ABSTRACT

It has become inevitable that there would be communication and due to the
inherent limitation of the human voice, the public address system came to being. A
public address or “P.A SYSTEM” is an electronic amplification system with a
mixer, amplifier and loudspeakers, used to reinforce a given sound, e.g. a person
making a speech, pre-recorded music or message and distributing the sound
throughout a venue. The voice signal is passed through a microphone, which
converts the sound energy to electrical energy; the energy electrical signal being
transmitted is been received and amplified by the amplifier circuit. The amplifier’s
output is fed into the loudspeaker which converts the electrical energy back to the
original form but amplified sound energy. This project is made up of the power
supply unit, the pre-amplifier and power amplifier units, and the tone control unit.
This system is capable of delivering 24W of electrical power into a 6ohms load
(loudspeaker).

1
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A public address system allows you to broadcast information to a large group of

people, whether you are giving a speech or playing live or recorded music.

Public address systems typically consist of input sources, preamplifiers, control

and monitoring equipment, and loudspeakers. Input sources refer to the

microphones that provide a sound input for the system. These input sources are fed

into the preamplifiers. The pre amplified signals are then passed into the audio

power amplifiers.

These amplifiers will amplify the audio signals to an adequate speaker line level.

In view of the above, one can now say that the public address system is an

electronic amplification system used for communication in public areas.

Microphone is a device that converts sound waves into electrical waves.

Sometimes colloquially called a micro mike is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or

sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. Microphones are used in many

applications such as telephones, hearing aids, live and recorded audio engineering,

in radio and television broadcasting and in computers for recording voice, and for

non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checking. The sensitive transducer

element of a microphone is called its element. A transmitter is extremely important

2
equipment and is housed in the broadcasting station. Its purpose is to produce radio

waves for transmission into space. The important components of a transmitter are

microphone, audio amplifiers, oscillator and modulator.

It usually sends its signal using a small radio frequency transmitter to a nearby

receiver connected to the sound system. The transmitters are responsible for taking

in the signal from the microphone, modulating it, and transmitting it to the receiver

using radio waves.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Public speaking has many challenges ranging from the venue of meetings to the

number of people to address hence the need to design and construct a mobile

public address system which has no restrictions in movement as a result of the

length of wire or the source of power supply. Various discomfort also arises while

handling the microphone due to the cable connecting it to the speaker, this can be

addressed by using a design that is mobile preventing audio interferences while in

use by the speaker or user. Other very serious issues associated with earlier

versions of public address system are the risk of open circuit occurrence in the

communication cable as a result of the environment and the complex circuitry due

to the absence of integrated circuit chips for higher reliability and easier trouble

shooting.

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1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of this project work is to design and construct a mobile public address

system with the following objectives;

i. To design a mobile public address system

ii. To construct an operational public address system for use

iii. To design and construct a public address system that can use by a dc

power supply

iv. To study the operation of a public address system.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Public speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured,

deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the audience. The

purpose of this project is to design and construct a mobile public address system

that can be used to deliver messages to an audience regardless of distance and

source of power.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

This system is for public address; it has an estimated power rating of 20watts. It

has a power On/Off button with volume control. It is mobile and constructed with

locally available electrical components.

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1.6 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

Over the ages, science and technology has been developing with new inventions in

various fields; including the increase in modifications on existing technology all

gearing towards improving effectiveness and reliability of equipment and

achieving to a great degree miniaturization and optimal cost.

This system makes use of radio communication system, it utilizes radio frequency

to achieve all its set objectives, like data communication in the operation of

wireless communication between the transmitter and the receiver.

This system is intended to provide a fast and reliable means of communication in

small venues such as school auditoriums, churches, and small bars. This system

provides an alternate approach for public speaking without restrictions resulting

from location and length of wire due to power supply.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The mobile public address system provides a better way of public speaking without

taking into consideration the size of the audience or location. It suffers from poor

handling because of its movable nature thus it gets damage easily. The other

limitation results from the availability of a lasting source of power because most

available dc sources do not have long durability hence limiting the usage of the

device.

