Plate Modulation

Author: J.B. Hoag

Fig. 28 A. Plate modulation of a RF Class C amplifier

Figure 28 A shows the circuit of a Class C amplifier with plate modulation from a Class B modulator. In the design of " plate-modulated " r.f. amplifiers we are concerned with the following problems: (1) that the modulation shall be as nearly 100 per cent as possible, (2) that the output audio wave-form shall be as nearly a replica of the a.f. sound input to the microphone as possible, (3) that the power output for a given set of tubes in the circuit shall be as great as possible. In order to attain these objectives we must concern ourselves: (1) that the amplifier tube (which is to be modulated) is properly biased; (2) that the strength of the radio frequency from the driver ahead of this tube is sufficiently great; (3) that the audio frequency voltages from the modulator tube are sufficient but not too great for the most suitable B voltage; (4) that the loading on the amplifier tank circuit is of the proper amount; (5) that the radio frequency circuits are all properly tuned; (6) that the filtering chokes and bypassing condensers are suitably chosen and placed, that all radio frequencies stay where they belong, and all audio frequencies, and all direct currents remain in their proper channels. Some of the details of the circuit in Fig. 28 A are given in the following paragraphs. The tube manufacturer usually supplies data on the proper grid bias and grid current for the Class C modulated tube. A well-filtered C-battery supply, having good regulation, should be used to bias the grid to cutoff; and this should be supplemented by the voltage drop in the grid leak so as to make the total grid voltage between two and three times the cutoff value.

If triodes are used, as in Fig. 28 A, the neutralization of the amplifier must be very nearly perfect. The voltage of the r.f. driver ahead of the modulated tube should be sufficient to drive the grid of this tube somewhat positive during its peak positive half-cycle, and its power should be two or three times greater than that which is normally consumed in the grid circuit. The plate bypass condenser, C of Fig. 28 A, must have a high reactance for audio frequencies in order to provide tube safety and good modulation. Values less than 0.002 fd. are satisfactory. The output peak voltage of the modulator must be such that the a.f. voltage on the plate of the amplifier tube is equal to the d.c. plate voltage if 100 per cent modulation is to be obtained. Then the r.f. output will fluctuate between twice the unmodulated r.f. voltage and zero. If the audio signal is a pure sine wave, the modulator must furnish an amount of power equal to 50 per cent of the d.c. plate power put into the amplifier stage. Thus, if the amplifier is rated at 1,000 watts input, it is necessary that the audio amplifier put out 500 watts. For complex speech waves the average power of the modulator need be only one-half of the former figure, but its instantaneous power output must still be the same as for the pure sine wave. In order to adjust the circuits for the above stated conditions (which yield 100 per cent modulation), the load on the amplifier is varied until the product of the d.c. plate voltage and the d.c. plate current is of the desired value. Keep the tank circuit tuned to resonance while changing the load. When the amplifier is properly adjusted, the d.c. plate currents will be the same with or without modulation.

Choke-Coupled Plate Modulation

Author: J.B. Hoag

In place of the modulator portion shown at the bottom of Fig. 28 A, it is possible to use the choke-coupled system shown in Fig. 28 B.

Fig. 28 B. Choke-coupled plate-modulation of a r.f. amplifier

Here the choke L must have a high impedance at audio frequencies. In order that there shall be 100 per cent modulation, i.e., in order that the peak a.f. voltage developed across the choke L shall be equal to the d.c. voltage on the amplifier tube, it is necessary that the voltage on the amplifier plate be reduced from that on the modulator tube by means of the resistor R1. Condenser C1 is used to bypass audio frequencies around R1. Condenser C, on the other hand, must not pass appreciable a.f. and should be 0.002 fd. or less. This type of modulation is rarely used except for very low-power sets of the portable type.

Grid-Bias Modulation
Author: J.B. Hoag

Figure 28 D shows a Class C amplifier modulated by the grid-bias method.

Fig. 28 D. Grid-bias modulation of a r.f. Class C amplifier. The by-pass condenser C should not be greater than approximately 0.002 fd.

In this circuit it is necessary that the plate supply of the modulator should have good voltage regulation, and that the grid-bias source for the amplifier should have low resistance. A battery might well be used, or a rectifier with regulated output. A grid-leak bias should not be used. The C-bias should be two or three times the cutoff value.

Suppressor-Grid Modulation
Author: J.B. Hoag

Fig. 28 E. A suppressor-grid modulation circuit. Condenser C should not be greater than 0.002 fd.

Figure 28 E shows the complete circuit of a system which operates along the same lines as that of the grid-bias modulator, but is somewhat simpler to adjust for proper operation because the modulating, the r.f., and the plate circuits are all three separate and more or less independent of each other.