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Project Report on FM TRANSMITTER

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Pintu Chandra Paul K.M. Tousif bin Parves

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 Project Report on

FM TRANSMITTER

Department of ICT

Comilla University
Prepared By:
NAME ID
K.M. TOUSIF BIN PARVES 12009004

SAQIUL ISLAM 12009013

NUSHERA TAZRIN 12009030

KAZI TANVIR AHMED 12009038

MD AHAD ALI 12009047

PROKASH PAL 12009021

Supervised By:
Pintu Chandra Paul
Lecturer
Department of ICT
Submission Date: 26 September, 2022

1
 CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE
This is to certify that the project report on “Fm Radio Transmitter” done by K.M. Tousif Bin
Parves, Nushera Tazrin, Saqiul Islam, Prokash Pal, Tanvir Ahmed, and Abdul Ahad has been
carried out in under my supervision, and that this work has not been submitted elsewhere for a
second year project.

………………………………
Supervisor’s Name: Pintu Chandra Paul
Lecturer
Department of Information & Communication Technology
Comilla University.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This project was completed for the coursework of ICT-412, directed by the Department of
Information and Communication Technology, Comilla University. Our sincere efforts have made
us accomplish the task of completing the project. Most importantly, we would like to express our
gratitude to our honorable teacher, Pintu Chandra Paul (Lecturer, Dept. of ICT) for his advice and
valuable comments regarding our project, which led us to the completion of the project. Our thanks
and appreciation also goes to our classmates, who encouraged us to complete our project.

3
 ABSTRACT
Transistor-based circuits are used to generate frequency-modulated signals in FM transmitters.
This circuit, which assists the antenna and amplifies the electromagnetic signal, essentially
functions as a radio system. A high voltage spark between two metals was used to create radio
waves (conductors). The purpose of this project is to develop a small FM transmitter with low
power consumption that can be used in a variety of situations. For example, listening to music for
entertainment, hearing in distance, or as a tour guide. FM transmitters are superior to AM
(amplitude modulation) in many ways. Shields signals from unwanted signals, noise, and
interference. Provides a higher S/N ratio than AM (Amplitude Modulation). An electronic circuit
called an FM transmitter converts the electrical energy from the battery into high-frequency
alternating current (AC). Such a rapidly reversing current causes him to emit EM waves
(electromagnetic waves) from the antenna.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE……………………………………………………...............2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT………………………………………………………………...............3
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………….............4
INDEX…………………………………………………………………………………………….5
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS……………………………………………………………………..7
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………………..............8

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 09
1.1 BACKGROUND 09
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT 09
1.3 OBJECTIVE 10

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 11

2.1 BASIC HISTORY OF FM RADIO TRANSMITTER 11
2.2 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES 12
2.3 DISCRIPTION OF COMPONANTS 13

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 17
3.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT 17
3.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM 17
3.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 18

CHAPTER 4: TEST AND RESULTS 19

4.1 INTRODUCTION 19
4.3 RESULT 20

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION 22
5.1 CONCLUSION 22
REFERENCES 23

5
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AF: Audio Frequency

AM: Amplitude Modulation

DC: Direct Current

FM: Frequency Modulation

IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

RF: Radio Frequency

6
LIST OF FIGURES

No. Name of Figures Page

Fig-2.1 A transistor 13

Fig-2.2 10 pf capacitor 13

Fig-2.3 27k ohm resistor 14

Fig-2.4 470-ohm Resistor 14

Fig-2.5 A microphone 15
Fig-2.6 A Copper Coil 15
Fig-2.7 9V Battery 16
Fig-3.1 FM Transmitter Block Diagram 17
Fig-3.2 Circuit Design 19
Fig-4.1 A Prototype of FM Transmitter 23

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 CHAPTER - 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides an overview of the project by giving a description of the problem. Chapter
one discusses the background of the project, problem description, aims, and objectives.

1.1: BACKGROUND

FM transmitter is an electronic device, which produces frequency-modulated waves with the help
of an antenna. The FM transmitter is a low-power transmitter and it uses FM waves for transmitting
the sound, this transmitter transmits the audio signals through the carrier wave by the difference
of frequency. A transmitter generates FM waves for various purposes such as communication,
broadcasting a message, etc. The signal transmitted has a limited range for its reception, as we
increase our distance from the source, the signal received is merged with noise and furthermore
noise component dominates the signal transmitted hence message cannot be received successfully
after a certain distance due to obstacles. The power source is a 9v dc battery, which starts
discharging after a constant power supply for around 6 hours. The information that is provided to
the transmitter is in the form of an electronic signal. This includes audio from a microphone. The
transmitter combines the information signal that is to be carried with the RF signal (the carrier).
This is called modulation. In an FM transmitter, the information is added to the radio signal by
slightly varying the radio signal's frequency.

