Principles of Electronic Communication (4331104) - Winter 2023 Solution

Solution guide for Principles of Electronic Communication (4331104) Winter 2023 exam

Question 1(a) [3 marks]

Classify Noise signal and explain thermal noise.

Answer:

Noise signals can be classified as:

Type of NoiseSourceCharacteristics
External NoiseOutside communication systemAtmospheric, Space, Industrial
Internal NoiseInside communication systemThermal, Shot, Transit time, Flicker

Thermal Noise:

  • Definition: Random motion of electrons in a conductor due to temperature
  • Characteristics: White noise with uniform power across frequency spectrum
  • Formula: N = kTB (k=Boltzmann constant, T=Temperature, B=Bandwidth)

Mnemonic: "Temperature Excites Random Movements" (TERM)

Question 1(b) [4 marks]

Comparison between Pre-emphasis and De-emphasis technique.

Answer:

ParameterPre-emphasisDe-emphasis
DefinitionBoosting high-frequency components before transmissionAttenuating high-frequency components at receiver
LocationTransmitter sideReceiver side
PurposeImproves SNR for high frequenciesRestores original signal frequency response
CircuitHigh-pass filter with RC circuitLow-pass filter with RC circuit
Time Constant75 μs (standard)75 μs (matches pre-emphasis)

Diagram/Circuit:

Mnemonic: "Pump Up Before Transmit, Pull Down After Receive" (PUBTAR)

Question 1(c) [7 marks]

Derive mathematical expression of AM signal and with help of it explain frequency spectrum of AM signal.

Answer:

Mathematical Expression Derivation:

  1. Let the carrier signal be: c(t) = Ac cos(2πfct)

  2. Let the modulating signal be: m(t) = Am cos(2πfmt)

  3. AM signal: s(t) = Ac[1 + μ·m(t)/Am]cos(2πfct) where μ = modulation index

  4. Substituting m(t): s(t) = Ac[1 + μ·cos(2πfmt)]cos(2πfct)

  5. Using trigonometric identity cos(A)·cos(B) = ½cos(A+B) + ½cos(A-B): s(t) = Ac·cos(2πfct) + (μAc/2)·cos(2π(fc+fm)t) + (μAc/2)·cos(2π(fc-fm)t)

Frequency Spectrum:

ComponentFrequencyAmplitude
CarrierfcAc
Upper Sidebandfc + fmμAc/2
Lower Sidebandfc - fmμAc/2

Diagram:

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Mnemonic: "Carrier Standing Between Twins" (CSBT)

Question 1(c) OR [7 marks]

Explain block diagram of Communication System.

Answer:

Block Diagram of Communication System:

Components and Functions:

BlockFunctionExample
Input TransducerConverts original information to electrical signalMicrophone, Camera
TransmitterProcesses signal for efficient transmission (modulation, amplification)Radio transmitter
Channel/MediumPath through which signal travelsAir, Fiber, Cable
ReceiverExtracts original signal (amplification, filtering, demodulation)Radio receiver
Output TransducerConverts electrical signal back to original formSpeaker, Display
Noise SourceUnwanted signals that distort the informationAtmospheric, Thermal

Mnemonic: "Input Transmits Through Channel, Receives Output" (ITCRO)

Question 2(a) [3 marks]

Discuss power distribution among sidebands and carrier in amplitude modulation.

Answer:

Power Distribution in AM Signal:

ComponentPower FormulaPercentage (for m=1)
CarrierPc = (Ac²/2)67%
Upper SidebandPUSB = (Pc·m²)/416.5%
Lower SidebandPLSB = (Pc·m²)/416.5%
Total PowerPT = Pc(1+m²/2)100%

Diagram:

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Mnemonic: "Carrier Takes Two-Thirds" (CTTT)

Question 2(b) [4 marks]

Why pre-emphases and de-emphases are used? Briefly describe how the signals are modified at transmitter side and receiver side.

Answer:

Purpose of Pre-emphasis and De-emphasis:

PurposeExplanation
Improve SNRBoosts high frequencies before transmission to overcome noise
Reduce NoiseHigh frequencies in FM are more susceptible to noise
Maintain FidelityEnsures overall frequency response remains flat

Signal Modification Process:

Mnemonic: "Boost High, Cut High, Keep Original" (BHCKO)

Question 2(c) [7 marks]

Explain FM generation techniques. Explain Phase locked loop FM modulator in detail.

