01 MW XTR

MW TRANS MITTER
Introduction
A.M. Transmitter of any power in general will have a separate HF and AF stages. In the
conventional transmitters, vacuum tubes are used right from the first stage to the final
stage and the preliminary stages are solid state devices.
10 kW HMB 104 Medium Wave Transmitter

A brief description of RF and AF stages and Power Supply of 10 kW HMB 104 MW
transmitter is given below (Fig. 1).
Fig.1 Block Diagram of AM Transmitter (HMB-104)

Ref. Drg.No.:-STI(T)452,(DC204)
RF Section
RF section consists of crystal oscillator, buffer, intermediate power Amplifier, Exciter and
power amplifier.
Crystal Oscillator and Buffer Stage
The crystal oscillator with buffer stage is generally kept together and is shielded by a
metal cover to isolate from other circuits.
This crystal oscillator employs a pentode tube 6 AU 6 or its equivalent, connected as a

triode. The frequency of oscillation is controlled by a quartz crystal and by a variable
trimmer capacitor.
Induction Course (Radio)
The frequency of the medium wave transmitter should be highly stable. For medium
wave transmitter operating in the range of 540 kHz to 1602 kHz, the variation of a
transmitter frequency should be within a tolerance of + 10 Hertz. To maintain a high
stability of the transmitter frequency it is necessary that the oscillator should oscillate at
a particular frequency against variations in voltage and ambient temperature. Hence the
crystal is kept in a constant temperature ovens whose temperature is controlled by a
thermostat and maintained at a 75o + 1.5o C.
The oscillator frequency changes considerably under initial transient condition, that is
when power is switched ON. However, it is essential to keep it always ready at a stable
condition. To facilitate this a separate power supply is provided to feed the oven which
can be switched ON and OFF with the help of a snap switch S3 (Oven) located on the
AE panel of the transmitter. Two crystal units X1 and X2 housed separately in different
ovens Z1 and Z2 viz. a normal and a stand by unit are provided. Either one of them can
be selected by means of change over switch S2. However, both the ovens Z1 and Z2 are
kept ON all the time.
The oscillator output comes to the buffer stage 6AQ5 or its equivalent. It acts as a buffer
between the oscillator and the intermediate power amplifier(IPA). Its output can be
tuned by an adjustable dust iron core of coil L.
IPA Stage
This stage employs an indirectly heated beam power tube BEL 25 and it operates as a
class C amplifier.
Exciter
This stage is operated as a class - C amplifier, employing air cooled tetrode type BEL
400 and drives P.A. stage. Screen supply is taken from plate supply. The output is a
tuned circuit consists of a fixed capacitor C 29 (Value of C29 depends on the operating
frequency) and coil L3. L3 is having a flipper, through it, fine tuning can be made.
This stage is modulated about 10 to 20%. A small secondary tap from the modulation
transformer supplies the necessary audio and super-imposes on the DC Plate supply.
When the triodes are anode modulated, the grid must be overdriven in the carrier
condition in order that the drive level will be adequate to sustain the peak anode current
at 100% modulation. Alternatively the drive must be modulated. Hence the 10 to 20%
modulation. With tetrode the same effect is achieved by modulating the screen enabling
the anode current peaks to be attained with the same drive level as that required for the
carrier only condition. To some extent this ceases the grid dissipation limit.
Power Amplifier Stage
This is a class - C power amplifier obtaining the required output by means of three
parallel connected forced air cooled, directly heated triode tubes type BEL 3000. As a
triode tube is used in this stage, neutralization technique is adopted to neutralize, the
grid-plate capacitance. The output circuit is formed by PI ( ) section and 'L' section
made up of coils and condensers. There is a variable coil to tune the output. A second
STI(T) Publication 108 004/IC(Radio)/2004

