AM/FM RECEIVERS

Learning Module

PREPARED BY:

RONALD Q. CONSTANTINO
Electronics Technology Instructor

NOTED BY:

FRANCISCO O. OCAMPO, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Industrial Technology

FURTHER NOTED BY:

FLORANTE VICTOR M. BALATICO, Ph.D.

Campus Executive Officer

BSIT 102
 Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC. Into. To Frequency Modulation (FM)

LESSON 1. Frequency Modulation Reception

1.1. Frequency Modulation

1.2. FM Transmitter
1.3. Type of Modulation

LESSON 2. Different Stages of a Frequency Modulation Receiver and Their

Functions.

2.1. Block Diagram of a Frequency Modulation

2.2. FM Receiver Stages and their Functions
2.3. Frequency amplifier?
2.4. A Limiter Circuit and it’s the function in FM Receiver
2.5. Phase Lock Loop System (PLL)
2.6. Difference between Amplitude Modulation and Frequency
Modulation

LESSON 3. Frequency Modulation Receiver Assembling

1.1. Basic FM Radio circuit Kit 88-108MHz with Built in

Audio Amplifier

LESSON 4. FM Operation

1.1. Frequency Modulation Radio and Multiband Radio

Receiver Servicing

How Do You Use This Module?

To get the most from this Module, you need to do the following:

1. Begin by reading and understanding the Learning Outcome/s and Performance

Standards. These will tell you what you should know and be able to do at the end
of this Module.
2. Find out what you already know by taking the Pretest then check your answer
against the Answer Key. If you get 99 to 100% of the items correctly, you may
proceed to the next Lesson. This means that you need not go through the
Lesson because you already know what it is about. If you fail to get 99 to 100%
correctly, go through the Lesson again and review especially those items which
you failed to get.
3. Do the required Learning Activities. They begin with one or more Information
Sheets. An Information Sheet contains important notes or basic information that
you need to know.
After reading the Information Sheet, test yourself on how much you have
learned by means of the Self-check. Refer to the Answer Key for correction. Do
not hesitate to go back to the Information Sheet when you do not get all test
items correctly. This will ensure your mastery of basic information.
4. Demonstrate what you learned by doing what the Activity / Operation /Job Sheet
directs you to do.
5. You must be able to apply what you have learned in another activity or in a real
life situation.
6. Accomplish the Scoring Rubrics for you to know how well you performed.

If you have questions, ask your teacher for assistance.

 TOPIC 1. Into. To Frequency Modulation (FM)

Learning Outcomes
This Topics will help you to:
 Analyze the reception of FM receiver.
 Identify the different Types of Modulation
 Identify the Different Stages of a Frequency Modulation Receiver and Their
Functions
 Differentiate an AM from FM receivers.
 Assemble and Test FM Receiver
 State the common troubles of FM radio receivers

Introduction

FM broadcasting is a method of radio broadcasting using frequency

modulation (FM). Invented in 1933 by American engineer Edwin Armstrong, wide-band
FM is used worldwide to provide high fidelity sound over broadcast radio. FM
broadcasting is capable of higher fidelity that is, more accurate reproduction of the
original program sound than other broadcasting technologies, such as AM broadcasting.
Therefore, FM is used for most broadcasts of music. FM radio stations use the very high
frequency range of radio frequencies.
The FM transmitters and receivers are those devices which is used for sending
and receiving FM signal. The transmitters are those devices which is used to send
frequency modulated wave through a band and the receivers are the devices which
received modulated signal then after demodulation it gives us the original signal.

LESSON 1

Frequency Modulation Reception

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Topics, you are expected to
do the following:

 Analyze the reception of FM receiver

 Identify the different Types of Modulation
 What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about Modulation.

Take this test.

Pretest

Direction: Match the different signal with their actual pictures. Write the letter on a
separate sheet.

1. Carrier Signal
2. Amplitude Modulation Signal
3. Audio “message” Signal
4. Frequency Modulated Signal
5. Phase Modulated Signal

a. b.

c. d.

e.

What Do You Need to Know?

 Read Information Sheet very well; then, find out how much you can
remember and how much you have learned by doing Self-check.

Information Sheet

1.1. FREQUENCY MODULATION

In electronics and telecommunications, modulation is the process of varying one

or more properties of a periodic waveform, called the carrier signal, with a modulating
signal that typically contains information to be transmitted.
Modulation is a process of mixing a signal with a sinusoid to produce a new
signal. This new signal, conceivably, will have certain benefits over an un-modulated
signal. Mixing of low frequency signal with high frequency carrier signal is called
modulation.
The sinusoidal signal that is used in the modulation is known as the carrier
signal, or simply "the carrier". The signal that is used in modulating the carrier signal (or
sinusoidal signal) is known as the "data signal" or the "message signal". It is important
to notice that a simple sinusoidal carrier contains no information of its own. In other
words, we can say that modulation is used because some data signals are not always
suitable for direct transmission, but the modulated signal may be more suitable.