Answer:

FM Generation Techniques:

TechniquePrincipleAdvantages
Direct FMVarying capacitance in oscillatorSimple design
Indirect FMPhase modulation to produce FMBetter stability
PLL FMUsing phase locked loopHigh frequency stability
Armstrong methodUsing mixers and filtersExcellent linearity

PLL FM Modulator:

Working Principle:

  1. Phase Detector compares VCO output with reference oscillator
  2. Loop Filter removes high-frequency components
  3. VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) frequency changes with modulating signal
  4. Modulating signal directly controls the VCO
  5. PLL ensures high stability and linearity

Mnemonic: "Phase Detector Compares, Filter Smooths, VCO Varies" (PDCFV)

Question 2(a) OR [3 marks]

State advantages and disadvantage of SSB over DSB.

Answer:

Advantages and Disadvantages of SSB over DSB:

Advantages of SSBDisadvantages of SSB
Bandwidth Efficiency: Uses only half the bandwidthComplex Circuitry: Requires complex filtering
Power Efficiency: Uses about 1/3 the powerDifficult Demodulation: Needs carrier recovery
Reduced Fading: Less susceptible to selective fadingDistortion: May distort low frequencies
Less Interference: Narrower channel means less overlapCost: More expensive than DSB systems

Mnemonic: "Power and Bandwidth Saved, But Complex Circuits Needed" (PBSCN)

Question 2(b) OR [4 marks]

Sketch the frequency spectrum of DSBSC and SSB amplitude modulated wave and pilot carrier.

Answer:

DSBSC Frequency Spectrum:

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SSB (Upper Sideband) with Pilot Carrier:

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Comparison Table:

Spectrum TypeBandwidthComponentsPower Efficiency
DSBSC2fmLSB + USBMedium (no carrier power)
SSBfmUSB or LSBHigh (one sideband only)
SSB with Pilotfm + smallUSB/LSB + reduced carrierGood (minimal carrier power)

Mnemonic: "Two Sides, One Side, or One Side Plus Pilot" (TSOSP)

Question 2(c) OR [7 marks]

Write a short-note on: Pulse modulation.

Answer:

Pulse Modulation Techniques:

Pulse modulation is a process where continuous analog signal is sampled and converted into pulses.

TypeDescriptionPrincipleApplication
PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation)Amplitude of pulses varies with signalSampling and holdingIntermediate step for PCM
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)Width/duration of pulses variesComparing with rampMotor control, power control
PPM (Pulse Position Modulation)Position of pulses variesTiming shiftOptical communication, radar
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)Digital representation using binary codeQuantizing and encodingDigital telephony, CDs

Waveform Comparison:

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Mnemonic: "Amplitude, Width, Position, Code - All Pulse Types" (AWPC)

Question 3(a) [3 marks]

What is AGC? Draw and explain input-output characteristic curve of simple AGC circuit.

Answer:

Automatic Gain Control (AGC):

  • Definition: Circuit that automatically adjusts gain to maintain constant output level
  • Purpose: Compensates for varying signal strength in receivers
  • Types: Simple AGC, Delayed AGC, Amplified AGC

Input-Output Characteristic Curve:

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Working: As input increases, gain decreases to keep output nearly constant after threshold

Mnemonic: "Strong Signals Get Less Gain" (SSLG)

Question 3(b) [4 marks]

Write a short-note on balanced ratio detector for FM demodulation.

Answer:

Balanced Ratio Detector:

FeatureDescription
DefinitionFM demodulator using a balanced circuit to convert frequency variations to amplitude variations
Key ComponentsTwo diodes, transformer with center-tapped secondary, balanced capacitors
AdvantagesSuperior noise immunity, AM rejection, stability
ApplicationsFM receivers, broadcast receivers

Circuit Diagram:

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Working Principle:

  • Transformer creates phase-shifted signals for the diodes
  • Diodes charge capacitors with different polarities
  • As frequency deviates, voltage ratio changes proportionally
  • Output is proportional to frequency deviation

Mnemonic: "Balanced Diodes Transform Frequency To Voltage" (BDTFV)

Question 3(c) [7 marks]

Explain working of various types of FM demodulator circuits.

