EE 474 Communication Simulation Tech & Lab IŞIK UNIVERSITY

Single Sideband Modulation with Coherent Demodulation

EE 474 Communication Systems Laboratory IŞIK UNIVERSITY
Handout
Single Sideband Modulation with Coherent Demodulation

1 Purpose
In 1this Purpose
experiment, we will verify the principles of Single Sideband (SSB) Modulation using audio
frequency
In this experiment, we will verify will
signals. SSB modulation be implemented
the principles using
of Single the phase(SSB)
Sideband shift method. The demodulation
Modulation using audio
method to be investigated will be coherent demodulation. We are going to examine
frequency signals. SSB modulation will be implemented using the phase shift method. The the estimation of side-
demodulation
band suppression and definition of peak output power PEP.
method to be investigated will be coherent demodulation. We are going to examine the estimation of side-
band suppression and definition of peak output power PEP.
Previously we studied standard amplitude modulation (AM). Recall that the equations considered for
AM had the form;
Previously we studied standard amplitude modulation (AM). Recall that the equations considered for
AM had the form;
s(t) = Ac [1 + µm(t)] cos(ωc t) (1)
s(t) == AAccos(ω
[1 + µm(t)] cos(ω c t) (1)
c c t) + Ac µm(t) cos(ωc t) (2)
= Ac cos(ωc t) + Ac µm(t) cos(ωc t) (2)
Now, if we let M(f ) be the frequency domain description of the message signal m(t) then the Fourier
Now, if of
transform wethe
let AM
M(fsignal
) be the frequency
in (1) can be domain
shown asdescription
in Figure of
1. the message signal m(t) then the Fourier
transform of the AM signal in (1) can be shown as in Figure 1.

M(f)
1

f
-W W

Lower Sideband
Ac/2 Sc(f) Upper Sideband

µ Ac/2

f
-fc-W -fc -fc+W fc-W fc fc+W

Figure 1: Double Sideband Modulation

Figure
Figure1:1:Spectrum
Spectrum of
of aa Double
Double Sideband Modulation
Sideband Modulation
We can see that the spectrum consists of impulses at the carrier frequency, fc , and has message
components, M (f + fc ) and M (f − fc ) on either side of fc . The portion of the message spectrum at
WeWe cancanseeseethat
thatthe thespectrum
frequencies spectrum
above consists
consists
fc is referred ofan
to of
as impulses
impulses at the carrier
at
upper sideband and the frequency,
carrier frequency, ffcc, ,and
portion at frequencies has
hasmessage
andbelow fmessage
c is
compo-
compo-
nents, M (f + referred
f ) to
and as
M the
(f lower
− f ) sideband.
on either The
siderelevant
of f parameters,
. The along
portion with
of the
the upper
message
nents, M (f + fc ) and M (f − fc ) on either side of fc . The portion of the message spectrum at frequencies
c c c and lower sidebands
spectrum at frequencies
above are illustrated in
anFig. 1.
above fc fis
c is referred
referred totoas
It can
asan
be seen
upper
upper
from
sideband and
Fig. 1sideband
and the
the portion
that there are several
portion at at frequencies
frequencies
forms of inefficiency
below ffc cisisreferred
in this type below
of modulation. referred
These
totoasasthe
the
lowersideband.
lower sideband. The
include: The relevant
relevant parameters,
parameters, along
along with
with the
the upper
upper and
and lower
lower sidebands
sidebands are
are illustrated
illustrated inin
Figure
Figure 1. 1. 1. The total bandwidth of the modulated signal is twice that of the baseband message signal.
2. from
The lower sideband is athere
mirrorare
image of the forms
upper sideband (repeatedininformation).
It It
cancan
bebe seen
seen from Figure
Figure 11that
that there are several
several forms of inefficiency
of inefficiency in this
thistype
typeofofmodulation.
modulation.These
These
include:
include: 3. the impulse response at the carrier frequency contributes nothing to the determination of the signal
m(t).
1. The total bandwidth of the modulated signal is twice that of the baseband message signal.
1. The total Thus,
bandwidth
this doubleof the modulated
sideband modulationsignal is twice
is wasteful that of
of resources the baseband
in terms message
of both bandwidth signal.
and power.
2. The lower sideband is a mirror image of the upper sideband (repeated information).
In this lab,iswe
2. The lower sideband consider means
a mirror imagetoofimprove the efficiency
the upper of the(repeated
sideband amplitude modulation scheme used
information).
in Labresponse
3. The impulse #1. By considering the points
at the carrier of inefficiency
frequency mentionednothing
contributes above, wetodothethis determination
by firstly removing
of the signal
3. The impulsethe carrier
responsefrequency
at theimpulse component.
carrier frequency (Thecontributes
resulting modulation
nothingscheme
to theis called double side- of the signal
determination
m(t). band suppressed carrier modulation.) Secondly, we remove one of the sidebands with the resulting
m(t). modulation scheme being called single sideband suppressed carrier modulation.
Thus, this double sideband modulation is wasteful of resources in terms of both bandwidth and power.
2.3 Single Sideband Modulation (SSB)
Generation of the single sideband signal can be achieved by realizing the following equation
1
1
s(t) = Ac (m(t) cos ωc t + m̂(t) sin ωc t) (6)