Frequency Modulation

Frequency modulation (FM) is the modulation technique that represents

information as variations in the frequency of the carrier wave, whereas in AM, the carrier
amplitude is varied while its frequency remains constant. In analog applications, the
carrier frequency is varied in direct proportion to changes in the amplitude of the data
signal, as shown in Figure.
 CARRIER

MESSAGE

AM SIGNAL

FM SIGNAL

While changing the amplitude of a radio signal is the most obvious method to
modulate it, it is by no means the only way. It is also possible to change the frequency
of a signal to give frequency modulation or FM. Frequency modulation is widely used on
frequencies above 30 MHz, and it is particularly well known for its use for VHF FM
broadcasting.

1.2. FM TRANSMITTER

The transmitters are those devices which is used to send frequency modulated
wave through a band. The transmitter itself generates a radio frequency alternating
current, which is applied to the antenna. When excited by this alternating current, the
antenna radiates radio waves.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FM.

1. NARROW BAND F.M.

We know that the bandwidth of an FM signal depends upon the frequency Deviation.
if frequency deviation is low then bandwidth will be narrow then narrow band FM is
formed.

2. WIDEBAND FM
If frequency deviation is high, it means frequency sensitivity is high result as
bandwidth will be wide hence wide band is formed.
 The Amplitude Modulated (AM radio) carrier frequencies are in the frequency
range 535-1605 kHz. Carrier frequencies of 540 to 1600 kHz are assigned at 10 kHz
intervals.
The FM radio band is from 88 to 108 MHz between VHF television Channels 6
and 7. The FM stations are assigned center frequencies at 200 kHz separation starting
at 88.1 MHz, for a maximum of 100 stations. These FM stations have a 75 kHz
maximum deviation from the center frequency, which leaves 25 kHz upper and lower
"guard bands" to minimize interaction with the adjacent frequency band.
Difference between wideband frequency modulation and narrowband frequency
modulation.

WIDEBAND FM:
Parameters:
1. maximum deviation: 75 kHz
2. range of modulating frequency: 30 Hz to 15 kHz
3. bandwidth: large, about 15 times higher than BW of narrowband FM
4. applications: entertainment broadcasting
5. pre-emphasis and de-emphasis: is needed.

NARROWBAND FM:
Parameters:
1. maximum deviation: 5kHz
2. range of modulating frequency: 30 Hz to 3 kHz
3. bandwidth: small. Approximately same as that of AM
4. applications: FM mobile communication like police wireless, ambulance etc.
5. pre-emphasis and de-emphasis: are needed. 

Crystal Oscillator
Crystal oscillator generates the stable carrier signal.

Phase Modulator
The phase modulator modulates the carrier signal and the message signal in the
low power range to generate a narrow band FM.
Frequency Multiplier
 The frequency multiplier is used to increase the frequency deviation and carrier
signal frequency to a desired level.

Power Amplifier
The power amplifier gives the required power level to the signal which passes
through the antenna.

Antenna
Antenna is a device which is used for sending and receiving the information.

1.3. TYPES OF MODULATION

There are 3 basic types of modulation: Amplitude modulation, Frequency

modulation, and Phase modulation.

amplitude modulation
a type of modulation where the amplitude of the carrier signal is modulated
(changed) in proportion to the message signal while the frequency and phase are
kept constant.
frequency modulation
a type of modulation where the frequency of the carrier signal is modulated
(changed) in proportion to the message signal while the amplitude and phase are
kept constant.
phase modulation
a type of modulation where the phase of the carrier signal is varied accordance
to the low frequency of the message signal is known as phase modulation.

Why Use Modulation?

 Why use modulation at all? To answer this question, let's consider a channel that
essentially acts like a bandpass filter: both the lowest frequency components and the
highest frequency components are attenuated or unusable in some way, with
transmission only being practical over some intermediate frequency range. If we can't
send low-frequency signals, then we need to shift our signal up the frequency ladder.
Modulation allows us to send a signal over a bandpass frequency range. If every signal
gets its own frequency range, then we can transmit multiple signals simultaneously over
a single channel, all using different frequency ranges.
Another reason to modulate a signal is to allow the use of a smaller antenna. A
baseband (low frequency) signal would need a huge antenna because in order to be
efficient, the antenna needs to be about 1/10th the length of the wavelength. Modulation
shifts the baseband signal up to a much higher frequency, which has much smaller
wavelengths and allows the use of a much smaller antenna.

