10

Electronics
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Amplitude and Frequency
Modulation
 What I Know

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the

correct answer.
1. What does AM stand for?
a. Ante Meridian
b. After Meridian
c. Aptitude Modulation
d. Amplitude Modulation

2. What is the frequency range of AM radio?

a. 125 kHz -1,250 kHz
b. 535 kHz – 1,705 kHz
c. 675 kHz – 1,975 kHz
d. 875 kHz – 2,075 kHz

3. Why does FM radio have a better sound quality?

a. Higher bandwidth
b. Lower bandwidth
c. Stable bandwidth
d. Unstable bandwidth

4. What does FM stand for?

a. Fair Modulation
b. Front Modulation
c. Frequency Modulation
d. Frequency Moderation

5. What is the frequency range of FM radio?

a. 88 kHz – 108 kHz
b. 98 kHz – 108 kHz
c. 108 kHz – 118 kHz
d. 118 kHz – 128 kHz

6. Which type of radio station is 90.7 MHz?

a. AM Radio
b. FM Radio
c. Both AM and FM Radio
d. None of the above
7. Which of the following is an example of an FM radio station
with its frequency?
a. 594 kHz Super Radyo DZBB
b. 666 kHz National DZRH
c. 882 kHz Todong Lakas DWIZ
d. 107.5 MHz WISH

8. Which of the following is the advantage of FM radio over AM

radio?
a. FM is cheaper than AM
b. FM is less prone to interference than AM
c. FM has a lower bandwidth, so it can have more stations than
AM
d. All of the above

9. What is being varied or modulated in FM radio?

a. Amplitude
b. Frequency
c. Wavelength

10. What is being varied or modulated in AM radio?

a. Amplitude
b. Frequency
c. Period
d. Wavelength
Lesson
Amplitude and Frequency
Modulation
1
Aside from television AM and FM radio play vital roles in our
everyday lives, for they provide a useful auditory device of
communication. They provide entertainment and companionship
as we do our daily activities. They also give us real-time
information that we need to keep us abreast of what we need to
know about the world.
The AM and FM radio stations do not just inform but also
motivate us to learn more. They become instruments in promoting
values and virtues that build attitudes, interests, and gratefulness
of human life. Thus, radio became one of the means in the Distance
Learning Modality of the Department of Education today since it
can cover a wide range of areas to help educate the learners.

What’s In

In the previous lesson in Quarter 2, you have learned

to describe how electronic timing circuits are calibrated and
tested. Do you still remember the electronic timing circuit?
Below is an example of an electronic timing system circuit.

Illustration owned by zpostbox.ru Figure 1. Electronic Timing Circuit

Review Questions:
1. What kind of electronic timer is shown above?
2. Can you identify the components of this circuit?
3. Name all the diodes and resistors in the circuit.

What’s New
The sound over the radio is of different frequencies
and broadcast from different radio stations. One can quickly tell if
he or she is listening to an AM or FM radio station. Are there
differences in the sounds produced by the radio stations?

Activity: Know My Station

Let’s find out:
What are the frequencies and names of some radio stations
in the Philippines and the locality?
Let’s use these materials: ball
pen, paper and an AM/FM radio
Let’s do it this way:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Name and locate the amplitude or frequency of the three
AM and FM radio stations that can be heard on the radio.
3. Write your answer in the table below.

AM Radio Station Frequency

Ex. DZRH 666
Nationwide

FM Radio Station
Ex. Love Radio 90.7
 Guide Questions:
1. Did you find it easy to locate the AM and FM radio stations?
2. Have you located a frequency of the nearest radio station in
your locality? Give the name of the nearest radio station.
3. What challenges have you experienced in doing this
activity?

What is It

Ways of transmitting radio signals are Amplitude Modulation

(AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM). In the form of
electromagnetic waves, both AM and FM transmit information.
Amplitude Modulation works by varying or modifying the signal or
carrier amplitude transmitted according to the information sent
while maintaining a constant frequency. The modulation of
frequency differs in the way that the information (sound) is
encoded. It could be done by varying the wave frequency and
keeping the amplitude constant.

A radio show or program starts with the production of audio

from people who speak. The sounds will then be captured, and the
microphone will turn them into an electrical signal. It is then
transmitted from the studio immediately or stored as a recording
to be used later, but here is where the AM/FM thing happens.

It should be combined in the radio wave called carrier wave to

broadcast an electrical signal. This mechanism is called
modulation. Modulation refers to converting data by adding
information to an electronic or optical carrier signal into radio
waves. One with a steady waveform is a carrier signal - constant
height, or amplitude, and frequency. There are two ways for the
carrier wave to be modulated (or changed):

1. By changing the amplitude or height of the carrier wave

(Amplitude Modulation).
 Figure 2. Amplitude modulation of the carrier wave

2. By changing the frequency or how fast the carrier wave

travels (Frequency Modulation).