Answer:

Types of FM Demodulator Circuits:

Demodulator TypeWorking PrincipleAdvantagesDisadvantages
Slope DetectorUses slope of tuned circuit responseSimple designPoor linearity, poor AM rejection
Foster-Seeley DiscriminatorUses phase shifts in transformerGood linearitySensitive to amplitude variations
Ratio DetectorModified discriminator with amplitude limitingGood AM rejectionModerate linearity
PLL DemodulatorPhase comparison with VCOExcellent linearity, good noise immunityComplex circuit
Quadrature DetectorPhase shifting and multiplicationSimple IC implementationLimited bandwidth

PLL FM Demodulator Circuit:

Working Principle:

  1. Phase detector compares incoming FM with VCO output
  2. Error voltage is filtered to remove high frequencies
  3. VCO is forced to track input frequency
  4. Filter output is proportional to frequency deviation
  5. This output is the demodulated FM signal

Mnemonic: "Frequency Variations Drive Phase Errors" (FVDPE)

Question 3(a) OR [3 marks]

Explain characteristics of a Radio receiver.

Answer:

Characteristics of a Radio Receiver:

CharacteristicDefinitionImportance
SensitivityAbility to amplify weak signalsDetermines maximum reception range
SelectivityAbility to separate desired signal from adjacent signalsPrevents interference
FidelityAccuracy in reproducing original signalEnsures sound quality
Image Frequency RejectionAbility to reject image frequencyPrevents duplicate reception

Diagram:

Mnemonic: "Select Signals Faithfully, Ignore Mirrors" (SSFIM)

Question 3(b) OR [4 marks]

Explain types of distortions occur in AM detector circuit.

Answer:

Types of Distortions in AM Detector Circuit:

Distortion TypeCauseEffectPrevention
Diagonal DistortionIncorrect time constantInability to follow envelopeProper RC time constant
Negative Peak ClippingImproper biasingLoss of informationProper diode biasing
Harmonic DistortionNon-linear diode characteristicsAudio distortionHigh-quality diodes
Frequency DistortionImproper filteringUneven frequency responseProper filter design

Diagram:

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Mnemonic: "Diagonal Negative Harmonics Frequency - Distortion Types" (DNHF)

Question 3(c) OR [7 marks]

Draw the block diagram of a Superheterodyne AM receiver and explain it.

Answer:

Superheterodyne AM Receiver:

Function of Each Block:

BlockFunctionKey Characteristics
RF AmplifierAmplifies weak RF signalsImproves sensitivity, selectivity
Local OscillatorGenerates signal at fixed frequency above incoming signalStability is critical
MixerCombines RF and local oscillator to produce IFKey to superheterodyne principle
IF AmplifierAmplifies intermediate frequencyMain gain stage, fixed frequency
DetectorExtracts audio from modulated signalTypically diode detector
AF AmplifierAmplifies audio to drive speakerPower amplification
AGCMaintains constant output levelControls gain of RF and IF amplifiers

Key Advantages:

  • Fixed IF frequency allows optimized amplification
  • Better selectivity and sensitivity
  • Easier tuning

Mnemonic: "Radio Mixing Local Intermediate Detected Audio Signals" (RMLIDAS)

Question 4(a) [3 marks]

Explain quantization process used in analog to digital conversion.

Answer:

Quantization Process:

StepDescriptionPurpose
1. SamplingConverting continuous signal to discrete-timePrepare for quantization
2. Level AllocationDividing amplitude range into discrete levelsCreate digital steps
3. AssignmentMapping each sample to nearest quantization levelConvert to digital value
4. EncodingConverting levels to binary codeFinal digital representation

Diagram:

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Types of Quantization:

  • Uniform: Equal step sizes
  • Non-uniform: Varying step sizes
  • Adaptive: Adjusts based on signal

Mnemonic: "Sample Levels Assign Binary" (SLAB)

Question 4(b) [4 marks]

Give the comparison of Sampling techniques.

