565Sca-demodulator

15,796

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This application involves the demodulation of a frequency-modulated subcarrier from the main channel. A popular example utilizes a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) to recover the Subsidiary Carrier Authorization (SCA) signal, which is used for storecast music, from the combined signal of multiple commercial FM broadcast stations. The SCA signal operates at a frequency-modulated subcarrier of 67 kHz, positioning it above the frequency spectrum of standard stereo or monaural FM program material. By connecting the circuit to a point between the FM discriminator and the deemphasis filter of an FM receiver and tuning the receiver to a station that broadcasts an SCA signal, it is possible to access hours of commercial-free background music.

The circuit design for demodulating the SCA signal typically involves a PLL-based architecture, which is essential for effectively locking onto the 67 kHz subcarrier frequency. The PLL consists of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a phase comparator, and a loop filter. The VCO generates a frequency that is adjusted based on the input from the phase comparator, which compares the phase of the incoming SCA signal with the output of the VCO. The loop filter smooths the control voltage to the VCO, ensuring stable operation without excessive jitter.

To implement this circuit, the output of the FM discriminator serves as the input to the PLL. The PLL must be tuned to the specific frequency of the SCA signal, allowing it to lock onto the modulated subcarrier. Once locked, the PLL can demodulate the SCA signal, extracting the audio content while rejecting other frequencies present in the FM broadcast.

The output of the PLL is then routed to an audio amplifier, which can drive speakers or headphones, providing the listener with a continuous stream of music or background audio without commercial interruptions. The design must also include proper filtering to eliminate any unwanted noise and ensure high-quality audio output.

Furthermore, care should be taken in selecting components for the PLL, such as the loop bandwidth and damping factor, to optimize the response time and stability of the system. Proper grounding and shielding techniques should be employed to minimize interference from nearby electronic devices, ensuring the fidelity of the demodulated signal.

Overall, this circuit provides an effective method for accessing SCA signals, leveraging the capabilities of PLL technology to enhance the listening experience by providing uninterrupted audio content.This application involves demodulation of a frequency-modulated subcarrier of the main channel. This popular example uses the PLL to recover the SCA (Subsidiary Carrier Authorization or storecast music) signal from the combined signal of many commercial FM broadcast stations. The SCA signal is a 67l🔗 External reference