Figure 3. Frequency modulation of the carrier wave

The signal is then broadcast as electromagnetic waves from

the radio station’s antenna. The receiver of the personal radio or
home radio then picks up the waves, amplifies, and converts them
back into sound through the speaker. If the signal is not attached,
the sound will not be produced because the carrier waves are not
modulated.

Despite that radio waves continuously coming from many

stations surrounding us, the radio receiver does not receive them
simultaneously. It is because the stations broadcast at different
specific frequencies. The radio has to be tuned in to a precise
frequency to find the right signal. The numbers on the radio dial
represent frequencies used by the local radio stations. If the FM
dial is set at 107.5 (WISH 107.5), the radio signal is broadcasted
at 107,500,000 Mega Hertz (MHz), or 107,500,000 cycles per
second.

Figure 4. Carrier wave, amplitude modulated, and frequency modulated waves

The quality of sound produced, performance, and broadcast

range of AM and FM can be associated with the way radio signals
are encoded. The quality of sound varies on its location and
environment. If there are physical barriers like buildings or in
closed area, the quality might be affected. It explains why FM
stations sound better than AM stations, but AM stations can be
heard further.

AM radio varies the amplitude of the broadcast signal, so the

signal’s power is also changed since amplitude represents the
signal’s strength. Some receivers cannot pick up low amplitude
signals at all. FM radio always remains at constant amplitude, so
signal strength does not change.

FM uses a higher frequency range and bandwidth than AM.

AM radio operates from 535 kHz (kiloHertz) to 1705 kHz. When
turning the dial on the radio, the number changes by 10 kHz each
time. It means that each station has 10 kHz of bandwidth on
which to broadcast. On the other hand, FM radio operates between
88 MHz and 108 MHz and increments every 200 kHz.

FM station has an allocated 150 kHz of bandwidth, which is

15 times that of an AM station. It means that an FM station can
transmit 15 times as much information as an AM station. It
explains why music sounds so much better on FM. Since music
has more electrical information than a monophonic voice audio
signal, FM typically broadcasts music, and AM generally sticks to
news and talk show programs.
In alternating current, the zero-crossing is the instantaneous
point at which there is no voltage present. In a sine wave or other
simple waveform, this normally occurs twice during each cycle. It
is a device for detecting the point where the voltage crosses zero in
either direction.

The zero-crossing is important for systems which send digital

data over AC circuits, such as modems, X10 home automation
control systems, and Digital Command Control type systems for
Lionel and other AC model trains.

Counting zero-crossings is also a method used in speech

processing to estimate the fundamental frequency of speech.

A table of comparison of AM and FM.

AM FM
Stands for AM stands for FM stands for
Amplitude Frequency Modulation.
Modulation.
AM method of audio FM radio was
Origin transmission was first developed in the
successfully carried out United States in the
in the mid-1870s. 1930s, mainly by
Edwin Armstrong.
In AM, a radio wave is In FM, a radio wave is
Modulating called the “carrier” or called the “carrier” or
differences “carrier wave. “It is “carrier wave.” It is
modulated in modulated in
amplitude by the frequency by the
signal that is to be signal that is to be
transmitted. The transmitted. The
frequency and phase amplitude and phase
remain the same. remain the same.
 AM has a poorer sound FM is less prone to
quality than FM, but it interference than AM.
is cheaper and can However, FM signals
Pros and cons transmit over long are impacted by
distances. It has a physical barriers. FM
lower bandwidth, so it has better sound
has more stations quality due to higher
available in any bandwidth.
frequency range.
Sound quality varies on its location and other
physical barriers.
AM radio ranges from FM radio ranges in a
Frequency 535 to 1705 KHz (OR) higher spectrum from
Range Up to 1200 bits per 88 to 108 MHz. (OR)
second. 1200 to 2400 bits per
second.
Twice the highest Twice the sum of the
modulating frequency. modulating signal
Bandwidth In AM radio frequency and the
Requirements broadcasting, the frequency deviation.
modulating signal has If the frequency
deviation is 75kHz
a bandwidth of 15kHz
and the modulating
hence, the bandwidth
signal frequency is
of an amplitude- 15kHz, the bandwidth
modulated signal is required is
30kHz. 180kHz.
Zero Equidistant Not equidistant
crossings in
modulating
the signal
Transmitter and Transmitter and
receiver are simple, but receiver are more
Complexity synchronization is complex as the
needed. variation of
modulating signal. It
has to be converted
and detected from the
corresponding
variation in
frequencies. (i.e. the
voltage to frequency
and frequency to
 voltage conversion has
to be done).
AM is more susceptible FM is less susceptible
to noise because noise to noise because the
Noise affects amplitude, information in an FM
where information is signal is transmitted
“stored” in an AM through varying the
signal. frequency, and not
the amplitude.