1.2: PROBLEM STATEMENT

Audio signals have an inherently low frequency. Transmission of low-frequency signals requires
large antenna sizes due to high signal attenuation. Modulation of audio signals is typically achieved
using amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM). Frequency modulation is
achieved by varying the carrier frequency with changes in the amplitude of the audio signal (i.e.
the modulating signal). AM is the variation in carrier amplitude relative to the audio signal. AM
offers wider coverage than FM, but frequency modulation is more tolerant of noise and signal
8
strength fluctuations than AM, making FM more suitable for mobile applications. We will make a
low-power FM radio transmitter that broadcasts a signal from a portable audio device to a standard
FM radio.

1.3: OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to build circuits using components from a schematic diagram. This
will explain the concept of Frequency Modulation (FM). With the help of this project, one can
calculate the transmitting frequency theoretically. Another objective of this project is to observe
the output in the DSO and measure the transmitting frequency.

9
 Chapter - Two
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 BASIC HISTORY OF FM RADIO TRANSMITTER

The development of radar before and during World War 2 was a great stimulus to the evolution of
high-frequency transmitters in the UHF and microwave ranges, using new devices such as the
magnetron and traveling wave tube. In recent years, the need to conserve crowded radio spectrum
bandwidth has driven the development of new types of transmitters such as spread
spectrum(European Academic Research, 2013).

Frequency Modulation (FM) is the method of varying a carrier wave's frequency proportionally to
the frequency of another signal, in our case the human voice. This compares to the other most
common transmission method, Amplitude Modulation (AM). AM broadcasts vary the amplitude
of the carrier wave according to an input signal. Standard FM broadcasts are based in the 88 - 108
MHz range; otherwise known as the RF or Radio Frequency range. However, they can be in any
range, as long as a receiver has been tuned to demodulate them. Thus the RF carrier wave and the
input signal can't do much by themselves they must be modulated. 5 An FM bug is a device that
generates frequency modulated signal. It is one element of a radio system that, with the aid of an
antenna, propagates an electromagnetic signal.

FM transmitters work on the principle of frequency modulation which compares to the other most
common transmission method, Amplitude Modulation (AM). That is the basis of a transmitter.
Nikola Tesla experimentally demonstrated the transmission and radiation of radio frequency
energy in 1892 and 1893 proposing that it might be used for the telecommunication of information.
The Tesla method was described in New York in 1897. In 1900, Reginald Fessenden made a weak
transmission of voice over the airwaves. In 1901, Marconi conducted the first successful
transatlantic experimental radio communications. In 1907, Marconi established the first
commercial transatlantic radio communications service, between Clifden, Ireland and Glace Bay,
Newfoundland.

10
Inventor Edwin Howard Armstrong is credited with developing many of the features of radio as it
is known today. Armstrong patented three important inventions that made today's radio possible.
Regeneration, the superheterodyne circuit and wideband frequency modulation or FM.
Regeneration or the use of positive feedback greatly increased the amplitude of received radio
signals to the point where they could be heard without headphones. The super-heterodyne
simplified radio receivers by doing away with the need for several tuning controls. It made radios
more sensitive and selective as well. FM gave listeners a static-free experience with better sound
quality and fidelity than AM.

2.2 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantages:

There are many advantages of frequency modulation because of which it has been widely used for
many years and have the best future use for many years. Some of the advantages are as listed:

• One of the main advantages of frequency modulation is its immunity to noise, hence it is
widely used in the broadcasting industries. Noise is a short amplitude variation caused by
motors, auto-ignitions, power transients, etc.
• Another advantage of it is the capture effect which permits the strongest signal on
frequency to dominate without any interference from other signals. It has greater
transmitter efficiency as a class C amplifier can be used.

Disadvantages:

There are a number of disadvantages of using frequency modulation. Some of them can be
overcome quite easily but some of them indicate that another modulation format is more suitable.

• Bandwidth for the FM is comparatively wide. The spectrum space taken by the frequency
modulation can be limited simply by controlling the deviation ratio.
• Another minor disadvantage of FM is that the demodulation is a little complex and hence
quite expensive. Thus the low-cost broadcasting market faces some issues.

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2.3 DISCRIPTION OF COMPONANTS

1.BC547 Transistor:

The BC547 transistor is an NPN transistor. A transistor is nothing but the transfer of resistance
that is used for amplifying the current. A small current of the base terminal of this transistor will
control the large current of the emitter and base terminals. The main function of this transistor is
to amplify as well as switch purposes. The maximum gain current of this transistor is 800A.

