modulation?

Various uses of Modulation are,

• It reduces the height of Antenna

• It avoids mixing of signal.

• It increases communication range.

• It is improves reception quality.