MW Transmitter
harmonic filter is connected at the output which attenuates the harmonics. This filter is a
simple L C circuit tuned to the second harmonic frequency. The output circuit also
matches the plate impedance of about 1100 ohms to the feeder impedance of 230
ohms, which is carried out at the time of installation of the transmitter using Impedance
Bridge.
At the time of maintenance, care should be taken that the coil settings are not disturbed.
AF Circuits
The audio frequency amplifier consists of two voltage amplifiers, a cathode follower
which serves as a driver to the modulator and the modulator is a class B push pull power
Amplifier.
First and Second AF Amplifier Stages
This stage is operated as a class A push pull connected amplifier employing two
indirectly heated pentode type 4P55 or its near equivalent which provides about 30 dB
gain. The output from the first AF stage is coupled to the second stage through the
coupling condensers. Plate supply is obtained from the neutral of the HT. (Plate)
Transformer.
Sub Modulator Stage
This stage employs two 4B 85 (or its equivalent with modifications) in push-pull mode to
excite the modulator. The sub-modulator is a cathode follower. As the grid current flows
in the modulator tube, the input impedance varies widely with different input levels and
hence a cathode follower which possesses low output impedance, very small non linear
distortion for load impedance variations and good frequency and phase shift
characteristics is used.
The DC. potential of the cathodes of sub-modulator and the grid of the modulator stages
are kept nearly at the same negative voltage of about 200 volt.
Modulator Amplifier
This is the final stage audio frequency power amplifier which supplies the RF power
amplifier, the required modulating power. The HT and the superimposed audio signals
are connected to the plate of the PA valves. It may be noted that the negative feedback
Network is connected in the primary of the modulation transformer.
Power Supply
1. Filament Supply - All AC.

2. Low Tension
3. Bias
4. High Tension

Filament Supply
For PA and modulator valves, there is a separate filament transformers with centre tap
arrangement. The centre tap will be grounded through metering current shunt
resistance for the measurement of a cathode currents and an overload coils in parallel
with a resistance.
Low Tension
3 phase 220 V AC is stepped up to 3 phase 520 V AC using a Delta/Star connected

transformer. It is rectified using silicon diodes and filtered using L C components. It
gives DC voltage to the following.
1. Plate and screen of 1st AF, 2nd AF, oscillator and Buffer.
2. Screen grid of sub modulator
3. Sub modulator plate and IPA plate.
Bias
3 phase 400 V AC is stepped up to 3 phase 470 V using Delta/Star connected

transformer and rectified using silicon diodes in two sets SE 2 and SE3 and filtered using
L-C components. SE 2 output supply is connected to the cathode Bias of sub
modulator. The out put of SE 3 is connected to control grid of Exciter and Grid of P.A.
High Tension
3 phase 400 V AC is stepped up to 2300 V 3 phase and rectified using silicon diodes
assembly SE4 and filtered using L-C components. Full HT is supplied to plate of
modulator and PA valves. The filtered DC from the star point of the HT transformer is
connected to the plate of 2nd AF and plate and screen grid of Exciter.
100 kW HMB 140 Medium Wave transmitter

RF circuits consists of a crystal oscillator, transistor power amplifier, RF. Driver and
Power Amplifier of 100 kW HMB 140 MW transmitter are shown in Fig. 2.
Fig.2 Block Diagram of RF Chain (HMB-140)

Crystal Oscillator
To oscillate at a consistent frequency, the crystal is kept in a oven. The temperature of

the oven is maintained between 68 to 72o C and the corresponding indication is available
in the meter panel. Crystal oven is heated by + 12 V. One crystal oscillator with a stand

MW Transmitter
by has been provided. It gives an output of 5 V square wave which is required to drive
the Transistor Power Amplifier. The crystal oscillator works between 3 MHz and 6 MHz
for different carrier frequencies. Different capacitors are used to select different
frequency ranges. In addition, variable capacitor is used for varying the frequency of the
crystal within a few cycles. The oscillator frequency is divided by 2, 4, or 8 which is
selected by jumpering the appropriate terminals. The oscillator Unit gives 3 outputs, one
each for RF output, RF Monitoring and RF output indication.
Transistor Power Amplifier
Oscillator output is fed to the transistor Power amplifier (TRPA). It gives an output of 12
Watt across 75 ohms. It works on + 20 V DC, derived from a separate rectifier and
regulator. For different operating frequencies, different output filters are selected. (Low
Pass Filter).
RF Driver
A 4-1000 A tetrode is used as a driver which operates under class AB condition, without
drawing any grid current. About 7 to 10 Watts, of power is fed to the grid of the driver
through a 75 : 800 ohms RF Transformer, which provides proper impedance matching to
the TRPA output and also provides the necessary grid voltage swing to the driver tube.
Various Pin Voltages
The cathode of the driver : - 600 V.