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 1.1

Direction: Answer briefly the questions below.

1. Why is frequency multiplier used in FM transmitter?

2. Why is higher deviation necessary in FM Transmitter?
3. Why is Wideband used in entertainment FM broadcasting?
4. Why is FM better than AM in entertainment broadcasting?
5. Why use Modulation at all?

Self-Check 1.2

Direction: Fill in the blank: Read each statement or question below carefully
and fill in the blank(s) with the correct answer.

1. A type of modulation where the carrier phase signal varied in accordance with
the low frequency message signal known as ________________.

2. Amplitude Modulation is a modulating technique where the amplitude of the

carrier signal is changed in proportion to the message signal while the frequency
and phase are ________________.
 3. ____________ modulation is a technique where the frequency of the carrier
signal is modulated (changed) in proportion to the message signal while the
amplitude and phase are kept constant.

4. Maximum deviation in wideband frequency modulation is _______ kHz.

5. ______________is a process of mixing a signal with a sinusoid to produce a

new signal.

6. The sinusoidal signal that uses in the said process is known as

the _____________ signal.

7. Frequency modulation widely uses on frequencies above _______ MHz, and it

is particularly well known for its use for VHF FM broadcasting.

8. The transmitters are those devices which are used to send frequency
modulated wave through a band. The transmitter itself generates a radio
frequency alternating current, which applied to the antenna. When excited by this
alternating current, the antenna radiates _____________.

9. The bandwidth of an FM signal depends upon the frequency Deviation. if f

requency deviation is low then bandwidth will be ___________.

10. The FM radio band is from 88 to ______ MHz between VHF television

Channels 6 and 7.

Refer to the Answer Key. What is your score?

LESSON 2

Different Stages of a Frequency Modulation Receiver and Their Functions

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Topics, you are expected to
do the following:

 Identify the Different Stages of a Frequency Modulation Receiver and

Their Functions
 Differentiate an AM from FM receivers.


What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about Frequency Modulation Receiver.
Take this test.
 Pretest

Direction: Identify the characteristics of Frequency Modulation please put check mark
on the space provided which you think is the right answer.

______ 1. The bandwidth requirement is low in the range of 10 kHz.

______ 2. The bandwidth requirement is high in the range of 200 kHz.
______ 3. The area of reception is large.
______ 4. The area of reception is limited
______ 5. The frequency and phase is constant.
______ 6. The amplitude and phase is constant.
______ 7. Low quality signal is obtained.
______ 8. The received signal is of high quality.
______ 9. Simple
______ 10. Complex

What Do You Need to Know?

Read Information Sheet very well; then, find out how much you can
remember and how much you have learned by doing Self-check.

Information Sheet

2.1. Block Diagram of a Frequency Modulation

A radio or FM receiver is an electronic device that receives radio waves and
converts the information carried by them to a usable form. An antenna is used to catch
the desired frequency waves. The receiver uses electronic filters to separate the desired
radio frequency signal from all the other signals picked up by the antenna, an electronic
amplifier to increase the power of the signal for further processing, and finally recovers
the desired information through demodulation.
FM frequency ranges
Frequency modulation is used in a radio broadcast in the 88-108MHz VHF band.
This bandwidth range is marked as FM on the band scales of radio receivers, and the
devices that are able to receive such signals are called FM receivers. The FM radio
transmitter has a 200kHz wide channel. The maximum audio frequency transmitted in
FM is 15 kHz as compared to 4.5 kHz in AM. This allows a much larger range of
frequencies to be transferred in FM and thus the quality of FM transmission is
significantly higher than of AM transmission. 

2.2. FM Receiver Stages and their Functions

RF tuned amplifier - These amplifiers are used for impedance matching to minimize
noise level.

Mixer - These oscillator circuits are taking any form to mix up the frequency modulated
signal for performing the operation in such circuit central frequency is change but
deviation is constant

Intermediate frequency amplifier - The IF amplifier provides most of the gain and
bandwidth requirement of the receiver.

Limiters - Limiters are those circuit which allows the certain frequency range to pass
out and block the other signals
Discriminator - The discriminator change FM into AM. A simple diode detection then
recovers the intelligence contained in the envelop of the AM waveform.

De-emphasis - The artificial boosting given to the higher modulating frequencies in the
process of pre-emphasis is nullified or compensated at the receiver by the process of
Deemphasis

Vol & tone controller - In this circuit it controls the efficiency of audio signal. The signal
whose efficiency is more than audible range are neglected in this circuit.

