Linear CW Modulation

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ( TC-307), FALL, 2022

Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) Modulation
DSB-SC is an amplitude modulated wave transmission scheme in which
only sidebands are transmitted and the carrier is not transmitted as it gets suppressed. DSB-SC is an
acronym for Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier.
The carrier does not contain any information and its transmission results in loss of power. Because, two-
thirds of the power is being wasted in the carrier, which carries no information. Thus only sidebands are
transmitted that contains information. This results in saving of power used in transmission.
This saved power can be inserted into the 2 sidebands. Hence, ensuring a stronger signal that transmits
over long distances. As during suppression, the baseband signal does not get affected in any way.
A normal system also termed as Double Sideband Full Carrier (DSB-FC) system, transmits
carrier along with the two sidebands. Hence, resulting in a considerable power loss. So, DSB-SC system
is used in order to overcome the drawback of DSB-FC system.
Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) Modulation
Analysis of DSBSC:
If X(t) represents information signal/intelligence/modulating signal
C(t) represents Carrier signal= 𝑉𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡
M(t) represents Modulated signal

X(t) Product
M(t)
Modulator

C(t)
Then the DSBSC modulated signal will be: 𝑴 𝒕 = 𝑿 𝒕 . 𝑪 𝒕 = 𝑿 𝒕 𝑽𝒄 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒘𝒄 𝒕
The frequency domain of the M(t) is represented as M(w) so
𝑉𝑐
M(w)= 𝟐
(X(𝒘 − 𝒘𝒄 )+X(𝒘 + 𝒘𝒄 ))
 Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) Modulation

Bandwidth (BW) is the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies of the signal. Mathematically, we
can write it as
BW=fmax−fmin
 Consider the following equation of DSBSC modulated wave:
𝑉
M(t)= 𝟐𝑐(X(𝒘 − 𝒘𝒄 )+X(𝒘 + 𝒘𝒄 ))
 Hence, the DSBSC modulated wave has 2 frequency components. Those are upper sideband frequency (𝑤𝑐 +𝑤𝑚 )
and lower sideband frequency ((𝑤𝑐 − 𝑤𝑚 ). So, 𝑓𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑐 +𝑤𝑚 and 𝑓𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑤𝑐 − 𝑤𝑚
Therefore: BW=𝑤𝑐 +𝑤𝑚 -(𝑤𝑐 − 𝑤𝑚 )= 𝑤𝑐 +𝑤𝑚 -𝑤𝑐 + 𝑤𝑚
Hence BW= 2𝒘𝒎 OR BW(DSBFC)=BW(DSBSC)
 Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier
(DSBSC)
Single-Tone Modulation Analysis:
Only one frequency component of message signal is considered in single tone represented with 𝑓𝑚 , hence
the message signal will be: X(t)= 𝑉𝑚 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑚 𝑡 where 𝑤𝑚 =2𝜋𝑓𝑚 .
 As M(t) = 𝑋 𝑡 𝑉𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡
M(t)= 𝑉𝑚 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑚 𝑡𝑉𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
M(t)= × 2 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑚 𝑡𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡
2
Using trigonometry identity: 2cosAcosB= cos(A-B)+cos(A+B) we have:
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
M(t)= ×{𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑤𝑐 + 𝑤𝑚 )𝑡+ 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑤𝑐 − 𝑤𝑚 )𝑡 }