Control grid : - 650 V.
Screen grid : - 100 V.
Plate Voltage : + 1900 V
Because the cathode is at -600 V, the effective grid to cathode bias voltage (fixed) is -
50V and the effective plate voltage is 2500 V. The driver develops a peak grid voltage of
800 to 900 V at the grid of PA and PA grid current of about 0.3 A to 0.4 Amps. The
required wave form for operating the PA as class -D operation is also developed at the
output of the driver by mixing about 20% third harmonic with the fundamental which is
the operating frequency of the transmitter.
RF Power Amplifier
CQK - 50, condensed vapour cooled tetrode valve is used as a PA stage. High level
anode modulation is used, using a class B Modulator stage. The screen of the PA tube
is also modulated by a separate tap on modulation transformer. Plate load impedance
of the PA stage is about 750 ohms and the output impedance is 120 ohms, and it is
matched by L-C components. Using various combination of the L-C circuits plate
impedance of third harmonic is created, the Harmonics also are filtered imaginatively at
the output side. 11 kV DC, the HT voltage is connected to the plate of the PA valves
through the secondary of the modulation transformer and RF chokes : hence the AF
signal is super imposed on the DC for the PA plate.

PA output circuit
Fig. 3 PA Output Circuit (HMB-140)

The L-C combination of the output circuit provides the following :
1. The required load impedance for Class D operation that is there should be a third
harmonic impedance in addition to the fundamental impedance.
2. Matches the plate impedance of 750 ohms to the feeder impedance of 120 ohms
at the operating frequency.
3. Filters all the 2nd and 3rd harmonic before the feeder.
AF Stage
Fig. 4 AF Stage (HMB-140)

The AF stage supply the audio power required to amplitude modulate the final RF stage.
The output of the AF stage is superimposed upon the DC voltage to the RF PA tube via
modulation transformer. An Auxiliary winding in the modulation transformer, provides
the AF voltage necessary to modulate the screen of the final stage. The modulator
stage consists of two CQK-25 ceramic tetrode valves working in push pull class B
configuration. The drive stages up to the grid of the modulator are fully transistorized.
High Pass Filter
The audio input from the speech rack is fed to active High Pass Filter. It cuts off all
frequencies below 60 Hz. Its main function is to suppress the switching transistors from

MW Transmitter
the audio input. This also has the audio attenuator and audio muting relay which will
not allow AF to further stage till RF is about 70 kW of power.
AF Pre-amplifier
The output of the High Pass Filter is fed to the AF Pre-amplifier, one for each balanced
audio line. Signal from the negative feed back network from the secondary of the
modulation transformer and the signals from the compensator also are fed to this unit.
AF Pre-Corrector
Pre- amplifier output are fed to the AF Pre-correctors. As the final modulator valve in the
AF is operating as Class B, its gain will not be uniform for various levels of AF signal.
That is the gain of the modulator will be low for low level, input, and high for high level
AF input because of the operating characteristics of the Vacuum tubes. Hence to
compensate for the non linear gain of the modulator. The Pre-corrector amplifies the low
level signal highly and high level signal with low gain. Hum compensator is used to have
a better signal to noise ratio.
AF Driver
2 AF drivers are used to drive the two modulator valves. The driver provides the
necessary DC Bias voltage and also AF signal sufficient to modulate 100%. The output
of AF driver stage is formed by four transistor in series as it works with a high voltage of
about -400 V. the transistors are protected with diodes and Zener diodes against high
voltages that may result due to internal tube flashovers. There is a potentiometer by
which any clipping can be avoided such that the maximum modulation factor will not
exceeded.
AF Final Stage
AF final stage is equipped with ceramic tetrodes CQK-25. Filament current of this tube
is about 210 Amps. at 10V. The filament transformers are of special leakage reactance
type and their short circuit current is limited to about 2 to 3 times the normal load current.
Hence the filament surge current at the time of switching on will not exceed the
maximum limit.
A varistor at the screen or spark gaps across the grid are to prevent over voltages. As
the modulator valve is condensed vapour cooled tetrodes, deionised water is used for
cooling. The valve required about 11.5 litres/min. of water. Two water flow switches
WF1 and WF2 in the water lines of each of the valves protect against low or no water
flow. Thermostats WT1 and WT2 in each water line provide protection against
excessive water temp. by tripping the transmitter up to stand-by if the temperature of the
water exceeds 70o C.
Modulation condenser and modulation choke have been dispensed with due to the
special design of the modulation transformer. Special high power varistor is provided
across the secondary winding of the modulation transformer to prevent transformer over
voltages.