What’s More

In the previous activity, you experienced locating the

frequencies and names of radio stations.
The next activity will determine how much you know about AM
and FM radio.

Activity 1. I Can Sense Your Sound

Let’s use these materials:
AM/FM Radio, ball pen, and paper
Let’s do it this way:
1. Locate frequencies of the AM and FM radio stations on
your radio.
2. Observe the audio or sounds heard on the radio.
3. Compare the observation of sounds in AM and FM radio.
4. Write your observation on a separate sheet of paper
Guide Questions:
1. Did you find it easy to locate AM radio stations? FM radio
stations?
2. How do you compare the sounds in AM and FM stations?
3. What kind of radio programs are being played on AM? In
FM?
4. How do you compare the number of radio stations in AM
and in FM?
Assessment1
Directions: Read and understand each statement below about AM
and FM. Identify whether the statement is true or false. Write
FACT if the statement is true and FAKE if it is false.

1. AM is more susceptible to noise because noise affects

amplitude, where information is “stored” in an AM signal.
2. The frequency range of FM radio ranges in a higher spectrum
from 88 to 108 MHz (OR) 1200 to 2400 bits per second.
3. AM is less prone to interference than FM.
4. In AM, a radio wave known as the “carrier” or “carrier wave” is
modulated in frequency by the signal that is to be transmitted.
The amplitude and phase remain the same.
5. In AM radio broadcasting, the modulating signal has a
bandwidth of 15kHz hence, the bandwidth of an amplitude-
modulated signal is 30kHz.
6. FM Transmitter and receiver are more complex as a variation
of modulating signal has to be converted and detected from the
corresponding variation frequencies. (i.e., the voltage to
frequency and frequency to voltage conversion has to be done).
7. AM method of audio transmission was first successfully carried
out in the mid- 1820s.
8. FM uses a higher frequency range and a bigger bandwidth than
AM.
9. FM radio always remains at constant amplitude, so signal
strength does not change.
10. Each FM station is allocated 150 kHz of bandwidth, which is
15 times that of an AM station.

Activity 2. Stop! Look! Write! Explain!

Let’s use these materials:
paper, ball pen

Let’s do it this way:

1. Look at the illustration below.

2. Provide necessary information on the illustration.

 Guide Questions:
1. What is the use of the amplitude modulator in the
illustration?
2. What happens to the sound fed on the microphone?
3. What happens to the amplitude of the carrier wave as it
passes on the modulator?
Assessment 2:
Directions: Identify what is being described in each statement
below. Choose your answer from the inside of the box.

88 MHz – 108 MHz Frequency Modulation Amplitude Modulation

535 kHz-705kHz Modulator Modulation

1. It is a way of broadcasting radio signals by varying or

changing the amplitude of the carrier wave.
2. It is the Amplitude modulation (AM) frequency range.
3. It is the Frequency Modulation (FM) Frequency range.
4. It is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding
information to an electronic or optical carrier signal.
 What I Have Learned

Let us summarize your insights by doing this activity.

Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM)

are ways of broadcasting radio signals. Both AM and FM transmit
the information in the form of ____________ (signal/electromagnetic
waves). Amplitude Modulation works by varying or changing the
____________ (frequency/amplitude) of the carrier wave while
frequency modulation could be done by varying the ____________
(frequency/amplitude). ____________ (AM/FM) has a poorer sound
quality and susceptible to noise while ____________(AM/FM) is less
prone to interference and less susceptible to noise.