where m̂(t) is the Hilbert transform of m(t). Please consult section 5-5 (pp 312–316) of Couch for more
information on single sideband modulation.
Thus, this double sideband modulation is wasteful of resources in terms of both bandwidth and power.

In this lab, we consider means to improve the efficiency of the amplitude modulation scheme by considering
the points of inefficiency mentioned above. We do this by firstly removing the carrier frequency impulse
component. (The resulting modulation scheme is called double sideband suppressed carrier modulation.)
Secondly, we remove one of the sidebands with the resulting modulation scheme being called single sideband
suppressed carrier modulation.

2 Preparation
2.1 Definition of Single Sideband (SSB) Modulation
There are three well-known methods of SSB generation using analog techniques. These are Weaver’s method,
filtering method and phasing method.
Among these methods the filtering method is probably the most common method of SSB generation.
You have already modelled a DSBSC signal. An SSB signal may be derived from this signal by the use of a
suitable bandpass filter commonly called as an SSB sideband filter. Mass production has given rise to low
cost, yet high performance filters. However, these filters are usually at ’standard’ frequencies (for example
455kHz or 10.7M Hz) and SSB generation by the filter method at other frequencies can be expensive.

The phasing method for SSB generation does not require an expensive filter, but instead an accurate
phasing network, or quadrature phase splitter (QPS). It is capable of acceptable performance in many appli-
cations. Unlike the filter ingmethod, the QPS operates at baseband, no matter what the carrier frequency
is. Generation of the single sideband signal via phasing method can be achieved by realizing the following
equation:
s(t) = Ac m(t)cos(ωc t) + Ac m̂(t)sin(ωc t) (3)
where m̂(t) is the Hilbert transform of m(t).

The phasing method of SSB generation is based on the addition of two DSBSC signals (3), so phased that,
their upper sidebands are identical in phase and amplitude, whilst the other two are of similar amplitude but
opposite phase. The two out-of-phase sidebands will cancel if added; alternatively the in-phase sidebands
will cancel if subtracted.

The principle of the SSB phasing generator is illustrated in Figure 2. Notice that there are two 90◦ phase
changers. The carrier phase changer operates at a single frequency, ωc rad/s. The message is shown as a
single tone at frequency µrad/s. But this can lie anywhere within the frequency range of speech. A network
providing a constant 90◦ phase shift over this frequency range is very difficult to design. This would be a
wideband phase shifter, or Hilbert transformer.

2.2 Sideband Suppression

A most important characteristic of any SSB generator is the amount of out-of-band energy it produces,
relative to the wanted output. In most cases this is determined by the degree to which the unwanted
sideband is suppressed. A ratio of wanted-to-unwanted output power of at least 60dB is acceptable
commercial performance. To measure the ratio of wanted-to-unwanted sideband suppression directly
requires a SPECTRUM ANALYSER. In commercial practice these instruments are very expensive, and
their purchase cannot always be justified merely to measure an SSB generaor performance. As always, there
are indirect methods of measurement. One such method depends upon a measurement of the SSB envelope,
as already hinted. It is a simple matter to measure the sideband suppression from peak-to-peak and the
trough-to-trough amplitudes, giving twice P, and twice Q, respectively. Figure 3
P +Q
sideband suppression = 20 log( )dB (4)
P −Q