Answer:

Comparison of Sampling Techniques:

Sampling TechniqueDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantages
Ideal SamplingInstantaneous sampling of signalPerfect representationPractically impossible
Natural SamplingTop of pulse follows signal amplitudeNo flat topsDifficult implementation
Flat-top SamplingSample and hold circuitEasy implementationAdditional distortion

Diagram:

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Mnemonic: "Ideal Natural Flat - Sampling Types" (INF)

Question 4(c) [7 marks]

Draw and explain block diagram of a PCM transmitter and receiver.

Answer:

PCM Transmitter Block Diagram:

PCM Receiver Block Diagram:

Working of PCM System:

BlockFunction
Low-pass FilterLimits bandwidth to avoid aliasing
Sample & HoldSamples analog signal at regular intervals
QuantizerAssigns discrete levels to samples
EncoderConverts quantized values to binary code
MultiplexerCombines multiple PCM channels
Line CoderPrepares signal for transmission
DemultiplexerSeparates channels at receiver
DecoderConverts binary back to quantized values
Reconstruction FilterSmooths out staircase to recover analog

Mnemonic: "Filter, Sample, Quantize, Encode, Multiplex, Transmit" (FSQEMT)

Question 4(a) OR [3 marks]

State and explain Nyquist theorem.

Answer:

Nyquist Theorem:

  • Statement: To perfectly reconstruct a bandlimited signal, the sampling frequency must be at least twice the highest frequency component in the signal.
ConceptFormulaExplanation
Sampling Ratefs ≥ 2fmaxMinimum required sampling frequency
Nyquist Rate2fmaxMinimum sampling rate to avoid aliasing
Nyquist Interval1/(2fmax)Maximum time between samples

Diagram:

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Consequences:

  • Undersampling: Aliasing occurs
  • Critical sampling: No margin for error
  • Oversampling: Better reconstruction but more data

Mnemonic: "Double Maximum Frequency Stops Aliasing" (DMFSA)

Question 4(b) OR [4 marks]

Compare DM, ADM and DPCM.

Answer:

Comparison of DM, ADM and DPCM:

ParameterDelta Modulation (DM)Adaptive Delta Modulation (ADM)Differential PCM (DPCM)
Principle1-bit quantization of differenceVariable step size DMMulti-bit quantization of difference
Bit RateLowestLowMedium
ComplexitySimpleModerateComplex
Signal QualityLowMediumHigh
ProblemsSlope overload, granular noiseReduced slope overloadPrediction errors
ApplicationsSpeech transmissionVoice communicationsAudio, video compression

Diagram:

Mnemonic: "Single-bit, Adaptive-bit, Multi-bit Difference" (SAMD)

Question 4(c) OR [7 marks]

Explain working of Differential PCM (DPCM) transmitter and receiver.

Answer:

DPCM Transmitter:

DPCM Receiver:

Working Principle:

ComponentFunction
SamplerConverts analog to discrete-time signal
PredictorEstimates current sample from previous samples
SubtractorComputes difference between actual and predicted
QuantizerAssigns levels to difference signal
EncoderConverts to binary code
DecoderConverts binary to quantized differences
AdderCombines difference with prediction

Key Advantages:

  • Reduced bit rate: Encodes differences which are smaller
  • Better quality: Uses signal correlation
  • Compatibility: Similar to PCM framework

Mnemonic: "Predict Subtract Quantize Difference" (PSQD)

Question 5(a) [3 marks]

Describe TDMA frame.

Answer:

TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) Frame:

ComponentDescriptionPurpose
Time SlotsIndividual segments assigned to usersAllows multiple users to share channel
Guard TimeSmall gap between slotsPrevents overlap between users
PreambleSynchronization bits at startHelps receiver synchronize
Control BitsSpecial bits for system controlManages frame operation

Diagram:

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TDMA Frame Structure:

  • Each user transmits in assigned time slot
  • Full frame repeats cyclically
  • Frame length depends on number of users

Mnemonic: "Slots In Time Divide Access" (SITDA)

Question 5(b) [4 marks]

Draw and explain 4 level digital multiplexing hierarchies.