5
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 PROJECT HISTORY

Communication has been an age long process in which information is passed from

generation to generation. The idea of public address system was borne out of the

necessity to reach out to a large audience in churches, lecture halls, etc. It would

have been impossible to transmit and receive without the use of radio waves and

radio receivers. The world’s first radio receiver (thunderstorm register) was

designed by Alexander Stepanovich Popov, and it was first seen at the All-Russia

exhibition in 1896. He was the first to demonstrate the practical application of

electromagnetic (radio) waves

2.1.1 EARLIEST MEDIUM OF INFORMATION TRANSMISSION

In the ancient days information is passed across using drums, wooden gongs and

gongs to call on people’s attention before passing on the information, a rimmed

cattle horn was also used to serve as a microphone.

2.1.2 MODERN DAY MEDIUM APPROACH

Recently it has been witnessed that the advent of a durable, wider coverage and

more reliable means that could be seen as announcement. It is called a public

address system. This system consists of a microphone as the input medium and an

amplifier with the speaker as the output medium. These early public address

6
systems made good use of transducers and communication cables. The condenser

microphone which is a transducer that converts sound or noise into electrical

quantity due to the change in resistance which enables the conversion of sound into

electrical signal.

This electrical signal is then transmitted to the amplifier section through a

transmission cable which is parallel or coaxial. A suitable amplifier circuit is built

at the loudspeaker section to amplify the signal from the transmission cable and

finally the speaker is a transducer that can equally convert this signal (electrical)

back to sound energy. The above explanation is the operation of early public

address system and how it was invented.

2.2.2 BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTOR (BJT)

For this design work, BC547, BC557 have been employed in the implementation

of this project work and the configuration is that of CE of the NPN type

transistor. The transistor from the transfer resistor has been used widely in

amplifier and electronics circuit. Bipolar junction transistor found use in

electronics circuit for both amplifier and switching purposes. A bipolar transistor

consists of a three-layer “sandwich” of doped (extrinsic) semiconductor materials,

either P-N-P or N-P-N. Each layer forming the transistor has a specific name, and

each layer is provided with a wire contact for connection to a circuit.

7
 Figure 1: The Symbols of PNP and NPN transistors

Bipolar transistors work as current-controlled current regulators. In other words

transistors restrict the amount of current passed according to a smaller, controlling

current. The main current that is controlled goes from collector to emitter or from

emitter to collector, depending on the type of transistor it is (PNP or NPN,

respectively). The small current that controls the main current goes from base to

emitter, or from emitter to base, once again depending on the kind of transistor it is

(PNP or NPN, respectively). Transistor parts are as follows;

 The emitter: is similar to the cathode of a valve, it is more heavily doped

than any of the other regions because its main function is to supply majority

charge carriers (either electrons or holes).

 The base: it is the controlling elements; it is the middle section of the

transistor, current at the base controls the current through the transistor.

8
  The collector: this basically collects the emitted electrons; it is in a way

analogous to the plate of vale. In most cases, collector region of transistors is

made physically larger than the emitter region because it has to dissipate

much greater power.

2.2.3 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS

An operational amplifier is a circuit that can perform such mathematical operations

as addition, subtraction, integration and differentiation. An operational amplifier,

abbreviated as op-amp, is basically a multi-stage, very high gain (typically

2,000,000), direct-coupled, negative feedback amplifier that uses voltage-shunt

feedback to provide a stabilized voltage gain. An op-amp has high input impedance

(exceeding 100kΩ) and low output impedance (< 100Ω) and has capability of

amplifying signals having frequency ranging from zero Hz to 1 MHz i.e. op-amp

can be used to amplify DC as well as AC input signals. It is an extremely efficient

and versatile device. LM320 was used in the cause of this project.