2
 2.2 Sideband Suppression
A most important characteristic of any SSB generator is the amount of out-of-band energy it produces, rela-
tive to the wanted output. In most cases this is determined by the degree to which the unwanted sideband is
suppressed. A ratio of wanted-to-unwanted output power of at least 60dB is acceptable commercial perfor-
mance. To measure the ratio of wanted-to-unwanted sideband suppression directly requires a SPECTRUM
ANALYSER. In commercial practice these instruments are very expensive, and their purchase cannot always
Figure
be justified merely 2: A block
to measure diagram
an SSB to generate
generaor a SSB
performance. Assignal viathere
always, phasing methodmethods of mea-
are indirect
surement. One such method depends upon a measurement of the SSB envelope, as already hinted. It is a

P
0.5
Q

−0.5

−1

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Figure3:3:SSB
Figure SSBsignal
signal with
with unwanted
unwanted sideband
sideband component
component

simple matter to measure the sideband suppression from peak-to-peak and the trough-to-trough amplitudes,
2.3giving twice P, andDemodulation
Coherent twice Q, respectively. Figure 3

In Amplitude Modulation experiment we used two different P +Q

sideband suppression = 20demodulation
log( )dBmethods for the AM signal. These
(4)
were envelope detection and coherent demodulation. Only signals P −ofQthe form of (1) are able to be demod-
ulated via envelope detection. Thus, it is not possible to demodulate single sideband suppressed carrier
2.3 Coherent
modulated signals via Demodulation
envelope detection, so we use only coherent demodulation. Recall that coherent
demodulation (also called synchronous detection) consists of multiplying the modulated signal by a sinusoid
In Amplitude Modulation experiment we used two different demodulation methods for the AM signal. These
of the same frequency as the carrier and low-pass filtering so that the resulting higher frequency components
were envelope detection and coherent demodulation. Only signals of the form of (1) are able to be demod-
areulated
discarded and onlydetection.
via envelope a scaled version
Thus, itofisthe
notoriginal
possiblebaseband message
to demodulate signal
single remains.
sideband (Practical
suppressed note:
carrier
for modulated
audio signals
signals via envelope detection, so we use only coherent demodulation. Recall that coherent so
the higher frequency components would most likely not be able to be heard anyway,
low-pass filtering might
demodulation (also not synchronous
called be absolutelydetection)
necessary.)
consists of multiplying the modulated signal by a sinusoid
of the same frequency as the carrier and low-pass filtering so that the resulting higher frequency components
3 are discarded and only a scaled version of the original baseband message signal remains. (Practical note:
SSB Modulation With Matlab
for audio signals the higher frequency components would most likely not be able to be heard anyway, so
low-pass filtering might not be absolutely necessary.)
In the following exercise you will SSB modulate a signal and examine the result in both the time and
frequency domains. The best part is that the Matlab file is already written for you, all you have to do is
3 aSSB
modify Modulation With Matlab
few variables!
Exercise 1: Edit ssb test.m in a text editor. In Matlab, run the file and view the resulting plot. It should
In the the
resemble following exercise
plot shown you will4 SSB modulate a signal and examine the result in both the time and
in Figure
frequency domains. The best part is that the Matlab file is already written for you, all you have to do is
modify a few variables!
Exercise 1: Edit ssb test.m in a text editor. In Matlab, run the file and view the resulting plot. It should
resemble the plot shown in Figure 4 3
Exercise 1:Modify the code in am test.m to create a new signal with a bi-tone message signal. Execute
the m-file and print the resulting plot.