Power amplifier - The power amplifier gives the required power level to the signal
which passes through the loudspeaker.

2.3. Radio Frequency Amplifiers

Transmitter Side:

A radio frequency power amplifier (RF power amplifier) is a type of electronic

amplifier that converts a low-power radio-frequency signal into a higher power signal.
Typically, RF power amplifiers drive the antenna of a transmitter. Design goals often
include gain, power output, bandwidth, power efficiency, linearity (low signal
compression at rated output), input and output impedance matching, and heat
dissipation.
The RF Power Amplifier (PA) is the last component of a transmitter chain. The
purpose of a transmitter is to deliver an RF signal with required properties and specified
power level to the antenna; and the need for the PA is in amplification of that signal to
the level expected at antenna port. That is, in order to do the job, the PA has to meet
the following requirements: It has to have sufficient Gain – to amplify RF signal to the
level expected at Antenna Port. It is expressed as the difference between input and
output RF powers.
It has to have sufficient Power Handling Capability – to be able to sustain a
RF power level expected by the Antenna Port. Sometimes it is expressed as “dissipated
power”, however for high power RF transistors it is often given as “Saturated Power”
level.
It has to be distortion-free – in order for a system’s receiver to be able to
recognize radiated signal. It is expressed as a degree of linearity.
It has to be stable – to avoid a creation of oscillations over anticipated variations of
external conditions (that is, changes in temperature, load, frequency, DC and RF
powers).
Receiver Side:

A tuned amplifier that amplifies the high-frequency signals commonly used in

radio communications. The frequency at which maximum gain occurs in a radio-
frequency (rf) amplifier is made variable by changing either the capacitance or the
inductance of the tuned circuit. A typical application is the amplification of the signal
received from an antenna before it is mixed with a local oscillator signal in the first
detector of a radio receiver. The amplifier that follows the first detector is a special type
of rf amplifier known as an intermediate-frequency (i-f) amplifier.

2.4. A Limiter Circuit and it’s the function in FM Receiver

Amplitude limiter in FM receivers are used to remove the amplitude variations.

The limiter does this by clipping the received modulated wave. In FM signal the
frequency of the carrier is varied. So, if there are any variations in the amplitude of the
received wave, it is due to noise or interference in the communication channel. So,
these amplitude variations are remover by the amplitude limiters.
 Limiter circuit is used in FM receiver to remove the noise present in the peaks
of the received signal and to remove any amplitude variation in the received signal; the
output of the limiter has constant amplitude.

2.5. Phase Lock Loop System (PLL)

The phase locked loop takes in a signal to which it locks and can then output this
signal from its own internal VCO. At first sight this may not appear particularly useful,
but with a little ingenuity, it is possible to develop a large number of phase locked loop
applications.
Some phase lock loop applications include:
 FM demodulation:   One major phase locked loop application is that of a FM
demodulator. With PLL chips now relatively cheap, this PLL applications enables
high quality audio to be demodulated from an FM signal.
 AM demodulation:   Phase locked loops can be used in the synchronous
demodulation of amplitude modulated signals. Using this approach, the PLL locks
onto the carrier so that a reference within the receiver can be generated. As this
corresponds exactly to the frequency of the carrier, it can be mixer with the incoming
signal to synchronous demodulate the AM.

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is a frequency- and phase-sensitive feedback

control circuit. It consists of three major parts: a mixer or phase detector, a LPF, and a
VCO, as shown in Fig. below. The signal from the VCO is compared to the input signal.
If there is a frequency (or phase) difference between the two, an error signal is
generated. This error signal is filtered by the LPF into a varying DC level and is used to
control the VCO frequency. This is the feedback signal.
2.6. Difference between Amplitude Modulation and Frequency Modulation

Amplitude Modulation and frequency modulation, both are the type of

transmission techniques for transmitting information from sender to receiver. But the
similarities between the two ends here. Amplitude modulation involves the modulation
of the carrier signal according to the amplitude of the baseband signal. The frequency
and phase of the carrier signal remain constant.
On the contrary, frequency modulation involves the modulation of the carrier
signal according to the frequency of the baseband or information signal. Thus, the
major difference between the amplitude modulation and frequency modulation is that
the amplitude modulation is the process of modulating the amplitude of the carrier
signal, while frequency modulation is the modulation of the frequency of the carrier
signal.
Another significant term which creates the difference between these two
modulation techniques is the bandwidth requirement. The bandwidth requirement in
case of amplitude modulation is very less as compared to frequency modulation.
We will discuss some other crucial differences between amplitude modulation
and frequency modulation like frequency range, quality of transmission etc. with the
help of comparison chart. But before discussing the comparison chart, let’s put light on
the crucial cornerstone of this article.

