Frequency Modulation (FM) is a popular technique used for transmitting analog signals over long distances. It involves modulating the frequency of a carrier wave with the amplitude of a modulating signal. This technique has several advantages over amplitude modulation and other modulation techniques, including a higher signal-to-noise ratio and better noise immunity. This method of generating FM signal falls into direct FM generation class. Other direct method of generating FM signal is using reactance modulator. Here, we will discuss how Varactor Diodes can be used for Frequency Modulation.
Varactor Diodes, also known as Varicap Diodes, are semiconductor devices that have a variable capacitance. The capacitance of a Varactor Diode is controlled by varying the reverse-bias voltage across its terminals. If the reverse bias is increased, the depletion layer inside the varactor diode widens and the capacitance decreases. Similarly if the reverse bias is decreased, the varicap depletion layer becomes narrow and the capacitance is increased. So there is reverse bias voltage across the varicap diode is inversely related to its capacitance. This variation of varicap capacitance with reverse bias voltage is shown below.
The implication that the capacitance varies with voltage means that the Varactor Diode can be used as a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), where the output frequency of the oscillator is dependent on the voltage applied to the Varactor Diode.
To use a Varactor Diode for Frequency Modulation, we need to create a circuit that modulates the voltage applied to the Varactor Diode with the amplitude of the modulating signal. This can be achieved usually by connecting a transistor-based oscillator such as Colpitts oscillator using BJT, MOSFET Hartley Oscillator or Pierce Crystal oscillator to the Varactor Diode. The modulating signal is applied to reversed biased varactor diode and the output is conected to the oscillator circuit which then produces FM signal.
The following shows circuit diagram of FM modulator using varactor diode.
The modulating signal or the message signal is Vm which is applied to the reversed biased varactor diode via the coupling capacitor C3 and the radio frequency choke(RFC1). The coupling capacitor C3 is used to isolate the dc biased circuit that is used to bias the varactor diode D1. Similarly, the radio frequency choke(RFC1) is used to block the oscillation signal going back to the message or modulating signal input. The reactance of this ac blocking inductor RFC1 should be high at the oscillator resonant frequency. The potentiometer POT is used to set the amount of bias to reverse bias the varactor diode D1. The signal after the varactor diode is coupled into the oscillator circuit using the capacitor C4. The value of C4 should be high so that at the oscillation frequency its reactance is low. The rest of the circuit after the capacitor C4 is Colpitts oscillator. The frequency of oscillation of this Colpitts oscillator is around 100KHz which is set by the two capacitors C1 and C2 and the inductor L1. We can design the Colpitts oscillator or any oscillator using the online oscillator calculator that calculate the values for the capacitors and inductor for desired resonant frequency. The rest of the oscillator circuit are coupling capacitors and biasing resistors. This bipolar junction transistor based oscillator is biased using BJT voltage divider biasing method but other biasing method can also be used.
As the amplitude of the modulating signal changes, the voltage applied to the Varactor Diode changes, which in turn changes the frequency of the oscillator. This results in a modulated carrier wave that can be transmitted over long distances.
Watch the following video which demonstrates how the above varactor based frequency modulation circuit works.
One of the advantages of using a Varactor Diode for Frequency Modulation is that it allows for a wide range of frequencies to be modulated. The frequency range of a Varactor Diode-based voltage controlled oscillator(VCO) can be easily adjusted by changing the bias voltage across the Varactor Diode. This makes Varactor Diodes an ideal choice for applications where a wide range of frequencies need to be modulated.
Another advantage of using a Varactor Diode for Frequency Modulation is that it is highly efficient. Varactor Diodes are highly linear and have low power consumption, which means that they can be used to transmit high-quality signals without consuming a lot of power.
In conclusion, Varactor Diodes are an excellent choice for Frequency Modulation applications. They provide a wide range of frequency modulation capabilities and are highly efficient. If you are looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to transmit analog signals over long distances, using Varactor Diodes for Frequency Modulation is a great option to consider.
References:
[2] Colpitts oscillator on breadboard