2
𝑉 𝑉
M(w)= 𝑚 𝑐 𝜋 (𝛿 𝑤 − (𝑤𝑐 +𝑤𝑚 ) + 𝛿 𝑤 + (𝑤𝑐 +𝑤𝑚 ) + 𝛿 𝑤 − (𝑤𝑐 −𝑤𝑚 ) + 𝛿 𝑤 + (𝑤𝑐 −𝑤𝑚 ) )
2
Power Distribution in the DSBSC
Waveform
The total effective (rms) power 𝑃𝑇 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 DSBSC wave is the sum of the effective sideband power levels
𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 and 𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 .
𝑃𝑇 =𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 +𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵
(𝑉𝐿𝑆𝐵𝑟𝑚𝑠 )2 (𝑉𝑈𝑆𝐵𝑟𝑚𝑠 )2
𝑃𝑇 = 𝑅
+ 𝑅
(0.707𝑉𝐿𝑆𝐵 )2 (0.707𝑉𝑈𝑆𝐵 )2
𝑃𝑇 = +
𝑅 𝑅
𝑉𝐿𝑆𝐵 2 𝑉𝑈𝑆𝐵 2
𝑃𝑇 = 2𝑅
+ 2𝑅
(𝑉𝑐 𝑉𝑚 )2
4
Since the power in the upper and lower sidebands is equal, Therefore 𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 = 𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 =
2𝑅
(𝑉𝑐 𝑉𝑚 ) 2 (𝑉𝑐 𝑉𝑚 ) 2 (𝑉𝑐 𝑉𝑚 ) 2
The total power is 𝑃𝑇 =𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 +𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 , we have: 𝑃𝑇 = 8𝑅
+ 8𝑅
= 4𝑅
Balanced Modulator
Balanced Modulator
Amplitude modulation is a way for a signal to be transmitted over distances. The AM signal is originally sent
with a carrier signal in the form of a wave, which is then modulated, or changed, by an audio signal that is also
in the form of a wave.
This produces a signal that has the original carrier signal plus two bands, one on top of the original and one on
the bottom. These are referred to as sidebands and are exact copies of each other. A signal like this is called
a double-sideband amplitude modulated (DSB-AM) signal.
The sidebands, are the signals responsible for carrying the information that is being transmitted. Once
modulated, the carrier signal doesn’t serve a real practical purpose anymore, and it only shows that a signal is
being sent. It does, however, take up a larger chunk of power than the two sideband signals, and also creates a
less-clear signal.
To modulate the waveform, a balanced modulator would be used. This device removes or suppresses the
carrier signal, so that only the two sideband signals remain. The signal that remains now has several times more
power because the carrier signal is not there to drain it away. This type of signal is referred to as double-
sideband suppressed-carrier (DSBSC). In addition to being more powerful, the signal is also “cleaner,” as it has
less signal noise, which the carrier signal can often create.
Balanced Modulator
Balanced modulator consists of two identical AM modulators. These two modulators are arranged in a balanced
configuration in order to suppress the carrier signal. Hence, it is called as Balanced modulator.
 The same carrier signal c(t)= 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t) is applied as one of the inputs to these two AM modulators. The
modulating signal m(t) is applied as another input to the upper AM modulator. Whereas, the modulating
signal m(t) with opposite polarity , i.e., −m(t) is applied as another input to the lower AM modulator.
Output of the upper AM modulator is:
𝑠1 (t)= 𝑉𝑐 [1+mx(t)]cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)