Comparison Chart
PARAMETERS AMPLITUDE MODULATION FREQUENCY MODULATION

Definition The amplitude of the carrier wave is The frequency of the carrier
modulated according to the value of wave is modulated according
the amplitude of the information to the value of the frequency
signal. of the information signal.

Circuit designing Simple Complex

Cost of the It is less costly. It is more costly than

circuit amplitude modulation
technique.

Bandwidth The bandwidth requirement is low The bandwidth requirement is

 PARAMETERS AMPLITUDE MODULATION FREQUENCY MODULATION

requirement in the range of 10 kHz. high in the range of 200 kHz.

Area of The area of reception is large. The area of reception is

reception limited in comparison to that of
amplitude modulation system.

Constant terms The frequency and phase is The amplitude and phase is
constant. constant.

Power The wastage of power is more in The power is utilized properly,

amplitude modulation because the because all transmitted power
significant part of the power is is carried by the information
carried by the carrier signal which signal.
do not contain any information.

Noise Immunity The amplitude modulation system The frequency modulation is

is not immune from noise distortion
as frequency deviation technique
and amplitude delimiters cannot be
utilized in amplitude modulation
system.
more immune to noise
distortion because we can use
frequency deviation technique
and amplitude delimiters.

Quality of Low quality signal is obtained. The received signal is of high

reception quality.

Definition of Amplitude Modulation

The amplitude modulation is the process of transmitting the information signal by
superimposing it on the high-frequency wave called carrier wave. The information
signal can be of any type based on the type of information it is carrying such as voice,
data etc.
 The frequency of the information signal which is also known as the baseband
signal is extremely low. The frequency of the signal is directly related to the energy of
the signal. Thus, if signal frequency is very low then the signal will get attenuate after
travelling a certain distance. In order to avoid the attenuation of the signal, it is
superimposed on the high-frequency carrier wave.
In case of amplitude modulation, the amplitude of the carrier wave modulates, i.e.
it varies with the amplitude of the information signal. Thus, the modulation is
called amplitude modulation. It is to be noted that the frequency and the phase of the
carrier remain constant during amplitude modulation.
The main drawback of the using amplitude modulation technique is the lower
efficiency and poor quality. The modulated signal obtained from amplitude modulator
does not resemble the transmitted signal as its quality gets degraded. Besides, the
noise immunity of amplitude modulators is also poor.
The advantage of using amplitude modulation technique is that it requires low
bandwidth which makes it less costly.

Frequency Modulation
The frequency modulation is the technique of modulation in which the
frequency of the carrier signal is varied in accordance with the frequency of the
information or baseband signal keeping the amplitude of carrier signal constant.

The frequency modulator performs the modulation task, in this carrier signal from
radio frequency generator and the information signal from the information source is
introduced. The modulated signal is then passed to RF amplifier which ameliorates the
necessary attenuations.
The main advantage of using the frequency modulation technique for
transmission is that quality of the transmitted signal does not deteriorate. But the
frequency modulation system is complex to design thus, the cost of such system is quite
high.
 How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 2.1

Directions: Choose the best option. Write the letter only.

1. This amplifier gives the required power level to the signal, which passes through
the loudspeaker.
a. Power Amplifier b. Radio Amplifier
c. Frequency Amplifier d. IF Amplifier

2. This circuit allows the specific frequency range to pass out and block the other
signals
a. Limiter b. Filter
c. Detector d. Modulator

3. A simple diode detection that changes FM into AM. Then recovers the intelligence
contained in the envelope of the AM waveform.
a. Discriminator b. AVC
c. AGC d. Mixer

4. This oscillator circuits are taking any form to mix up the frequency modulated
signal for operating on such circuit central frequency is change, but the deviation
is constant.
a. Mixer b. AVC
c. AGC d. Discriminator

5. This amplifier is used for impedance matching to minimize noise level.

a. RF Amplifier b. Power Amplifier
c. Frequency Amplifier d. IF Amplifier

6. This amplifier provides most of the gain and bandwidth requirement of the
receiver.
a. IF amplifier b. Power Amplifier
c. RF Amplifier d. Frequency Amplifier

7. The phase-locked loop (PLL) is a frequency- and a phase-sensitive feedback

control circuit. It consists of three major parts which of the following is not part of
the PLL.
a. Mixer b. LPF
c. VCO d. AGC
 Self-Check 2.2

Directions: list down or enumerate what are asked for each of the following.