9
 Feedback

Inverting
-

Non inverting +
Figure 2: A Symbol of an Op-Amp

2.2.4 RESISTOR

A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical

resistance as a circuit element. Resistors act to reduce current flow, and, at the

same time, act to lower voltage levels within circuits. In electronic circuits,

resistors are used to limit current flow, to adjust signal levels, bias active elements,

and terminate transmission lines among other uses. High-power resistors that can

dissipate many watts of electrical power as heat may be used as part of motor

controls, in power distribution systems, or as test loads for generators. Fixed

resistors have resistances that only change slightly with temperature, time or

operating voltage. Variable resistors can be used to adjust circuit elements (such as

a volume control or a lamp dimmer), or as sensing devices for heat, light,

humidity, force, or chemical activity.

Resistors are common elements of electrical networks and electronic circuits and

are ubiquitous in electronic equipment. Practical resistors as discrete components

can be composed of various compounds and forms. Resistors are also implemented

within integrated circuits

10
 Figure 3: Symbol of a fixed resistor

Figure 4: Symbol of a variable resistor

2.2.5 CAPACITOR

A capacitor is used in parallel between the rectified signal and the load. This will

smooth out the ripple and produce a fairly smooth horizontal signal which is the

desired response for a DC signal. When a capacitor is connected across the output,

the value of the voltage is increased due to the filtering action. Input bypass

capacitor may be required for regulator stability if the device is located more than a

few inches from the power source. The input bypass capacitor should be mounted

with the shortest possible track length directly across the regulator’s input and

ground terminals.

Figure 4.0: Symbol of a Capacitor.

2.3 DESCRIPTION

The system design comprise basic electrical components like resistors,

capacitors, transistors, operational amplifiers (Op-amp) couple together using the

system circuit diagram to construct a mobile public address system with both ac

11
and dc sources. It is designed with durability and efficiency in mind to meet the

daily usage of the device. A wooden protective casing is provided to guide against

component damage due to human or environmental factors.

2.4 APPLICATION

Communicating a message effectively to an individual or a large volume of people

is essential, especially in emergency cases or big gatherings in an outdoor venue.

Equipment and the system you need to deliver your message must be taken into

heavy consideration. To transmit audio in any setting whether it is in school, in the

office, auditoriums, or stadiums, we have the Public Address System (PA System).

It finds application in the following areas:

1) Schools

It can be used in schools to pass information easily without stress. Moreover,

students can produce their own radio broadcasting show in the school by learning

how to simply operate the microphone. PA Systems are also immensely convenient

during emergency situations wherein everyone must be alerted immediately.

2) Music

With the easy movement of the device, it can be used as a means of musical

entertainment at different events and location.

3) Offices
12
Back up the inter-office memos to make sure that the information has been

disseminated correctly and at the right time. Announce your message as an urgent

reminder for all employees.

4) Emergencies

Support your Fire Detection and Alarm System with your audio system, so you can

give feedback/response to the people in a certain area to remain calm and evacuate.

You can also have your pre-recorded files for emergencies to play when the

situation demands it.

5) Large Venues

Whether it you are planning athletic events in stadiums or gatherings and

movements in an outdoor venue, use your audio system to rise above the external

noise and produce your message as audibly as possible for every individual. One

slight error in delivering the message can alter its meaning or urgency. Also, give

more excitement and dynamics to competitions by joining both music and speech

while announcing the winners. Give your instructions clearly as well at the start of

a sporting event to avoid misinterpretation or lack of communication.

13
2.5 WORKING/OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLE

Once the radio signal is sent from the microphone, it is received by the antenna. It

subsequently induces a current and voltage in the antenna. This signal is then

passed through the receiver where the demodulation is done it demodulates the

audio signal. The preamplifier formulates the difference and sum the signal

between the oscillatory and incoming radio signal. The signal then travels to the

audio amplifier. This amplifier’s gain is controlled by the automatic gain control of

the audio amplifier. Next, the (filtered) received signal and the local oscillator

output are input to the “mixer” section.

