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AM modulation (Amplitude Modulation)
94 topics across 6 chapters
Chapter 1
Signal fundamentals & math tools
1
Sinusoids, phasors, and complex representation
2 subtopics
2
Practice: convert between time-domain cosine and phasor form
3
Exercise: compute RMS, peak, and average power for a sinusoid
4
Fourier analysis basics (series/transform intuition)
2 subtopics
5
Exercise: compute Fourier series of a square wave (harmonics intuition)
6
Exercise: use Fourier thinking to predict AM sidebands from modulation
7
Noise, SNR, and decibels
2 subtopics
8
Worksheet: dB/dBm/dBV conversions and power ratios
9
Quick problems: SNR, noise power in bandwidth, and noise figure basics
10
Linear systems & filtering basics
2 subtopics
11
Design exercise: choose RC low-pass values to meet an audio bandwidth spec
12
Practice: read Bode plots to predict gain/phase at key frequencies
Chapter 2
AM modulation principles
13
DSB-LC AM signal model (carrier + sidebands)
2 subtopics
14
Derivation: build the AM equation and identify carrier vs sideband terms
15
Plotting task: compare AM waveforms for m = 0.2, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2
16
Modulation index, envelope behavior, and overmodulation
2 subtopics
17
Exercise: compute modulation index from envelope max/min measurements
18
Lab: observe overmodulation on scope and spectrum (what changes and why)
19
AM power relations and efficiency
2 subtopics
20
Exercise: compute carrier and sideband power for a given modulation index
21
Numerical comparison: efficiency of AM vs DSB-SC for the same audio level
22
AM family overview: DSB-SC, SSB, VSB (what changes and why)
2 subtopics
23
Decision guide: when AM vs SSB vs VSB (trade-offs checklist)
24
Bandwidth practice: compute occupied bandwidth for AM, DSB-SC, SSB, VSB
25
Generating AM: multiplier vs switching methods
2 subtopics
26
Design sketch: diode/switching modulator block diagram (what each part does)
27
Simulation: multiplier-based AM and verify linear range vs distortion
Chapter 3
AM transmitters & RF power stages
28
RF oscillators & frequency synthesis (stability, LO basics)
2 subtopics
29
Read/notes: frequency stability and phase-noise intuition for AM systems
30
Exercise: pick LO and IF frequencies to avoid image responses (worked example)
31
Modulator placement: low-level vs high-level AM transmitters
2 subtopics
32
Comparison table: low-level vs high-level AM (linearity, efficiency, complexity)
33
Concept calc: required audio power for high-level modulation at target RF power
34
RF power amplifiers for AM (classes A/AB/C and linearity)
2 subtopics
35
Lab: bias a Class-A stage and measure linear region vs compression
36
Exercise: estimate AM distortion risk for PA classes (A/AB/C) and drive levels
37
Efficiency techniques (linearization and envelope tracking intuition)
2 subtopics
38
Concept notes: envelope tracking vs linear amplification (what problems each solves)
39
Case study: identify where efficiency is lost in a basic AM transmitter chain
40
Audio chain: pre-processing, limiting, and distortion control
2 subtopics
41
Experiment: apply limiting/compression in software and observe spectral impact
42
Exercise: connect clipping, THD, and splatter (cause→effect mapping)
Chapter 4
AM receivers & demodulation
43
Receiver front-end: RF filtering, images, and mixer basics
2 subtopics
44
Exercise: design/select an RF band-pass filter to reject an image frequency
45
Lab: measure front-end selectivity and insertion loss across frequency
46
IF architectures: superheterodyne frequency planning
2 subtopics
47
Worked example: complete a superhet frequency plan (RF, LO, IF, image)
↗ Exercise: pick LO and IF frequencies to avoid image responses (worked example) (see Chapter 3)
48
Envelope detector design (diode detector)
2 subtopics
49
Design: choose envelope detector RC time constant for given carrier and audio BW
50
Lab: build a diode envelope detector and measure distortion vs modulation index
51
Synchronous (product) detection (why and when)
2 subtopics
52
Exercise: compare envelope vs coherent detection under weak-signal conditions
53
Simulation: product detector concept (PLL/Costas-style carrier recovery overview)
54
AGC and fading behavior
2 subtopics
55
Design exercise: AGC loop attack/release time constants for speech/music
56
Lab/sim: introduce fading and observe AGC response and audio pumping
Chapter 5
Spectrum, bandwidth & interference
↗ Fourier analysis basics (series/transform intuition) (see Chapter 1)
57
AM spectrum derivation and interpretation
3 subtopics
58
Derivation: sideband frequencies for single-tone modulation (fc±fm)
↗ Exercise: use Fourier thinking to predict AM sidebands from modulation (see Chapter 1)
59
Simulation: spectrum of multi-tone audio; relate audio BW to RF occupancy
60
Bandwidth rules and channel spacing intuition
2 subtopics
61
Calculation: required RF bandwidth for a specified audio passband (and guard)
62
Concept check: channel spacing and why audio bandwidth is limited in practice
63
Adjacent-channel splatter and distortion mechanisms
2 subtopics
64
Troubleshoot guide: common splatter causes and fixes (levels, filtering, bias)
65
Lab: measure splatter vs modulation index and audio clipping (spectrum analyzer)
66
Noise and interference types (impulse, man-made, co-channel)
2 subtopics
67
Mitigation notes: impulse noise blanking, filtering, and antenna considerations
68
Exercise: compute noise power vs bandwidth and predict audio SNR change
69
Regulatory constraints & practical limits (research-oriented)
2 subtopics
70
Research task: look up current spectral masks and power limits for your use case
71
Compliance task (US): check current FCC Part 15 constraints for hobby AM transmitters
Chapter 6
Practical measurement & implementation
72
Simulation workflow (Python/NumPy, SPICE, or MATLAB)
2 subtopics
73
Python task: generate AM waveform and plot time trace + FFT (carrier/sidebands)
74
SPICE task: simulate a diode envelope detector and sweep RC constant
75
Test equipment & measurements (scope, spectrum analyzer, power)
2 subtopics
76
Lab: measure modulation index using envelope and trapezoid methods on a scope
77
Lab: measure occupied bandwidth and check for splatter with a spectrum analyzer
78
Lab: build and test an AM modulator
2 subtopics
79
Build: low-level AM modulator using BJT/MOSFET (audio in, RF in, AM out)
80
Test plan: verify linearity, modulation range, and distortion vs frequency
81
Lab: build and test an AM receiver
2 subtopics
82
Build: simple AM receiver (crystal radio or TRF) and document component choices
83
Receiver test: evaluate sensitivity/selectivity and compare antennas/grounds
84
Troubleshooting checklists & common mistakes
3 subtopics
85
Debug checklist: no modulation or very weak audio (step-by-step isolation)
86
Debug checklist: distortion, clipping, or overmodulation artifacts
87
Debug checklist: oscillation, RF instability, hum, and grounding issues

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