Give at least Five (5) Difference between Amplitude Modulation and Frequency
Modulation

Amplitude Modulation

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________

Frequency Modulation

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________

Refer to the Answer Key. What is your score?

 LESSON 3

Frequency Modulation Receiver Assembling

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Topic, you are expected to
do the following:

 Assemble and Test FM Receiver

 What Do You Need to Know?

Read Information Sheet very well; then, identify electronic components and
understand if they are polarity sensitive and know how to read circuit and
component values.

Information Sheet

3.1. Basic FM Radio circuit Kit 88-108MHz with Built in Audio Amplifier

Specification

 Simple and Easy to Assemble

 Through hole components easy to solder. No tiny SMD components.
 Built in Audio Amplifier
 Only need 2 AA or AAA batteries to power (3V-8.5V)
 How to assemble guide and the Schematic Diagram included.
 Quality sound and strong signal
 Potentiometer for adjusting the volume
 Suitable for Hobby projects, Student Projects and other use.

This Kit includes all components of Radio Circuit. You have to Solder and assemble
it on PCB by yourself. CXA1619 is a Sony integrated circuit where you can find in most
of small analog radios. It needs few external components but has good channel
separation and very good signal strength. Also, it has a built-in audio amplifier so you
can simply connect the outputs to a small speaker. It’s reliable and easy to tune.
 Please note that Sony CXA1019S ICs included in these kits are New, but from a old
stock since Sony has discontinued the production. There could be some scratches and
scuffs on surfaces of the IC and its pins which will NOT affect to its functionality.  100%
tested.

PCB Specifications

 No solder masks.
 Anti-Oxidation Rosin coat applied. Easy to solder.
 Size - 7cm x 4cm 
 Thickness - 1mm
 Safe Material

If there is any problem about assembling the circuit, feel free to contact me. I will be
more than happy to help you.

 Power Supply - 3V to 9V
 Maximum Audio Output - 0.5W
 Maximum Power Dissipation - 1W
 Speaker Impedance - 4 ~ 8 Ohm
 Antenna - 100cm wire or a small Arial
 How Do You Apply What You Have
Learned?

Show that you have learned something by doing this project.

Operation Sheet 1

Instruction:

1. Do the following Operation Sheets:

a. Procedure in using a soldering iron

b. Mounting and soldering of components on PCB
c. Disassembly and assembly of the circuit

Procedure in using a soldering iron

1. Preparing the soldering iron

a. Place the soldering iron on the stand before plugging it.

b. Wait a few minutes for the soldering iron to attain its operating temperature of
about 4000C.
c. Wipe the tip of the soldering iron on the wet damp sponged
d. Melt a little solder (soldering lead – 60/40) on the tip of the iron.
e. Wipe the tip of the soldering iron again on the wet damp sponge.

2. Soldering technique

a. Hold the soldering iron like a pen, near the base of the handle.
b. Touch the soldering iron onto the joint to be soldered.
c. Apply a small amount of solder onto the joint.
d. Remove the solder, then the soldering iron, while keeping the joint in still
position.
e. Inspect the joint carefully. It should look shiny and with a volcano shape.
 Operation Sheet 2

Mounting and soldering of components on PCB

Procedure in mounting and soldering components on printed circuit board

1. Carefully check the ready-made PCB against the diagram and inspect for any
tiny shorts or open paths. Do the remedial steps, if necessary.
2. Insert all the resistors as indicated in the diagram.
3. Insert all the electrolytic and non-polar capacitors in the PCB. Take note of
their polarity orientation.
4. Mount the tuning capacitor is taking into consideration the proper
orientation of the pins.
5. Mount the volume control and Air coil to the place intended for in the
PCB.
6. Mount the CXA Integrated Circuit, taking into consideration the correct
orientation of the chip.
7. Remove the insulation of a 4-inch #22 black stranded hook-up wire with at least 1/8
of an inch on both ends. Insert the uninsulated part at one end for the negative
supply.
8. Do the same as in step no. 6 using red hook-up wire for the positive supply.
9. Let your teacher check your work before making any soldering job.

a. Solder the connections of your work following the procedure of proper

soldering technique.
 LESSON 4

Frequency Modulation Radio and Multiband Radio Receiver Servicing

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Topic, you are expected to
do the following:

 State the common troubles of FM radio receiver

 What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about Frequency Modulation Receiver
Troubles. Take this test.

Pretest

Direction: Match the following troubles of FM Radio receiver and their cause.