Output of the lower AM modulator is:

𝑠2 (t)= 𝑉𝑐 [1-mx(t)]cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)
 We get the DSBSC wave s(t) by subtracting 𝑠2 (t) from 𝑠1 (t). The summer block is used to perform this operation.
 𝑠1 (t) with positive sign and 𝑠2 (t) with negative sign are applied as inputs to the summer block. Thus, the summer
produces an output s(t) which is the difference of 𝑠1 (t) and 𝑠2 (t).

s(t)= 𝑉𝑐 [1+mx(t)]cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)- 𝑉𝑐 [1-mx(t)]cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)

Balanced Modulator
s(t)= 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)+ 𝑉𝑐 mx(t)cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)- 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)+ 𝑉𝑐 mx(t)cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)
s(t)= 2 𝑉𝑐 mx(t)cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)
We know the standard equation of DSBSC wave is:
s(t)= 𝑉𝑐 x(t)cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)
By comparing the output of summer block with the standard equation of DSBSC wave, we will get the
scaling factor as 2m
Ring Modulator/ Diode Modulator
 Ring Modulator/ Diode Modulator
In this diagram, the four diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 are connected in the ring structure. Hence, this
modulator is called as the ring modulator. Two center tapped transformers are used in this diagram.
The message signal m(t) is applied to the input transformer. Whereas, the carrier signals c(t) is applied
between the two center tapped transformers.
It is important to know that for the modulator to operate, the carrier’s amplitude must be adequately
greater than the modulating signal’s, about six to seven times greater.
For positive half cycle of the carrier signal, the diodes D1 and D3 are switched ON and the other two
diodes D2 and D4 are switched OFF as shown in the figure 2. The message signal is transmitted from one
transformer to another with 0 degrees phase shift in the resulting DSBSC wave.
For negative half cycle of the carrier signal, the diodes D2 and D4 are switched ON and the other two
diodes D1 and D3 are switched OFF as shown in the figure 3. In this case, the message signal is
transmitted from one transformer to another with 180 degrees phase shift in the resulting DSBSC wave.
 During the positive half-cycle, D1 and D2 are forward biased and on, and D3 and D4 are reverse biased
and act as open circuits.
Ring Modulator/ Diode Modulator
Ring Modulator/ Diode Modulator
The carrier current is then equally divided at the center tap of the input transformer’s secondary and
flows in opposite directions through the upper and lower halves of the winding.
The currents in the upper and lower parts each produce a magnetic field that is both equal and opposite
with each other therefore, the magnetic fields produced cancel out and the carrier is suppressed.
 The output waveform of the diode ring modulator has the carrier signal suppressed and is made up of
the sum and difference of the input frequencies. They are RF pulses that takes the shape and amplitude of
the modulating signal at the rate of the carrier signal.
Ideally, the carrier signal is totally suppressed, however, this doesn’t really happen. A small carrier
component always goes with the output signal and this is called a carrier leak. This happens for a few
reasons: First, if the transformers are not exactly center tapped; and second, if the diodes are not perfectly
matched.
 Ring Modulator/ Diode Modulator
The figure below shows the waveforms of the diode ring modulator in a timing diagram.
Figure 4. Diode Ring Modulator Waveforms: (A) Modulating Signal, (B) Carrier Signal, (C) DSBSC signal
at the primary of the output transformer, (D) DSBSC waveform after filtering
 Advantages and Disadvantages of
DSBSC
The advantages of DSB are as follows:
1. DSB-SC provides 50% modulation efficiency due to the absence of carrier.
2. It consumes less power again due to the absence of carrier in DSB-SC.
3. Low cost
The disadvantages of DSB are as follows:
1. It provides the large bandwidth due to the presence of two sidebands. The output frequency is twice the
frequency of the modulated signal.
2. The power wastage is high in DSB compared to other types of Amplitude Modulation because of the two
sidebands that are not effectively utilized.
3. It becomes difficult to recover the information at the receiving end. The recovery of the signal depends on
the carrier. If the carrier is absent, it needs to be regenerated. Such process of recovery at the receiver
becomes complex.
Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier
The DSBSC modulated signal has two sidebands. Since, the two sidebands carry the same information,
there is no need to transmit both sidebands. We can eliminate one sideband.
The process of suppressing one of the sidebands along with the carrier and transmitting a single sideband
is called as Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier system or simply SSBSC. It is plotted as shown in the
following figure.
Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier
In the above figure, the carrier and the lower sideband are suppressed. Hence, the upper sideband is used
for transmission. Similarly, we can suppress the carrier and the upper sideband while transmitting the
lower sideband.
This SSBSC system, which transmits a single sideband has high power, as the power allotted for both the
carrier and the other sideband is utilized in transmitting this Single Sideband.
 Mathematical Expressions of SSBSC
Let us consider the mathematical expressions for the modulating and the carrier signals as:
 𝑥 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 cos(2π 𝑓𝑚 t) and C(t)= 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)
Mathematically, we can represent the equation of SSBSC wave as:
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
s(t)= cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t) For Upper Sideband OR
2
𝑉 𝑉
s(t)= 𝑚 𝑐 cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t) For Lower Sideband
2
 Bandwidth of SSBSC Wave

