
232 CHAPTER 14. PROJECT 5: AM RECEIVERS
10
3
10
4
10
5
10
6
−40
−35
−30
−25
−20
−15
−10
−5
0
5
10
message frequency
carrier frequency
frequency (Hz)
|H(f)| (dB)
τ too big
τ about right
τ too small
Figure 14.7: The effectiveness of the LP filters used for envelope recovery as viewed in the
frequency domain.
Having made all of these observations, actual AM radios typically use a frequency selec-
tive, intermediate frequency (IF) stage prior to the envelope detector. This type of system is
called a “superheterodyne receiver” or simply a “superhet.” The IF-based system provides
significant end-to-end gain without amplifier instability/oscillation, as well as providing for
much better ...