TROUBLES

1. _________ Weak reception

2. _________ Interference

3. _________ Distorted sounds

4. _________ Twittering and whistling

5. _________ Hissing and fading

6. _________ Buzzing, clicking and pops

CAUSE OF TROUBLE

a. This can happen when your radio receives more than one signal. For example, you
receive one signal directly from the transmitter and another is being reflected off a
nearby hill.

b. This happens if there is another frequency being transmitted near the one you are
listening to. This can be caused by high pressure. During fine weather radio signals
can travel much further than normal.

c. FM signals can be affected because of weather including high pressure

d. This normally means that the signal you are receiving is not strong enough.

e. This may mean an electrical item in your home or nearby, is interfering with the
reception of your FM radio.

f. In some urban areas FM signal can be a problem because of the Pirate radio.
 What Do You Need to Know?

Read Information Sheet very well; then, find out how much you can
remember and how much you have learned by doing Self-check.

Information Sheet

4.1 FM Receiver Servicing

This issue we'll take a look at Servicing FM receivers, such as those found in a
VHF/UHF transceiver. Let's assume you've been asked to service a rig for a fellow ham.
You've never seen this piece of equipment before. Where do you begin?

Power up, then listen

First, connect the rig up to a 12V power supply. If you don't know which lead is
ground, you can clip the negative side of the supply to the case. The positive lead
usually goes to the volume control on/off switch. This lead usually can be easily located
using an ohmmeter.
The next step is to make sure a good speaker is connected. Some rigs require
an external speaker. Others require a special jumper connection to be made on the rear
panel connector to bypass an internal speaker. Don't forget to test the internal speaker.
On a particular brand of taxi cab radios, the internal speaker was known to go bad 95
percent of the time – so don't assume it's good!
Now power up the unit, turning the squelch down and the volume up. You should
hear noise coming from the speaker. If not, you can test the audio Section by feeding a
test tone into the center terminal of the volume control.
If you don't hear the tone, the problem is in the audio section. If you do hear the
tone, the problem is in the front end, IF stages or demodulator.
Suppose the complaint was weak reception. The best place to start is at the RF
amplifier. But don't go too fast. Did you hook up a good antenna? I always use my trusty
magnet mount stuck to the top of the refrigerator. Did you examine the SO-239 antenna
connector during your visual inspection? A friend once showed me a unit that had the
center socket pin missing. No wonder the operator was having problems!

Diodes
Another consideration in weak reception is the switching diodes. These are
usually special PIN types, used to quickly switch from receive to transmit. If they go bad,
an unwanted attenuation of the signal can occur. Other diodes in this section should be
carefully examined, also. I once found that a switching diode from the regulated power
source was thermally intermittent.
 The tool used here was a can of freeze spray. If you suspect the PIN diodes are
bad, unplug the jumper from this section and connect the antenna right to the RF amp
input. If the signal is stronger, you've found the culprit.
Of course, the MOSFET is becoming quite common as the RF amplifying device
and is still prone to blow out due to static discharge. Usually, a high impedance
voltmeter will tell you something is wrong here when compared to the voltage readings
on the schematic.

Mixer and oscillator

A telltale sign that this section is defective is the absence of noise with the
Squelch down and tuned to an unused channel. (You can qet a good idea of this by
turning your TV to an unused channel. Notice the hissing sound. TV sound is FM, too,
but the quieting effect is only apparent when a signal or carrier is present.)
If this is a crystal-controlled rig and only one frequency is dead, this is a Clue that
the crystal may be cracked. This can easily happen if the unit was dropped, Smashed,
kicked — or thrown against a wall! Crystals and crystal filters won't tolerate much
abuse. If this is a new synthesized type of rig, you may try to substitute the crystal in the
master oscillator. They are usually in the six to 10 MHz range. Do this just as a test, not
as a permanent cure. The crystal must be cut exactly to proper frequency and
capacitance.
If this trick doesn't work and you still Suspect the crystal, you may be able to take
it to a local two-way or TV repair shop. Many of them now have frequency Counters with
a built-in Crystal checker. This type of unit will check the crystal at its fundamental
frequency — which will be a good go/no go test.

IF amplifiers, limiter and detector

Not much goes wrong in these sections, but I have experienced cases where the
whole radio was completely Out of whack! It usually ends up that the slugs inside the
coils have turned themselves due to vibration and spun around inside the coil forms, so
that the radio is no longer in alignment.
The best way to do an alignment is with a SINAD meter and a communications
monitor-type signal generator. Possibly you have made friends at the local two-way
shop, and they'll let you use their equipment. (If you do a good job on your own
equipment, they might offer you a part-time job!)
The signal generator’s output attenuator is connected to the antenna input, while
the SINAD meter is connected across the speaker terminals. Start with the signal at
about five microvolts, and reduce it until the SINAD meter reads about – 6 dB. Now
follow the alignment procedure in the manual, always working toward the – 12 mark on
the meter.
If you reach – 12, reduce the output from the generator and continue. I always go
through the receiver twice, at two frequencies in the center of the band, if possible.
(Obviously, this is not necessary with a single channel radio) When you're done, the
signal generator should be around 0.2 to 0.5 microvolts for 12 dB SINAD, and good
sensitivity.