Fig2.1: A transistor

2.10 pf Capacitor:

This is a 10pF Ceramic Capacitor Use this capacitor for power decoupling, having smooth power
in circuit, timing circuits, etc. It is always a good idea to put one of these next to the power pins of
a microcontroller

Fig2.2:10 pf capacitor

3. 27k resistor:

27K Ohm Resistor 5% 27K Ohm Carbon Film 27K Ohm Resistors 1/4W Resistance 0.25 watt 5%
Tolerance Fixed Resistors 2 Pin Leads. This is 6.8k ohms carbon film resistor with a power rating
12
of 0.25 Watts and a tolerance of 5%. Feature color code 4 bands, Axial Leads, With wire leads for
through hole mounting; Stable performance, extensive resistance, small size, high operating
temperature, Through Hole Mounting

Fig2.3: 27k ohm resistor

4. 470-ohm Resistor:

These are carbon film axial led through hole type and can handle up to 1/4W of power at voltages
up to 350V.1/4W resistors are the most commonly used size for breadboarding. We like this line
of resistors because they have easy-to-read color coding so you don’t have to keep dragging out
the multimeter to figure out values. In addition, the leads are stout with a 0.55 mm diameter
constructed of tin and copper plated over steel wire, so they work well with repeated insertions
into solderless breadboards.

Fig2.4: 470-ohm Resistor

13
5. Microphone:

A microphone is a device that translates sound vibrations in the air into electronic signals and
scribes them to a recording medium or over a loudspeaker. Microphones enable many types of
audio recording devices for purposes including communications of many kinds, as well as music
vocals, speech and sound recording.

Fig2.5: A microphone

6. 0.8 mm Wire (Coil):

Copper is the most common of the electrical conducting wires and is the most used for electrical
coils. It has low electrical resistance and allows current to easily flow through it. A major factor in
its use is that it can be configured and shaped to produce any form of coil.

Fig2.6: A copper coil

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7. 9v Battery:

The 9V battery is an extremely common battery that was first used in transistor radios. It features
a rectangular prism shape that utilizes a pair of snap connectors which are located at the top of the
battery. A wide array of both large and small battery manufacturers produce versions of the 9V
battery. Possible chemistries of primary (non-rechargeable) 9V batteries include Alkaline, Carbon-
Zinc (Heavy Duty), and Lithium. Possible chemistries of secondary (rechargeable) 9V batteries
include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium-ion. The performance
and application of the battery can vary greatly between different chemistries, meaning that some
chemistries are better suited for some applications than others.

Fig2.6: 9v Battery

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 Chapter-Three

METHODOLOGY

3.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

Wireless transmission of voice messages enables the exchange of information in real-time. It also
allows the transmission of audio signals from one point to another without the use of wired
electrical connections. It has a wide range of uses, including:

Bring sound to corner speakers in large halls, stadiums, and large open-air events without running
long cables. Communication between people in a building or office.

3.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM

When creating a system for transmitting frequency-modulated waves, several building blocks
should be considered. The following diagram gives a very broad overview. Impressions of
transmitters and their individual parts.

Figure: FM Transmitter Block Diagram

From the block diagram, it can be seen that the message signal or conversation signal is modulated
with a carrier frequency produced by an oscillator circuit. The message and carrier signals are
modulated and transmitted by transistors. A signal is modulated in the air by an antenna.

16
Here, the audio signal from the output of the microphone is sent to the pre-amplifier, which boosts
the level of the modulating signal. This signal is then passed to a high pass filter, which acts as a
pre-emphasis network to filter out the noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This signal is
further passed to the FM modulator circuit. The oscillator circuit generates a high-frequency
carrier, which is sent to the modulator along with the modulating signal. Several stages of
frequency multiplier are used to increase the operating frequency. Even then, the power of the
signal is not enough to transmit. Hence, an RF power amplifier is used at the end to increase the
power of the modulated signal. This FM-modulated output is finally passed to the antenna to be
transmitted.

3.3: CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Figure: Circuit Design

The circuit diagram shows the FM transmitter circuit and the required electrical and electronic
components for this circuit are the power supply of 9V, resistor, capacitor, trimmer capacitor,

17
inductor, mic, transmitter, and antenna. Let us consider the microphone to understand the sound
signals and inside the mic, there is a presence of the capacitive sensor. It produces according to
the vibration to the change of air pressure and the AC signal.

The formation of the oscillating tank circuit can be done through the transistor of BC547 by using
the inductor and variable capacitor. The transistor used in this circuit is an NPN transistor used for
general purpose amplification. If the current is passed at the inductor L1 and variable capacitor
then the tank circuit will oscillate at the resonant carrier frequency of the FM modulation. The
negative feedback will be the capacitor C2 to the oscillating tank circuit.