Power Supply in 100 kW HMB 140 MW Transmitter
1. HT -11 kV PA & Modulator : thyristor controlled for smooth variation of HT

2. 800 V Power Supply : Screen voltage to PA valve.
3. 1070 V : Screen voltage to modulate valve.
4. 1900 V : Plate voltage to RF Driver
5. - 650 V : (i) Grid Bias to PA Modulator & RF
Driver
(ii) A tap on -650 V provides -600 V supply to
the cathode of RF Driver
(iii) -100 V for the screen of RF Driver.
6. Thycon Unit : + 12 V DC and - 12 V DC

7. Audio Unit : + 24 V and + 10V.
8. Reflectometer : + 15 V & - 15 V
9. Control Circuits :
VDDB + 15 V - Logic circuits.

VDDC + 12 V - Relays
VDDD + 15 V for indication lamps.
VDDE - 15 V - Comparator.
10. Main supply to transmitter 415 V. 3 Phase 50 Hertz.
Earthing switch operated by a handle from the front of the rack has been provided in the
filter tank. The main HT terminal and also the live ends of the filter condensers C201 to
C 210 have been brought to the earthing switch. In addition all the MT voltage (- 650,
800, 1070, 1900) are also brought to the earthing switch. The 11 kV point is discharged
initially through a resistor R - 543 before it is grounded. The earthing switch is
interlocked to the main transmitter by micro switches S 302, S 303 and S 304. In
addition, a key interlock system is provided to prevent accidental contact with high
voltages.
Control and Interlock Systems In Transmitter
Control and interlocking circuits of the transmitter are to perform four major functions :-
1. Ensure correct switching sequence.

2. Safety of the equipment.
3. Safety of the operating personnel.
4. Indication of the status of the transmitter.
In the following paragraph the details regarding the above aspects are dealt briefly :

MW Transmitter
1. Switching Sequence of Transmitter
a) Ventilation.
b) Filament
c) Grid Bias/Medium Tension
d) High Tension.
a. Ventilation : All the transmitters handle large amount of power. Basically the
transmitters convert power from AC main's to Radio Frequency and Audio
Frequency energy. The conversion process always result in some loss. The
loss in energy is dissipated in the form of heat. The dissipated energy has to be
carried away by a suitable medium to keep the raise in temperature of the
transmitting equipment within limits. Hence, in order to ensure that the heat
generated by the equipment is carried away as soon as it is generated the
ventilation equipment need to be switched on first. Normally the cooling provided
in a transmitter could be classified on the following lines :
Cooling for the tube filaments.

Cooling for the tube Anodes.
General cooling of the cubics.
Cooling for coils, condensers, Resistors etc.
The cooling equipments comprise of blowers, pumps and heat exchangers.

Another important consideration is that during the switching off sequence the
cooling equipments should run a little longer to carry away the heat generated in
the equipments. This is ensured by providing a time delay for the switch off of
the cooling equipment. Normal time delay is of the order of 3 to 6 Minutes.
The water flow and the air flow provided by the cooling equipments to the various
equipments are monitored by means of air flow and water flow switches. In case
of failure of water or air flow, these switches provide necessary commands for
tripping the transmitter.
b. Filaments : All the transmitters invariably employ tubes in their drive and final
stages of RF amplifiers and sub modulator and modular stages of AF amplifiers.
After ventilation equipments are switched on and requisite air and water flow
established, the filament of the tubes can be switched on. While switching on
filament of the tube, the control and interlocking circuits have to take care of the
following points.
The cold resistance of the filament is very low and hence application of full
filament voltage in one strike would result in enormous filament current and may
damage the tube filament. Hence, it becomes necessary to apply the filament
voltage in steps. Various methods adopted are :
i. Use of step starter resistance : Here the filament voltage of the tubes are
given through a series resistance (called step starter resistance). The
series resistance which limits the initial filament current is shorted and
after a time interval by the use of a timer switch.