The mixer, in a radio receiver, is a circuit that combines these signals. This new

process produces two new signals is at the frequency which is the sum of the

received signal frequency and the local oscillator frequency, while the second is at

a frequency which is the difference between the received signal frequency and the

local oscillator frequency. Both the sum and the difference signals contain the

audio information carried by the received signal. The sum and difference signals

are then sent to a series of filter stages that are all tuned to the frequency of the

difference signal. This frequency is the “intermediate frequency” (IF), so-called

because it is lower than the received radio frequency but still higher than the final

audio frequency.

14
The IF signal is finally input to the “detector” stage which “demodulates” or

extracts the audio signal by one of several methods. One standard technique is

known as “quadrature.” When two signals are out of phase with each other by

exactly 90 degrees they are said to be in quadrature. When such signals are

multiplied together and low-pass filtered the resulting output signal consists only

of frequency variations of the original input signal.

The demodulated audio signal undergoes complementary signal processing to

complete the dynamic range recovery and noise reduction action begun in the

transmitter.

15
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 SYSTEM ANALYSIS

In the course of the project work effort was made to detail the different design

stage, design test and modification on the breadboard was also put into

consideration.

3.2 DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

The design specifications used in this project work are listed below;

 The power supply unit

 The receiver principle

 The transmitter principle

 Input amplifier

S/N COMPONENT DESCRIPTION COMPONENT RATINGS

1 ELECTROLYTIC 0.1µF, 10µF, 470µF,

CAPACITOR

2 CERAMIC CAPACITOR 103pF

3 FIXED RESISTOR 10KΩ,5KΩ, 100Ω, 47KΩ,

12 KΩ,50 KΩ,

4 VARIABLE RESISTOR 50KΩ

16
 12 KΩ,50 KΩ,

5 NPN TRANSISTOR , β= 50, IC= 250Ma

6 Operational Amplifier IC741

3.3 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure 5: Block diagram of a public address system

3.4 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

1µF
Vcc = 12v

10k 10k
12k
0.1µ
10k
F
50K 10µF
IC7 BC54
vin 7
10k
5K 10µF
0.1µ 10k 100Ω
F 100Ω
0.1µF 17 10μF
 Figure 6: Circuit diagram

3.5 DESIGN CALCULAITON

3.5.1 TRANSISTOR POWER AMPLIFIER

Power amplifiers are generally signal level booster and as such provide current to

drive a loudspeaker. All output transducers require amplification of the signal by

an amplifier, including loudspeakers for effectiveness. The essential role of this

active element is to magnify an input signal to yield a significantly larger output

signal. The magnification is determined exclusively by the external circuit design

as well as the active components of the circuit. Among such active device

amplifiers are bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and metal oxide semiconductor

field-effect transistor (MOSFETs).

VCC

10k 47k 10k 47k

VO
0.1µF
47µF 0.1µF

5k 10k 5k 10k 5k 470k

103pF
2mV
103pF

18
 Figure 7: Transistor Power Amplifier Circuit

3.5.2 POWER SUPPLY UNIT DESIGN

The power unit is purely a d.c suppy, since the project is about a mobile public

address system which should be using dry cell battery for it to be portable and

easily carried about, since the loudspeaker coil is 20watts, it will be worthwhile to

analysis its current knowing the voltage supply, where the value of the d.c voltage

is 12v, knowing the resistive value of the loudspeaker to be about 6Ω, we can find

the value of the d.c power using the following relationship;

Power = I x V _____________________________ (1)

𝑉2
Power = _______________________________________ (2)
𝑅

Where the value of R which is the speaker rated resistance = 6Ω, the d.c

supply voltage, V = 12v and the rated power output of the speaker equals 24watts,

it then impies that from Power = I x V

From ohm’s law;

The current can be calculated as:

𝑉 12
Current, I = = = 2A.
𝑅 6

From equation (1) Power, P = 2 x 12 = 24watts

122 144
Also from equation (2) power, P = = = 24 watts
6 6

19
3.5.3 MOSFET POWER AMPLIFIER.

The metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is a device that

could be used as an amplifier device or as an electronic signals switch. The voltage

rating of the transistor is a function of the doping and thickness of the N-epitaxial

layer, while the current rating is a function of the channel width (the wider the

channel, the higher the current), this can be obtain from the data book. It is worth

noting that power MOSFETs with lateral structure are mainly used in high-end

audio amplifiers. They are more advantageous in performance as regard to the

saturated region (corresponding to the linear region of a bipolar transistor) than the

vertical MOSFETs. Vertical MOSFETs are designed mostly for switching

applications. MOSFET operates with the lowest resistance when fully “ON” and

thus has its lowest power dissipation in that condition, except when fully “OFF”.

The MOSFET includes a channel of n-type or p-type semiconductor material.

Usually the semiconductor of choice is silicon; unfortunately, many

semiconductors with better electrical properties than silicon, such as gallium

arsenide, do not form good semiconductor-to-insulator interfaces and thus are not

suitable for MOSFETs. When voltage is applied between the gate and source

terminals, the electric field generated penetrates through the oxide and creates a so-

called “inversion layer” or channel at the semiconductor-insulator interface. The

inversion channel is of the same type P-type or N-type as the source and drain, so it

20
provides a channel through which current can pass. Varying the voltage between

the gate and body modulates the conductivity of this layer and makes it possible to

control the current flow between drain the source.

21
 + VDD = 25V

6 1

0.1µF
103pF

9
2mV

Figure 8: MOSFET Power Amplifier Circuit

3.5.4 CLASS “A” AMPLIFIER.

In class “A” amplifier, the transistor is biased such that the output current flows

cycle of the input signal (3600), meaning that the transistor remains in FR – biased

throughout the input cycle such that its conducting angle is 3600. The peak valve of

the signal wave form should at all times be less than the bias voltage or current,

otherwise the output wave form will be distorted. Class A operation of an amplifier

offers low signal distortion. Class A amplifier was used in this project.

3.5.5 TRANSMITTER DESIGN

The transmitter is designed to use between (9 – 12)V battery. The radius of

reception of then PAS is within 100 metres. In designing with the above transistor

22
characteristics given that +Vcc and VCE is 12V and 0.6V respectively. For a design

voltage gain of 2000, class A amplifier which specifies that

VCC = 12V

10k 47k 10k 47k

VO

10k 5k 10k 5k 470k

VE = 0.5xVCE,

Then,
VE
VE = IE x RE, and IE =
𝑅𝐸

Also from the circuit,

Vc = Vcc – VCE – VE,

= 9 – 0.6 – 0.3 = 8.1V

Since Vc = Ic x Rc ,Rc = 8.1 = Ic x Rc , Rc = 8.1/0.2mA = 21kΩ

A resistor value of 22kΩ was used in the design

Ic 𝐼𝐵
hfe = , IB = = 0.2mA/200 = 1μA
𝐼𝑏 ℎ𝑓𝑒

23
3.5.6 TRANSISTOR BASE BIASING;
𝑉𝑐𝑐
R1 + R2 = = 9/1 x 10 - 6 = 12mΩ
𝐼𝑏

V1 = R2 x Vcc/R1 + R2 = R2 x 9/37000

V2 = VBE + VE

= 0.65 + 0.3 = 0.95 = R2 x 9/37000

From the relation R1 + R2 = 37000, R1 = 150000Ω = 150KΩ

The capacitive reactance, Xc = 1/10 x RE , = 1/10 x 1500 = 150Ω

Xc = 1/2πfCE , 1/2π x 30 x 150 = 35μF

3.5.7 AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT DESIGN

This amplifier was designed to produce an output power of 20W to a 7.2Ω

loudspeaker this is done so as to enable the receiver to serve the function of a

public address system. The audio amplifier is powered by 12V dc power supply.

Vin = 50mV pk – pk at 3.4kHz

Quiescent point = Vcc/2 = 12/2 = 6V

Required power output = 20Watt

The input power to the Transistor = 2Watt

Therefore, The derived gain in dB = 20log20/2 =20dB

The distance of transmission is 100m.

24
3.5.8 THE INPUT STAGE.