To generate the radio frequency carrier waves the FM transmitter circuit requires an oscillator. The
tank circuit is derived from the LC circuit to store the energy for oscillations. The input audio
signal from the mic penetrated to the base of the transistor, which modulates the LC tank circuit
carrier frequency in FM format. The variable capacitor is used to change the resonant frequency
for fine modification to the FM frequency band. The modulated signal from the antenna is radiated
as radio waves at the FM frequency band and the antenna is nothing but copper wire 20cm long
and 24 gauge. In this circuit, the length of the antenna should be significant and here you can use
the 25-27 inches long copper wire of the antenna.

18
 Chapter-Four

TEST AND RESULTS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This section will discuss tests carried out on the final circuit and the results obtained. Measured
waveforms from the oscilloscope will be used to illustrate the performance at each stage of the
circuit and the method used to evaluate the obtained result will be described. Test equipment at
various stages of the circuit different tests was required to confirm the performance of the stages.
The following test tools were used:

a) Digital Multimeter:

This is an electronic device used to measure continuity, voltage, and current. The multimeter
was particularly useful for measuring the base-emitter voltage of each transistor in order to
verify if it was within the voltage range (i.e 0.6V to 0.7V) of the transistor active region.

b) Oscilloscope:

This is a type of electronic test instrument that allows observation of constantly varying signal
voltages with respect to time. It allows the observation of signal amplitude and the period of
the signal. The oscilloscope was used to check if the oscillator part of the circuit was oscillating
as desired. Also, the performance of the audio amplifier and the output of the electret
microphone were evaluated with the oscilloscope.

c) Analogue FM Radio Receiver:

An analog FM receiver was required to tune the transmitting frequency of the transmitter. The
FM receiver will intercept the transmitted FM signal and demodulate it to reproduce the
original sound input. With the FM radio receiver, it was possible to determine the range of the
FM transmitter and also it’s sound quality.

19
4.2 RESULT

When testing the transmitter, the oscillator coil is tuned properly so that it transmits at the right
frequency. This is done using a plastic aligning stick for the adjustment. The operating frequency of the
oscillator is supposed to be very high so every precaution is taken to avoid the use of tools such as a metal
screwdriver, or even bare fingers which can detune the oscillator.

Both the FM transmitter and FM radio are switched on with the bug sited at one spot and the FM radio
moved within the maximum specified distance of 50 meters. Then the FM radio is tuned to the specified
frequency 97MHz of the transmitter and a voice message is then received. Instantly the background noise
diminished and audible voice message is heard. This was done within a building. the FM transmitter emits
harmonics; it does not only emit on one frequency but on several different frequencies close to each
other. We faced a little difficulty in finding the transmitting frequency. One big advantage of the FM bug
is the absence of wires. The current that it also draws is in the range of 3-12A so that cell could last for
months. The most critical part of the entire circuit is the oscillator. Thus it must not be fidgeted with in
any way when the transmitter is in operation because this will detune the circuit completely. Since the
coil is made of tinned copper, it does not need any form of insulation. For this design, a 4 turn coil of
diameter 5 mm wound on a 3.5 mm length is used. Care is taken to wound the coil in a clock-wise direction
for proper orientation and each end

Figure: A prototype of FM Transmitter

20
 Chapter – Five

5. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the FM bug transmitter & inductor coil design was a success. The human voice
transmission was received at the output on 97.1 MHz frequency, provided conditions are favorable
for wireless transmission. For extending the range and power of the FM transmitter, one can apply
another level of Amplification after the Second stage, which would in turn further amplify the
signal, and then it can be transmitted, the more the power of a signal transmitted, the greater is its
range and more noise immune it becomes. Also, to improve efficiency one may check the voltage
of the source applied and assure it is 9V for the above circuit. Furthermore, one should implement
the design on a PCB board as breadboard is not preferred for high-frequency circuits.

For the most part, all of the parts used in this project are discrete and passive, with the exception
of the transistors, which are the only real 'active' part of the circuit. The rest are just resistors,
capacitors, and inductors.

21
 REFERENCES

[1] McSwiggan, Francis. (April 1998). Design and build a portable, miniaturized, Multichannel
fm transmitter in the University of Limerick Ireland (accessed Aug 19, 2022)

[2] How To Build An FM transmitter Circuit Its Working and Applications. [Online]. Available:
https://www.elprocus.com (accessed Aug 14, 2022)

[3] A.P Godse and U.A. Bakshi, Analog Communications. Technical Publications Pune, 2009.

[4] V.K Mehta, Rohit Mehta, Principles of Electronics. S. CHAND & COMPANY, 2008.

[5] European Academic Research. (November 2013), ISSN: 2286-4822, Vol. I. FM

Transmitter Bug for Baby Monitoring. [Accessed: 18-Aug-2022].

[6] L. Floyd, Principles of Electric Circuits, Eighth Edition, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall,
2007. [Accessed: 18-Aug-2022].

[7] https://www.elprocus.com/making-of-fm-transmitter-circuit-working-application/ [Accessed:

15-Aug-2022].

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