ii. Use of special filament transformer which allows slow build up of the
filament voltage.
iii. Application of filament voltage in 3 or 4 steps.
The emission from the tubes depend upon the temperature of the filament.
Generally it takes some time for the filament to reach a steady temperature after
it is switched on. Hence, it is not desirable to draw any power from the tube till it
attains a stable temperature. This means that the further switching on process
has to be suspended till the filament temperature and hence the emission
becomes stable. This aspect is taken care of by providing a time delay of 3 to 5
minutes between the filament switching on and the next sequence namely bias
switching on.
c. Bias And Medium Tension : For obvious reasons the control grid of the tube
has to be given the necessary negative bias voltage before its anode voltage can
be applied. Hence, after the application of full filament voltage and after the
lapse of necessary delay for the filament temperature to become stable bias
voltage can be switched on. Along with bias generally anode and screen
voltages of intermediate stages and driver stages are also switched on.
Application of bias and medium tension makes available very high voltages for
the various transmitter equipment. Hence, in order to ensure the safety of the
personnel access to these equipment should be forbidden before the application
of bias and medium tension. This is ensured by providing the interlocking so that
the bias and medium tension can be put on only after all the transmitter and other
HV equipment doors are closed to prevent access.
Connection of Load (Antenna/Dummy load)
After the application of ventilation, filament and bias the anode voltage can be
switched on. But before the anode voltage can be increased the interlocking
circuit is to ensure that the load of the transmitter namely antenna or dummy load
is connected to the transmitter. The tuning process of the various RF stages are
complete and none of the tuning motors are moving.
Application of Screen Voltage : In the case of tetrode tubes, the screen

voltage to the tube should not be applied before the application of anode voltage
to keep the screen current and screen dissipation within limits. This is taken care
of by an interlocking provision that the screen voltage is applied only after the
anode voltage reach a certain pre-determined value well above the normal
screen voltage.
Release of Audio frequency : The application of AF signal to the AF stage in

the absence of carrier power would result in the operation of modulation
transformer with no load connected. This is not desirable. Therefore, the AF
signal should be applied to the Audio frequency stages only when the RF power
amplifier is delivering the nominal power. Normally AF frequency signal to the
AF stage is released only when the carrier power is approximately 80% of the
normal power.

MW Transmitter
2. Safety of the equipment
The various transmitting equipments and auxiliaries are to be safe guarded against over
loads etc. The various safety provisions provided in the transmitter are as follows :
i) All the rotating machinery are provided with switches with magnetic and thermal
over load release.
ii) The air flow and water flow switches and temperature sensors monitors the air
flow and water flow of the cooling medium. If the air and water flow fall below a
certain pre-determined value, it ensures the necessary tripping sequence.
iii) Water level in the reservoir and water conductivity are monitored constantly.
iv) Momentary release of air flow and water flow switches due to some turbulance
for a short duration will not result in the tripping of transmitters. However, if the
fault persists for a few seconds then the tripping will result.
v) Sometimes thermal sensors are embedded in the filament transformers to

monitor its temperature.
vi) The filament voltage of various high power tubes is monitored. In case of low or
high filament voltage tripping of the transmitter filament is initiated.
vii) Circuit breakers associated with various rectifiers such as grid bias, screen
voltage etc. protect the rectifiers and associated equipment against over
currents.
viii) All the vital currents of the tubes and stages are monitored and indicated by
means of panel meters. This is to monitor abnormality if any on the various
operating conditions.
ix) Also current operated over load relays are provided in the cathode, screen grid
and anode circuits to protect the tubes and the associated rectifiers in case any
of these respective currents exceed a pre-determined value. The operation of
over load relays are indicated by means of flags or latched lamps.
x) The standing wave ratio on the load side is monitored suitably and signal is used
to trip the transmitter anode voltage in case of VSWR is higher than the pre-
determined value.
xi) Spark detectors are provided in various cubicles to ensure the tripping sequence
in case of sparking to prevent damage to the equipments.
xii) Normally the over currents are counted over a period of time and if number of
over currents occur in a short interval the transmitter is tripped up to the filament.
xiii) In addition to the above safety provisions spark gaps and varistors provided at
various high voltage points offer protection to the equipment against high RF
voltage.