Audio amplifier
 You'll know the audio amplifier is bad when you can't achieve good SINAD at any
signal level. This tells you that you have excessive audio distortion – probably one of
the push/pull-type output transistors is bad.
I remember one particular unit that had been “played with” previously by a green
technician. The problem was a burned resistor, or so he thought. When he replaced it,
he put in one color-coded brown-black-green, instead of the 15 ohms it should have
been. Then he wondered why it still didn’t work!
Replacement with the correct value brought Smoke again and led to the
discovery of a shorted tantalum electrolytic capacitor, acting as decoupling for the
power supply voltage.

FM Radio reception problems

FM Radio reception problems can be caused by many things. It is often a

process of elimination to find the cause.
First check whether it is a reception problem by checking your own installation, or
whether there are any external problems such as faults in the network, or weather.
Certain sounds, such as sibilance, whistling, twittering, popping, hissing, buzzing or
clicking can point to a particular problem. Some may indicate the problem is being
caused by an interfering signal.

Hi-fi radios
If you are using a hi-fi tuner and stereo reception is hissy, but mono is fine, your aerial
may not be powerful enough. You may need to consider a loft or external aerial to solve
your reception problem.

Weather
FM signals can be affected by fine weather including high pressure and the only
solution is to wait for the weather to change, you should not re-tune during this
time. Our information on how clear skies and fine weather can affect your Radio
reception may be useful.

Pirate Radio
In some urban areas Pirate Radio can be a problem, The Regulator, Ofcom, deals with
Pirate Radio and you can report it using the Pirate Radio form on the Ofcom
website.

Distorted S and Z sounds (sibilance)

This can happen when your radio receives more than one signal. The second signal is
picked up by the radio moments after the first. For example, you receive one signal
directly from the transmitter and another is being reflected off a nearby hill. Try moving
the radio or tuning to a different frequency.

Twittering and whistling

It often sounds like birds tweeting. This happens if there is another frequency being
transmitted near the one you are listening to. This can be caused by high pressure.
During fine weather radio signals can travel much further than normal.

Hissing and fading

This normally means that the signal you are receiving is not strong enough.

Buzzing, clicking and pops

This may mean an electrical item in your home or nearby, is interfering with the
reception of your FM radio and is causing the buzzing, clicking or pops you can hear.

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 4.1

Direction: State at least one (1) cause of the common troubles of FM Receiver.

Troubles Cause

No Sound: ____________________________________

No Power: ____________________________________

Weak Reception: ____________________________________

Distorted Audio Signal: ____________________________________

Hissing Sound: ____________________________________

Refer to the Answer Key. What is your score?

 How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely.

Remember it is your learning at stake!

Procedure in using a soldering iron

Direction: Prepare an actual laboratory activity regarding soldering techniques.

Suggested Activity:

Construct a figure or image using #18 solid copper wire applying proper soldering
techniques.

Mounting and soldering of components on PCB

Direction: Guide the students in mounting and soldering the components of the blinker
circuit on PCB applying proper soldering techniques.
 Congratulations! You did a great job

ANSWER KEYS
LESSON 1
PRETEST
1. E
2. A
3. D
4. B
5. C

SELF CHECK 1.1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5

SELF CHECK 1.2

1. Phase Modulation
2. Kept Constant
3. Frequency Modulation
4. 75 KHz
5. Modulation
6. Carrier
7. 30 MHz
 8. Radio wave
9. Narrow
10. 108 MHz

LESSON 2
PRETEST
1.
2. CHECK
3.
4. CHECK
5.
6. CHECK
7.
8. CHECK
9.
10. CHECK

SELF CHECK 2.1

1. A. POWER AMPLIFIER
2. A. LIMITERS
3. A. DISCRIMINATOR
4. A. MIXER
5. A. RF AMPLIFIER
6. A. IFAMPLIFIER
7. D. AGC

SELF CHECK 2.2

AMPLITUDE MODULATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

FREQUENCY MODULATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

LESSON 4
PRETEST
1. C
2. F
3. A
 4. B
5. D
6. E

SELF CHECK 4.1

NO SOUND:

NO POWER:

WEAK RECEPTION:

DISTORTED AUDIO SIGNAL:

HISSING SOUND: