145
Demodulating AM Signals
Measuring the Modulation Index of an AM Signal
6 Set the y-axis units to 
volts.
• Press AMPTD Y Scale, 
More, Y-Axis Units, V 
(Volts).
7 Position the signal peak 
near the reference level.
• Press AMPTD Y Scale, Ref 
Level, (rotate front-panel 
knob).
8 Change the y-scale type 
to linear.
• Press AMPTD Y Scale, 
Scale Type (Lin).
9 Set the analyzer in zero 
span to make 
time-domain 
measurements.
a. Press SPAN X Scale, Zero 
Span.
b. Press Sweep/Control, 
Sweep Time, 5, ms
10Place the analyzer in 
free run trigger mode.
• Press Trigger, Free Run.
11 Increase the sweep time 
and decrease the VBW. 
a. Press Sweep/Control, 
Sweep Time, 5, s.
b. Press BW, Video BW, 30, 
Hz.
The waveform is displayed as a flat 
horizontal signal.
12Center the flat 
waveform at the 
mid-point of the y-axis 
and then widen the 
VBW and decrease the 
sweep time to display 
the waveform as a sine 
wave.
a. Press AMPTD Y Scale, Ref 
Level, (rotate front-panel 
knob).
b. Press BW, Video BW, 
100, 
kHz.
c. Press Sweep/Control, 
Sweep Time, 5, ms.
13Measure the modulation 
index of the AM signal.
To measure the modulation index as % AM, read the trace as follows (see 
Figure 10-3 for display examples): 100% AM extends from the top graticule 
down to the bottom graticule. 80% AM (as in this example) is when the top of 
the signal is at 1 division below the top graticule and 1 division above the 
bottom graticule. To determine % AM of your signal count each y-axis division 
as 10%.
Step Action Notes