The input stage is known as the preamplifier. In this design the amplifier is

classified into two sections through IC input stage and discrete component. These

are coupled together for maximum gain. The preamp is fed from the power supply

unit with voltage drop of +12v and -12v via. 1.5kΩ resistors. I fed into the mixing

circuit. The boost capacitor bypasses VR2 at frequency use between 50Hz and

400Hz.

3.5.9 MIXING STAGE

When all the input signals comes in at the same, the mixer which is a summing

amplifier mix all the signals together to produce a refined signal before it is fed to

the audio amplifier.

3.5.1 AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER

The amplifier has a differential input stage with negative feedback used to stabilize

the amplifier. The circuit at the output eliminates interference from any transmitter

as it forms a short circuit to ground at frequencies above 10MHz the efficiency of

this amplifier is based on the radio of power output to the speaker versus input

power from the battery audio power amplifier design involves three stages; the

input stage: the input stage of the amplifier must be able to supply the base current

of the driver stage. Since third stage must be biased, a margin between 2 and 5 was

applied: to determine the upper and lower values of the bias resistor in which the

25
lower value was preferred for it is appropriate for this design. The driver stage

must be able to supply enough current to the output power MOSFET, the driver

must also be able to charge and discharge the gate source capacitance quickly

enough to allow us to get the needed power at the highest frequencies of interest.

The output stage: the effective load impedance and the available voltage and

current of the amplifier determine the power output. The amplifier has two sides,

side A and B, each of the sides produces an output power of 12W each and total

output power of 24Watts.

26
 CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS AND TEST

The designed system is powered on; sound is impressed through the microphone

into the pre-amplifier circuit in order to increase the strength level of the incoming

signal. The volume control is varied and at different level, the output was

certifying alright. The temperature of the power amplifier was reduced to the barest

by inserting a high rated heat sink for maximum heat dissipation.

PROBLEMS/TROUBLESHOOTING

For the wellbeing of every apparatus and device, troubleshooting is necessary in

order to curtail excesses. For this project work, the following should be carried out

in case of difficulties in operation;

 Consult an expert in case of malfunctioning

 Follow production manual instructions

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Safety measures are essential part of electronic operating devices and hence should

be given due attention, for this project:

i) The component are sensitive device and should be carefully put in used

ii) Do not open up the power unit as to avoid shock.

27
 iii) Report and refer any malfunctioning of the device to experts.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The power supply unit transforms a 220V a.c to about 30v d.c using rectifier

diodes which is then passed through a smoothening capacitor as to produce a

steady signal output. The receiver unit essential help to magnify any input signal

applied to yield a significantly larger output signal. The amplifier has a differential

input stage with negative feedback that stabilizes the amplifier. The output

eliminates interference by grounding frequencies above 10MHz. The effective load

impedance and the available voltage and current of the amplifier determine the

power output.

28
 CHAPTER FIVE

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.1 RECOMMENDATION

The project work is an interesting type due to its powerful out, it is advisable to use

more amplifier stage of high gain since thePower amplifiers generally help in

signal level booster. The preamplifier should be powerful enough to strengthen the

weak input signal from the micro phone by using both a high transistor gain device

and a high rated microphone piece.

5.2 CONCLUSION

The audio amplifier used is capable of delivering 20watts continuously. The term

“power amplifier” is a related amount of power delivered to the load and/or

sourced by the supply circuit. The power amplifier stage requires most attention to

power efficiencyand it has become more efficient due to increasing use of Class A

amplifiers, which offer significant weight and space savings as well as increased

efficiency.

29
 REFERENCE

1. Bruce A. Carison and David G. Gisser; Electrical Engineering Concept and

Application, Addison-Wesley, 1981.

2. Douglas V. Hall; Microprocessor and Digital systems, second Edition.

3. Charles L. Alley and Kenneth W. Atwood, Micro Electronics prentice Hall,

1986.

4. Fredrick F. Driscoll and Robert F. Coughlin; solid state device and

applications, prentice Hall, 1975

30