 We know that the DSBSC modulated wave contains two sidebands and its
bandwidth is 2𝑓𝑚 . Since the SSBSC modulated wave contains only one
sideband, its bandwidth is half of the bandwidth of DSBSC modulated wave.
2𝑓𝑚
i.e., Bandwidth of SSBSC modulated wave = = 𝑓𝑚
2
Therefore, the bandwidth of SSBSC modulated wave is 𝑓𝑚 and it is equal to
the frequency of the modulating signal.
 Power Calculations of SSBSC
Consider the following equation of SSBSC modulated wave.
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
s(t)= cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t) For Upper Sideband OR
2
𝑉 𝑉
s(t)= 𝑚 𝑐 cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t) For Lower Sideband
2
Power of SSBSC wave is equal to the power of any one sideband frequency components.
𝑃𝑇 =𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 = 𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵
( 𝑉𝑚 )2
(𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 )2
We know that the standard formula for power of cos signal is: P= = 2
𝑅 𝑅
( 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐 )2
4×2 𝑉𝑚 2 𝑉𝑐 2
In this case, the power of the upper sideband is: 𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 = =
𝑅 8𝑅
𝑉𝑚 2 𝑉𝑐 2
Similarly, we will get the lower sideband power same as that of the upper side band power: 𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 =
8𝑅
𝑉𝑚 2 𝑉𝑐 2
Therefore, the power of SSBSC wave is: 𝑃𝑇 =𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 = 𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 =
8𝑅
Advantages of SSBSC
1. Bandwidth or spectrum space occupied is lesser than AM and DSBSC waves.
2. Transmission of more number of signals is allowed.
3. Power is saved.
4. High power signal can be transmitted.
5. Less amount of noise is present.
6. Signal fading is less likely to occur.
 Disadvantages and Applications of SSBSC
 Disadvantages:
1. The generation and detection of SSBSC wave is a complex process.
2. The quality of the signal gets affected unless the SSB transmitter and receiver have an excellent
frequency stability.
 Applications:
1. For power saving requirements and low bandwidth requirements.
2. In land, air, and maritime mobile communications.
3. In point-to-point communications.
4. In radio communications.
5. In television, telemetry, and radar communications.
6. In military communications, such as amateur radio, etc.
SSBSC Modulators
We can generate SSBSC wave using the following two methods.
1. Frequency discrimination method/modulator
2. Phase discrimination method/modulator
1. Frequency Discrimination Method: The following figure shows the block diagram of SSBSC
modulator using frequency discrimination method.
Frequency Discrimination
Method/Modulator
In this method, first DSBSC wave is generated with the help of the product modulator as shown in
Figure b. Then, apply this DSBSC wave as an input of band pass filter. This band pass filter produces an
output, which is SSBSC wave.
Select the frequency range of band pass filter as the spectrum of the desired SSBSC wave. This means
the band pass filter can be tuned to either upper sideband as shown in Figure c or lower sideband
frequencies as shown in Figure d to get the respective SSBSC wave having upper sideband or lower
sideband.

Figure c: Generation of SSBSC (USB) Figure d: Generation of SSBSC

Figure b: Generation of DSBSC Waveform Waveform (LSB) Waveform
Phase Discrimination Method
The following figure shows the block diagram of SSBSC modulator using phase discrimination method.
 Phase Discrimination Method
 This block diagram consists of two product modulators, two -90⁰ phase shifters, one local oscillator and one summer
block. The product modulator produces an output, which is the product of two inputs. The -90⁰ phase shifter produces an
output, which has phase lag of -90⁰ with respect to the input.
 The local oscillator is used to generate the carrier signal. Summer block produces an output, which is either the sum of
two inputs or the difference of two inputs based on the polarity of inputs.
The modulating signal 𝑉𝑚 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑚 𝑡 and the carrier signal 𝑉𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡 are directly applied as inputs to the upper product
modulator. So, the upper product modulator produces an output, which is the product of these two inputs.
The output of upper product modulator is: 𝑠1 (t)= 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑚 𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
𝑠1 (t)= (cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t+cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t)
2