What I Can Do

Activity:1
Let’s use these
materials: paper, and
ball pen
Let’s do it this way:
1. Make a script of a radio talk show on the topic “Differences
between AM and FM.”
2. The scoring rubric below will be used in assessing the output.
CATEGORY 5 4 3 2
Purpose & The paper The paper The paper The paper
Supporting compares and compares compares compares
Details contrasts items and and or
clearly. The contrasts contrasts contrasts,
paper points to items clearly, items but does not
specific but the clearly, but include
examples to supporting the both. There
illustrate the information supporting is no
comparison. is general. information supporting
The The is information
paper includes or
only the support is
 information paper incomplete. incomplete
relevant to the includes only The paper .
comparison. the may include
information information
relevant to that is not
the relevant to
comparison. the
comparison.
Organization The paper The paper The paper Many
& Structure breaks the breaks the breaks the details are
information information information not in a
into whole to- into whole to into whole to logical or
whole, whole, whole, expected
similarities – to similarities - similarities – order.
differences, or to- to There is
point-by-point differences, differences, little sense
structure. It or point by- or point by- that the
follows a point point writing is
consistent structure structure, organized.
order but does not but some
when follow a information
discussing the consistent is in the
comparison. order when wrong
discussing section.
the Some
comparison. details are
not in a
logical or
expected
order, and
this
distracts the
reader.
 Transitions The paper The paper Some The
moves moves from transitions transitions
smoothly from one idea to work well; between
one idea to the but ideas are
the next, but connections unclear or
next. The there is little between non
paper variety. other ideas existent.
uses The paper are fuzzy.
comparison uses
and contrast comparison
transition and contrast
words to show transition
relationships words to
between ideas. show
The paper relationships
uses a variety between
of ideas.
sentence
structures and
transitions.
Grammar & Writer makes Writer Writer Writer
Spelling no errors in makes makes 3- makes
(Conventions) grammar or 1-2 errors in 4 errors in more than
spelling that grammar or grammar or 4 errors in
distract the spelling that spelling that grammar
reader from the distract the distract the or spelling
content. reader from reader from that
the content. the content. distract
the reader
from the
content.

Activity 2:
Let’s use these materials: cell phone with audio recording
Let’s do it this way:
1. Make an audio recorded presentation of a radio talk show
discussing the differences between AM and FM.
2. The scoring rubric below will be used in assessing your output.
 5 4 3 2
Delivery The The The recording No
recording is recording is appears delivery.
well rehearsed, unrehearsed,
rehearsed the the
and enunciatio enunciation is
delivered n is muddled and
smoothly, sometimes not clear and
the clear and the recitation
enunciation intelligible, lacks
is clear and and there is expression
intelligible, some and
and there is expression enthusiasm.
much and
expression enthusiasm
and in
enthusiasm the
in the recitation.
recitation.
Content Student Student Student Student
knowledge demonstrat demonstrat demonstrates shows no
es strong es some a understan
understand ding of the
understand little
ing of the
ing of the understandin ideas or
ideas,
through the ideas, g of the ideas, content of
use of through the through the the piece.
detail and use of use of detail
tone. detail and and tone.
tone.
Technical The volume The volume The volume is No
Skills is good for is fair for poor for voice, recording.
voice, there voice, there there is
is no is considerable
background background background
or other and other and other
distracting distracting distracting
noise, and noise, and noise, and
there are no there are there are
technical some several
glitches. technical technical
glitches. glitches.
 Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the

letter of the correct answer.
1. What remains constant in an AM broadcast?
a. amplitude
b. frequency
c. music
d. speech
2. Which type of radio broadcast has a greater broadcast range?
a. AM radio waves
b. FM radio waves
c. infrared waves
d. visible light
3. Why does AM radio focus mainly on news and talk show
programs?
a. AM radio has a lower bandwidth than FM radio
b. AM radio has higher bandwidth than FM radio
c. AM radio has a constant bandwidth than FM radio
d. AM radio has fixed wave amplitude and constant
frequency
4. What is the advantage of FM over AM?
a. FM is less costly than AM.
b. FM can be heard over long distances than AM.
c. FM is less susceptible to noise because the information
in an FM signal is transmitted through varying the
frequency, and not the amplitude.
d. FM is less susceptible to noise because noise affects
amplitude, where information is “stored” in an FM
signal.
5. What made FM radio ideal for playing music?
a. FM is less costly than AM.
b. FM can be heard over long distances than AM.
c. FM is less susceptible to noise because the information
in an FM signal is transmitted through varying the
frequency, and not the amplitude.
d. FM is less susceptible to noise because noise affects
amplitude, where information is “stored” in an FM
signal.
 Additional Activities

Activity 1: Doodle Notes

Let’s use these materials:
Bond paper, pencil, crayons or color pen

Let’s do it this way:

● Make doodle notes of the concepts learned from the

lesson.
● The output will be rated by the given rubric.

5 4 3 2
Student’s Student’s
Student
work showed Student’s work was
was
Neatness that work was below
careless in
extreme care satisfactorily average in
completing
was used neat, no neatness.
work/did
while major
not follow
completing mistakes
directions.
drawing.
Student’s Student’s Student’s Student’s
Originality work was very work showed work work
creative and creative showed showed
unique. thought. little little or no
sincere evidence of
creativity. original
thought
Student Student Student Student did
Effort showed effort completed finished the the
above the assignment project, but minimum
requirements in an above finishing or not
of the average touches are completed.
assignments. manner, not evident.
but
could have
been
improved.
 The student The The
The student
White left very student left student
left small
space minimal multiple left large
sections of
sections of sections of sections of
white space
white space in white space white space
in their
their finished in their in their
finished
piece. finished finished
piece.
piece. piece.

Answer Key