xiv) In some of the transmitter a crow bar device is provided to short circuit the stored
energies in the power supply circuit in case of over load. This provision is to
protect the high power tubes.
3. Safety for the Personnel
Since very high voltages are encountered in transmitters the operating personnel are to
be protected by coming into contact with these high voltages accidentally. The safety
interlocking generally comprises of :
a. An earthing switch which earths all the high voltage supplies before the access to
the cubicles keys are allowed.
b. A key exchange panel from where the key to the transmitter cubicles can be
utilised only after the earthing switch is put on. The earthing switch is interlocked
in the bias circuit and hence the operation of the earth switch automatically
switches off up to bias. This provision ensures that the cubicle doors can be
opened only when the bias and medium voltages are switched off and earthed
through the earthing switch.
c. In addition to the above earth hooks are provided at various parts of the cubicle
and high voltage equipment area. The operating personnel are to short through
these earth hooks the high voltage points before any work is undertaken in these
equipment.
d. Some of the transmitters are also provided with additional shorting switches in
the cubicles which shorts the supplies in the cubicle as soon as the door is
opened.
4. Indication Lamps
The indication lamps are provided in the transmitter to indicate the status of switching on
of the transmitter as well as to indicate the occurance of over load etc. These indicating
lamps are provided to help the fault diagnosis.

MW Transmitter
10 KW MW TRANSMITTER (HMB 163)
SALIENT FEATURES
Identical type of valves both for PA and Modulators.

Except in the final stage, all other stages are solid state operated.
Valves are ceramic metal tetrode permits full range operation upto 110 MHz.
PA is in Class C amplitude modulated which is one of the oldest and yet most
popular modulation technique used in India and elsewhere in the world.
Microprocessor controlled system with self diagnostic facility.
Efficiency is better than 50%.
A compact and modular system with everything in a single cabinet.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
1. Emission : Double side band broadcasting on MW.

2. Rated Carrier output kW : 10 kW however it can go upto 15 kW (max.)
3. Output Impedance : 230 ohm for open line and 50 ohm for cable
feed type.
4. AF response : -1.5 dB
5. Distortion : Less than 4%
6. Noise Level : -60 dB
7. Audio Input Level : 0 dbm for 100% modulation
8. Audio Input impedance : 600 ohm bal
9. Power consumption : 20 KVA on carrier
22 KVA on 40% modulation
30 KVA on 100% modulation
DESCRIPTION
The transmitter can be broadly divided into the following blocks :
1. RF Chain
2. AF Chain
3. Power Supplies
4. Micro Process Control Unit, Control Circuits and Interfacing
The block diagram of transmitter is given in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 Block Diagram of 10 kW MW Transmitter HMB-163

Ref.Drg.No:-STI(T)505,(DC257)
1. RF Chain
The block diagram of RF chain has been shown in Fig. 6.

MW Transmitter
Crystal Oscillator
There are 2 crystal oscillators A & B of which one is standby. It gives out the output of 5
volts square wave required to drive the solid state RF Driver. The unit is handy and plug
in type with its own built in power supply.
Crystal Oscillator Interface
This PCB unit is housed in RF driver cubicle. The selection of oscillator A or B could be
made from Micro Processor Control unit or manually by BNC cable.
Adjustable Delayline Driver
Housed in RF Driver units, accepts the input from crystal oscillator interface board and it
is regenerated parallely by dual monostable and gives out, two RF output of the same
frequency with the facility to adjust the phase shift from 0 to 90o. The phase adjustable
is brought out in the front panel of RF unit.
Fig. 6 RF CHAIN
RF Driver Amplifier
This unit accepts the signal from delay line drivers boosts the signal level and drivers the
high speed driver buffer IC DS 0026. The output of high speed driver swings between
+8V to 8V which is sufficient to switch on and off the following power MOSFET IRF 440
which are 4 numbers all in parallel. The output of IRF 440 is under class E condition will
generate the maximum power of 200 watts to drive the grid of RF power Amplifier (10
kW). The RF driver output has the low impedance of 50 ohm which has to drive the grid
of PA stage Impedance 2 to 3 K. This is achieved by a matching network.

RF Power Amplifier
This unit is a single valve, power Tetrode, gives out the RF power of 10 kW. It is air
cooled and operated under class C (Conventional plate modulated amplifier). The valve
being tetrode, its screen is also modulated by using a tertiary winding of modulation
transformer. The MT (+750) is taken through the tertiary winding of modulation
transformer and given to the screen grid. The plate impedance is 1 k and this is
matched by double pi network to load impedance of 230 ohm. The filament supply of
6.3 V AC is obtained by using a special leakage reactance transformer to limit the
switching surge. The harmonics generated in the circuit is filtered out by LC series
network, with that the spurious and harmonic level is as low as below 50 mW.
2. AF Chain
The block diagram of AF chain is given in Fig. 7.
It consists of following modules

a) High Pass filter : AFL 301
b) AF Pre amplifier : APA 302
c) Two AF correctors : APC 303
d) Two AF Drivers : APD 304
e) Power Supplies : APR 305 & 306
Fig. 7 AF CHAIN