% ssb_test.m
 2
m(t)
1 mhat(t)

−1

−2
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
time (ms)

M(f)

0.4

0.2

0
−50 −40 −30 −20 −10 0 10 20 30 40 50
frequency (kHz)
0.6
S(f)

0.4

0.2

0
−50 −40 −30 −20 −10 0 10 20 30 40 50
frequency (kHz)

Figure 4:
Figure 4: SSB
SSB example
example with Matlab

%% ssb_test.m
the SSB formula:
%%
%% M-file
s(t) for
= A_c[m(t)*cos(2*pi*f_c*t)+ m_hat(t)*sin(2*pi*f_c*t)]
SSB modulation experimentation using
%
% the SSB formula:
%% m(t) is a sinusoid message with adjustable frequncy
%% m_hat(t) = hilbert transform
s(t) = A_c[m(t)*cos(2*pi*f_c*t)+ m_hat(t)*sin(2*pi*f_c*t)]
%% s(t) is the final ampitude modulated signal
%% m(t) is a sinusoid message with adjustable frequncy
%% m_hat(t)
EE 474 Communication Lab.
= hilbert transform
%
% s(t) is the final ampitude modulated signal
%%
%f_s
EE =474
400; % sampling
Communication Lab. frequency (kHz)
%f_0 = 5; % m(t) frequency (kHz)
%f_c = 25; % carrier frequency (kHz)
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Preparation %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
%% Total number of samples =
% number of periods desired * number of samples per period.
f_0 = 5; % m(t) frequency (Hz)
num_periods = 40; samp_per_period = f_s/f_0; total_samp
f_c = 25; % carrier frequency (Hz)
=samp_per_period*num_periods;
fs = 400; % sampling frequency must be greater than f_0 and f_c (Hz)
dt = 1/fs; % sampling period
% Create the discrete time variable ’n’ with length equal to
Tmx = 5; % End time
% the total number of samples, create a time variable ’t’,
t = 0:dt:Tmx; % the t vector is created here in order to
% then create the signal m(t) based on the sampling frequency
% supply us with the time axis samples
% and desired signal frequency. m_hat is the hilmery transform
% of m(t)
L = length(t); % "L" is the number of elements in vector "t"
% = number of samples
n = [0:total_samp-1]; t = n/f_s; m = cos(2*pi*f_0*t);
df = fs/L; % sampling interval in frequency domain
m_hat=imag(hilbert(m));
Fmx = fs/2; % Frequency range

4
4
F = -Fmx+df/2 : df : Fmx-df/2;% the F vector is created here in order to
% supply us with the frequency axis samples

%
%%%%%%%%%% End of Preparation %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
%
%%%%%%%%%%%%% MAIN PROGRAM %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
%
% MODULATION
%
% TIME DOMAIN ANALYSIS %
%
m = cos(2*pi*f_0*t); % message signal
m_hat=imag(hilbert(m)); % m_hat is the hilbert transform of m(t)
% to understand usage write "help hilbert" on command window
% create the SSB signal s(t);

s = (m.*cos(2*pi*f_c*t))+(m_hat.*sin(2*pi*f_c*t)); % SSB Modulated signal

%
% FREQUENCY DOMAIN ANALYSIS %
%
M = fftshift(fft(m))/L; % "M" is the Fast Fourier Transform of message vector "m"

S = fftshift(fft(s))/L; % "S" is the desired, correct Fourier Transform of "s",

% the DSB AM vector.

% COHERENT DEMODULATION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

% demodulated signal r(t) = LPF{s(t)*c(t)}

mr = s.*cos(2*pi*f_c*t); % mr(t)=s(t)*c(t)

%%% Filter Design

F_cut = 10; % choose cut-off Frequency as 10Hz

[B, A] = butter(10, F_cut/Fmx); % B and A, will be the parameters of 10th order

% Butterworth lowpass filter with
% cut-off frequency = F_cut
% Notice that the cut-off frequency is
% normalized with Fmx
% for more.. >> help butter

r = 2.*filter(B,A,mr); % filtered signal

%
%%%%%%%%%% End of Main Program %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
%
%
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Plotting %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
figure(1) %
subplot(4,1,1) %
plot(t,m,t,m_hat,’r-.’) %
grid %
axis([0 1 -1.5 1.5]) %
xlabel(’time (ms)’) %
legend(’m(t)’,’m_{hat}(t)’) %

5
subplot(4,1,2) %
plot(F,abs(M)) %
axis([-30 30 0 0.6]) %
grid %
xlabel(’frequency (Hz)’) %
legend(’M(f)’) %

subplot(4,1,3) %
plot(F,abs(S)) %
axis([-30 30 0 0.6]) %
grid %
xlabel(’frequency (kHz)’) %
legend(’S(f)’) %

subplot(4,1,4) %
plot(t,r) %
axis([0 1 -2 2]) %
xlabel(’time (ms)’) %
legend(’r(t)’) %
grid %

