Basic Superheterodyne Block Diagram and Functionality
Basic Superheterodyne Block Diagram and Functionality
Having looked at the concepts behind the superheterodyne receiver it is helpful to look at a
block diagram of a basic superhet. The superheterodyne block diagram is relatively
straightforward and builds on the basic functional block used to convert the incoming
frequency down to a fixed intermediate frequency stage.
While there may be some simplified versions for a superheterodyne block diagram, each
receiver will be different as a result of the differing requirements for each receiver. However
the basic principles are the same, and many superheterodyne block diagrams are very
similar.
Components:
1) Ac power supply
2) KL-93062 AM
3) Multimeter
The way in which the receiver works can be seen by following the signal as is passes through
the receiver.
Front end amplifier and tuning block: Signals enter the front end circuitry from the
antenna. This circuit block performs two main functions:
o AM diode detector: This is the most basic form of detector and this circuit
block would simple consist of a diode and possibly a small capacitor to
remove any remaining RF. The detector is cheap and its performance is
adequate, requiring a sufficient voltage to overcome the diode forward drop.
It is also not particularly linear, and finally it is subject to the effects of
selective fading that can be apparent, especially on the HF bands.
o Synchronous AM detector: This form of AM detector block is used in where
improved performance is needed. It mixes the incoming AM signal with
another on the same frequency as the carrier. This second signal can be
developed by passing the whole signal through a squaring amplifier. The
advantages of the synchronous AM detector are that it provides a far more
linear demodulation performance and it is far less subject to the problems of
selective fading.
o SSB product detector: The SSB product detector block consists of a mixer
and a local oscillator, often termed a beat frequency oscillator, BFO or carrier
insertion oscillator, CIO. This form of detector is used for Morse code
transmissions where the BFO is used to create an audible tone in line with
the on-off keying of the transmitted carrier. Without this the carrier without
modulation is difficult to detect. For SSB, the CIO re-inserts the carrier to
make the modulation comprehensible.
o Basic FM detector: As an FM signal carries no amplitude variations a
demodulator block that senses frequency variations is required. It should also
be insensitive to amplitude variations as these could add extra noise. Simple
FM detectors such as the Foster Seeley or ratio detectors can be made from
discrete components although they do require the use of transformers.
o PLL FM detector: A phase locked loop can be used to make a very good FM
demodulator. The incoming FM signal can be fed into the reference input,
and the VCO drive voltage used to provide the detected audio output.
o Quadrature FM detector: This form of FM detector block is widely used
within ICs. IT is simple to implement and provides a good linear output.
Audio amplifier: The output from the demodulator is the recovered audio. This is
passed into the audio stages where they are amplified and presented to the
headphones or loudspeaker
Terminal voltages of the transistors,
DC value Ac value
TRANSISTOR
NUMBER B E C B E C
Q1 2.083 1.56 12 0.008 0.006 0.001
Q2 0.623 0.98 12.10 0.012 0.029 Not fixed
Q3 2.320 1.617 12.18 0.008 0.005 Not fixed
Q4 1.926 1.38 11.54 0.045 0.018 0.012
Q5 1.67 12.21 11.55 0.032 0.062 0.649
Q6 1.66 1.343 12.21 0.58 0.301 0.015
Q7 0.912 1.353 1.9 0.305 0.025 0.003
Discussion:
From this experiment it is clearly observed the operation of AM super heterodyne receiver as well as
its different parts.