MW Transmitter
High Pass Filter (AFL 301)
Technical Data
Input : 600 ohm sym (Bal)

Amplification : App. = 1
Lower Frequency limit : 45 Hz for 6 dB (Adj)
Upper Frequency limit : 10 kHz
The unit incorporates active filter to realize the specification
AF Pre-amp. (APA 302)
This is one of the gain determining stages in the AF chain. The negative feedback from
the feedback divider is applied to Q711 & Q712 and it can be set by Pot R 533 & R 534
on the front panel.
The Hum compensator input is also given at terminal 15 & 16. This amplifier has two
outputs, which is balanced by potentio-meter R535 available in the front panel.
Audio pre correctors ( APC 303)
This is a non linear amplifier for compensating the non-linearity on the modulator tube.
With this the overall distortion for all level of modulation is kept low. The overall
distortion is adjustable by preset Pot Meters R503, R520, R534 & R537.
Audio Pre Drivers (APD 304 )
Independent drivers drive each modulator tube. The driver provides the necessary DC
bias voltage and also all signal sufficient to modulate the tubes to 100%. The grid bias is
set by R501, which is in the front panel. The whole high level circuit consists of four
power transistors BUX 44 driven by four driver transistor 2N5416. The pot meter R502
(front panel) and R507 are adjustable for clipping level. E1 and E2 are the input and
output test points brought out in the front panel.
AF Final stage (Modulators)
The final stage in AF chain consists of two ceramic tetrode (4CX 15000 A) which are
working under class B push pull. This will provide enough power to modulate the PA
stage through the modulator transformer. The screen grid has 750 volt from a separate
supply. The bias has 400 V derived from 650 V rectifier. The grids are provided with
gas filled arresters (V102 & V112) to protect from high peak transients.
Hum Compensator
The Hum compensator provides for the introduction of controlled amount of signals at
50, 100 and 150 C/s which can be varied from 0 to 360o into the pre amplifier stage APA
302 so as to cancel the Hum components due to the power frequencies present in the
system. This will help to raise the S/N ratio of the transmitter.

Micro-processor Control Unit
The block diagram of control circuit is given in Fig. 8.
The transmitter can be switched on to full power and modulations by two ways
1. By back up control (Digital Logic Based)

2. Micro Processor Control Unit (Software Based)
Back up Control
The switch SW 703 to be changed over to BKUP and with the push button in the
front panel of back up PCB can be used to put on and off the TX. However in this
case the filament heating delay, blower off delays are to be given by the operator
manually. In case of O/L there will be no recycling for O/L and TX will just go to SB
stage in case over loads. For switching OFF the TX first press the RF OFF and
then go to OFF.
Micro Processor Control
Change over the switch SW 703 to MP and micro processor will take charge of the
TX. The TX can be switched on in three modes. 1. Manual 2. Local (Auto) and 3.
Remote. The switching on is carried out in two steps.
a) Switching to SB state.
b) Switching to ON state.
Fig. 8 CONTROL CIRCUIT

First as usual blower and filament are switched on. The timings for heating delay
etc. are automatically taken care by the system and SB appears in the LCD screen.
Next we can go to HT button and switch ON the TX. The control system will verify
one by one, such as PA screen, Mod screen, RF audio etc. and ON will appear in
the LCD screen if the TX is healthy and reaches ON state, otherwise the screen will
display error, asking you to set right the same. In case of O/L, recycling is done 3
times before going to SB with the hootors turned to give audio alarm indicating the

MW Transmitter
set parameter has reached the limit. The TX keeps continuous monitoring all
parameters, when exceeds it will trip off with an error indication.
SMPS
The block diagram of SMPS is given in Fig. 9.
The DC power Supply 25 VDC to 40 VDC required for the RF driver is directly obtained
from the main AC line through a SMPS system. Let us see what are the advantages
and disadvantages of SMPS and linear power system.
Comparison Between Linear and SMPS
Parameter Linear SMPS
Line Reg 0.02-0.05% 0.05 1%