The modulating signal 𝑉𝑚 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑚 𝑡 and the carrier signal 𝑉𝑐 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑤𝑐 𝑡 are phase shifted by -90⁰ before applying as inputs
to the lower product modulator. So, the lower product modulator produces an output, which is the product of these two
inputs.
Phase Discrimination Method
The output of lower product modulator is 𝑠2 (t)= 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π𝑓𝑚 t-90⁰)cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t-90⁰)
𝑠2 (t)= 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐 sin(2π𝑓𝑚 t)sin(2π 𝑓𝑐 t)
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
𝑠2 (t)= (cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t-cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t)
2
Add 𝑠1 (t) and 𝑠2 (t) in order to get the SSBSC modulated wave s(t) having a lower sideband.
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
S(t)= (cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t+cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t) + (cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t−cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t)
2 2
S(t)= 𝑽𝒎 𝑽𝒄 cos(2π (𝒇𝒄 −𝒇𝒎 )t
Subtract 𝑠2 (t) from 𝑠1 (t) in order to get the SSBSC modulated wave s(t) having a upper sideband.
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑐
S(t)= (cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t+cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t) - (cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 −𝑓𝑚 )t−cos(2π (𝑓𝑐 +𝑓𝑚 )t)
2 2
S(t)= 𝑽𝒎 𝑽𝒄 cos(2π (𝒇𝒄 +𝒇𝒎 )t
Hence, by properly choosing the polarities of inputs at summer block, SSBSC wave having a upper sideband or a
lower sideband can be achieved.
Vestigial Side Band Suppressed
Carrier (VSBSC)
SSBSC modulated signal has only one sideband frequency. Theoretically, one sideband frequency component is
completely achieved by using an ideal band pass filter. However, practically it is not possible to get the entire
sideband frequency component. Due to this, some information gets lost.
To avoid this loss, a technique is chosen, which is a compromise between DSBSC and SSBSC. This technique is
known as Vestigial Side Band Suppressed Carrier (VSBSC) technique. The word “vestige” means “a part” from
which, the name is derived.
VSBSC Modulation is the process, where a part of the signal called as vestige is modulated along with one
sideband. The frequency spectrum of VSBSC wave is shown in the following figure.
Vestigial Side Band Suppressed
Carrier (VSBSC)
Along with the upper sideband, a part of the lower sideband is also being transmitted in this technique.
Similarly, we can transmit the lower sideband along with a part of the upper sideband. A guard band of
very small width is laid on either side of VSB in order to avoid the interferences. VSB modulation is
mostly used in television transmissions.
 Bandwidth of VSBSC Modulation: We know that the bandwidth of SSBSC modulated wave is 𝑓𝑚 .
Since the VSBSC modulated wave contains the frequency components of one side band along with the
vestige of other sideband, the bandwidth of it will be the sum of the bandwidth of SSBSC modulated wave
and vestige frequency 𝑓𝑣 .
 Bandwidth of VSBSC Modulated Wave = 𝑓𝑚 +𝑓𝑣
VSBSC
Following are the advantages of VSBSC modulation.
1. Highly efficient.
2. Reduction in bandwidth when compared to AM and DSBSC waves.
3. Filter design is easy, since high accuracy is not needed.
4. The transmission of low frequency components is possible, without any difficulty.
5. Possesses good phase characteristics.
Following are the disadvantages of VSBSC modulation.
1. Bandwidth is more when compared to SSBSC wave.
2. Demodulation is complex.
Applications:
The most prominent and standard application of VSBSC is for the transmission of television signals. Also,
this is the most convenient and efficient technique when bandwidth usage is considered.
 Generation of VSBSC
Generation of VSBSC wave is similar to the generation of SSBSC wave. The VSBSC modulator is
shown in the following figure.

 In this method, first DSBSC wave is generated with the help of the product modulator. Then, apply this DSBSC
wave as an input of sideband shaping filter. This filter produces an output, which is VSBSC wave.
 The modulating signal x(t) and carrier signal 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t) are applied as inputs to the product modulator. Hence, the
product modulator produces an output, which is the product of these two inputs.
 Therefore, the output of the product modulator is: 𝑝 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑐 cos(2π 𝑓𝑐 t) x(t)
 Generation of VSBSC
Apply Fourier transform on both sides:
𝑉𝑐
[X(f-𝑓𝑐 )+X(f+𝑓𝑐 )]
2

The above equation represents the equation of DSBSC frequency spectrum.

Let the transfer function of the sideband shaping filter be H(f). This filter has the input p(t) and the output is
VSBSC modulated wave s(t). The Fourier transforms of p(t) and s(t) are P(f) and S(f).
Mathematically, we can write S(f) as: S(f)=P(f)H(f)
Substitute P(f) value in the above equation.
𝑉
S(f)= 𝑐[X(f-𝑓𝑐 )+X(f+𝑓𝑐 )] H(f)
2

The above equation represents the equation of VSBSC frequency spectrum.