Answer:

4-Level Digital Multiplexing Hierarchy:

Hierarchy Details:

LevelNameNorth American SystemEuropean System
Level 1Primary (T1/E1)24 channels, 1.544 Mbps30 channels, 2.048 Mbps
Level 2Secondary (T2/E2)96 channels, 6.312 Mbps120 channels, 8.448 Mbps
Level 3Tertiary (T3/E3)672 channels, 44.736 Mbps480 channels, 34.368 Mbps
Level 4Quaternary (T4/E4)4032 channels, 274.176 Mbps1920 channels, 139.264 Mbps

Mnemonic: "Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary Levels" (PSTQ)

Question 5(c) [7 marks]

Draw and explain block diagram of PCM-TDM system.

Answer:

PCM-TDM System Block Diagram:

Working of PCM-TDM System:

BlockFunction
Low-Pass FilterLimits signal bandwidth to prevent aliasing
SamplerConverts analog to discrete-time signal
TDM MultiplexerCombines samples from multiple channels
QuantizerAssigns discrete levels to samples
EncoderConverts to binary code
Line CoderPrepares signal for transmission
Line DecoderRecovers binary information
DecoderConverts binary to quantized values
TDM DemultiplexerSeparates channels at receiver
Reconstruction FilterSmooths out staircase to recover analog

Key Features:

  • Multiple analog channels share a single digital transmission link
  • Each channel is sampled sequentially
  • Samples are interlaced in time
  • Frame synchronization ensures proper demultiplexing

Mnemonic: "Many Analog Channels Share Digital Link" (MACSDL)

Question 5(a) OR [3 marks]

List advantages and disadvantages of digital communication.

Answer:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Communication:

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Noise Immunity: Better resistance to noiseBandwidth: Requires more bandwidth
Error Detection: Can detect/correct errorsComplexity: More complex circuitry
Multiplexing: Efficient channel sharingSynchronization: Requires precise timing
Security: Easier encryptionQuantization Noise: Inherent in A/D conversion
Integration: Compatible with computersCost: Initial setup cost is higher
Regeneration: Signal can be regeneratedConversion: A/D conversion adds delay

Mnemonic: "Noise-resistant, Error-correcting, Multiplex-friendly But Bandwidth-hungry" (NEMBB)

Question 5(b) OR [4 marks]

List Channel Coding Techniques, explain any one of them with example.

Answer:

Channel Coding Techniques:

TechniquePurpose
Block CodingFixed-length blocks with parity
Convolutional CodingContinuous encoding with memory
Turbo CodingParallel concatenated codes
LDPC CodingLow-density parity check
Reed-SolomonPowerful block code

Block Coding Example: Hamming Code (7,4)

This code takes 4 data bits and adds 3 parity bits to create a 7-bit codeword.

StepDescriptionExample
1. Data BitsOriginal message1011
2. Bit PositionsNumber positions 1 to 7Positions 3,5,6,7 for data
3. Parity BitsCalculate for positions 1,2,4P1=1, P2=0, P4=1
4. CodewordCombine parity and data1011011

Error Detection:

  • If a single bit error occurs, recalculating parity bits identifies error position
  • Example: 1011011 → 1111011 (Error at position 2)

Mnemonic: "Parity Bits Protect Data Bits" (PBPDB)

Question 5(c) OR [7 marks]

Discuss basic time domain digital multiplexing. State advantages & disadvantages of TDM system.

Answer:

Basic Time Domain Digital Multiplexing:

Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is a technique that allows multiple digital signals to share a common transmission medium by allocating unique time slots to each signal.

Operating PrincipleImplementation
Channel AllocationEach source gets periodic time slots
Frame StructureSlots organized into frames with sync bits
SynchronizationTransmitter and receiver must maintain timing
ThroughputDependent on number of channels and sampling rate

TDM System Diagram:

Advantages of TDM System:

AdvantageExplanation
Efficient UtilizationChannel used continuously
Reduced CrosstalkNo frequency overlap between channels
FlexibilityEasy to add/remove channels
Compatible with DigitalWorks naturally with digital systems
Simple HardwareNo complex filters needed

Disadvantages of TDM System:

DisadvantageExplanation
SynchronizationRequires precise timing
BufferingMay need storage between samples
OverheadSync bits reduce efficiency
DelayMust wait for time slot
Wasted CapacityEmpty slots if channel inactive

Mnemonic: "Time Slots Shared But Sync Required" (TSSBSR)