Exercises:
1. Using the ”freqz” command plot the frequency response (Gain and Phase response) of the Butterworth
filter, used to demodulation. And decide the minimum cut-off frequency ”F cut”. (in Matlab use help
freqz command to find out how)
2. Perform demodulation via different filters using cheby1, cheby2, and ellip, commands. Plot the
frequency responses (Gain and Phase response) of the filters. Plot and compare(comment on) de-
modulated signals. Do not forget to indicate the extra parameters. (i.e. Ripple in pass-band)
3. Using Matlab, modulate (SSB) the message signal and carrier frequency given below, and plot them.
(Carefully determine the ”fs”, ”Tmx” and appropriate filter)

m(t) = rect(t − 3), f c = 20

6
4 Experiment
4.1 SSB Modulation
You will use the TIMS system to develop a circuit to perform the modulation function in equation (3). You
will need to set up figure 5 to carry out the ssb modulation part of the laboratory.
1. Use the Audio Oscillator module to provide the message signal m(t) and record its frequency fm . In
this case it will simply be a sinusoid in the audio frequency range.

fm =

!
* $
(
)%

! $ + ! $ ! $ $

" " #"

, !

$
%
! *&
& ' %&

" #"

Figure 5: Setup to observe AM frequency spectrum

2. Patch up a model of the phasing SSB generator, following the arrangement illustrated in figure 5.
3. The QUADRATURE PHASE SPLITTER, (QPS) module is supposed to provide the π/2 rad phase shifted
(Hilbert Transform) message signal from ”OUT 2” and the original message signal from ”OUT 1”.
Measure the phase difference ∆θ of the signals at the QPS outputs, using the XY view mode of the
oscilloscope.

Figure 6: Measurement of phase difference

A
∆θ = arcsin( )
B

7
 ∆θ =

4. Separate DSBSC signals should already exist at the output of each MULTIPLIER. These need to be
of equal amplitudes at the output of the ADDER. You will set this up, at first approximately and
independently, then jointly and with precision, to achieve the required output result. Adjust the gains
on the Adder so that both signals are given equal weighting (Ac ). Equalize and record the amplitudes
of separate DSB-SC signals at the output of adder.

Ac =

5. Write down the Hilbert transform m̂(t) for the sinusoidal message signal we are using in this Lab.

m̂(t) =

6. Given the m(t) we are using in this Lab, write down the the equation for the single sideband modulated
signal s(t) resulting from this.

s(t) =

7. Observe the single sideband modulated signal s(t) on your oscilloscope and measure its frequency fs .

fs =

8. Decide the type of single sideband modulation, is it L-SSB or U-SSB why?.

. . . − SSB, because ...

9. The QPS is not a precision device, and a sideband suppression of better than 26dB is unlikely. After
the best balance has been achieved, using Figure 3 as a guide measure the sideband suppression.

sideband suppression =

4.2 SSB Demodulation via Coherent Detection

You will investigate ssb demodulation via coherent detection using an imperfect (or local) carrier. That is,
the receivers carrier is not perfectly matched to the transmitters carrier (as would be the case in practice).

Figure 7:
Figure 6: Setup
Setup for
for coherent
coherent demodulation
demodulation of
of SSB
SSB signal
signal

2. Use figure 6 to demodulate the signal s(t) via coherent detection.

8

5 Questions
1. Which sideband has been kept in your circuit?
In addition to the modules used for amplitude modulation, you will need the following setup in figure 7 to
carry out amplitude demodulation via coherent detection.
1. Write down the equations governing amplitude modulation via coherent detection with a perfect re-
ceiver carrier.
mreceived (t) =

2. Use figure 7 to demodulate the signal s(t) via coherent detection.

9
EE 474 Communication Systems Laboratory IŞIK UNIVERSITY

Single Sideband Modulation with Coherent Demodulation Data

Sheet
Name: Date: ../../....
Number:
Section:

Equations:

m̂(t) =

s(t) =

mreceived (t) =
Values:

..............U nit
fm = ..............
∆θ = ..............
Ac = ..............
fs = ..............
sideband suppression = ..............

. . . − SSB, because...

10