Load Reg 0.02-01% 0.1-1.0%
Ripple (peak to peak) 1.5 5 mV 2.5 100 mV
Transient Recovery 50 s 200 s
Efficiency 50% 70-90%
Power Density 0.5 W/In3 2.5 W/In3
Fig. 9 S.M.P.S.
The SMPS consists of following stages
1. Input Rectifier and Filter

2. Control Card
3. Driver and Inverter
4. Output rectifier and filter

Input Rectifier and Filter
The incoming 230 V AC is connected to RF filter and it is rectified by a bridge rectifier

and filtered by a choke L302 and Cap. C 302(1100 UF). The rectifier raw DC feeds the
inverter stage.
Control Card
Controls the output voltage by varying the pulse width suitably.
Driver Board and inverter Stage
Two outputs of SMPS control card is coupled to the input of the driver IC DS0026. The
driver IC will drive the inverter power MOSFET (BUZ 54) in push pull. Here each arm of
push pull consists of 2 MOSFETs in parallel to get enough power output.
Output Rectifier and Filter
The square wave power output from the inverter is further coupled through a Ferrite
transformer and rectified by two diodes to get the DC output of 40 V and current of 5
amps.
Power Supplies
The wiring diagram showing the distribution of AC supplies through various circuit
breakers and contactors for the requirements DC/AC are shown in fig. 10.
Fig. 10 Power Supply - Wiring


MW Transmitter
The number of independent DC supplies available are as below
1. HT for Tetrode Plate ( 5 to 6 kV)

2. SMPS for RF Driver (20 to 40 V)
3. MOD Screen : 700 V to 850 VDC
4. PA screen : 700 V to 850 VDC
5. Bias for PA & Modulator (-400 VDC to 650 VDC) & APD 304.
6. + 5V, power supply for control unit/interfaces boards.
7. + 12 V & + 15V for relay driver etc.
8. +15 V DC battery power supply for control unit memory when AC main fails.
Medium Wave Antenna

Introduction
When the electromagnetic waves in the medium wave (MW) range are directed towards
the Ionosphere, they are absorbed by the D-region during the day time and are reflected
from the E layer during the night time, which may travel longer distances to cause
interferences. The wave length of MW signals are very large, of the order of few
hundred metres, and therefore the antenna cannot be mounted a few wavelengths
above the earth to radiate as space waves. MW antenna, therefore, have to exist close
to the surface of the earth and the Radio waves from them have to travel close to the
earth as ground waves. If the electric vector of such MW radiation is horizontal, they will
be attenuated very fast with distance due to the proximity of the earth. MW antenna
have to be placed vertically, so that they radiate vertically polarised signals. It is for this
reason, all the MW antenna are installed vertically close to the ground. However vertical
wire antenna, inverted 'L' type antenna, top loaded antenna and umbrella antenna are at
a few All India Radio stations. Directional antenna systems also exist in many All India
Radio stations.
Self Radiating MW Mast Antennas
They are broadly of two types :
Mast isolated from ground and fed at its base.

Grounded mast fed at a suitable point along its height
As most of the All India Radio MW towers are of the first category, only they are
discussed here.(see Fig. 11)
The first consideration of such mast is its height in terms of the wave length. What is the
optimum height ? Obviously the main considerations are economy consistent with
maximum coverage and minimum high angle radiation (sky wave).
The relative characteristics of mast height 30o to 225o (electrical lengths) are given
below :

Electrical height in Height in wave length Field strength at one Polar

degrees ( ) mile V/m pattern
30 1/12 186 Please
60 1/6 189 See
90 1/4 196 Fig. 12
135 3/8 214
180 1/2 242
190 0.53 254
225 5/8 276
From the above analysis, it may be seen that as the height of the MW mast increases,
the field strength at one mile increases (range of the transmitter increases) and is
maximum for 225o (5 /8) of electrical length of the antenna. Examination of the polar
Fig. 11 MW Antenna isolated from ground Ref. Drg.No:-STI(T)851,(DC603)
pattern shows that as the height increases, the high angle radiation decreases and the
horizontal gain increases. However at 5 /8 height, the presence of side lobe will
contribute high angle radiation and therefore sky waves. Therefore electrical length of
190o (0.53 ) would look optimum from the points of view of maximum range, high
horizontal directivity and maximum suppression of high angle radiation. 190o antenna is
known as 'Antifading' broadcast antenna as it eliminates the sky wave interference
fading beyond the ground wave range during night.
The height of the MW tower also will have to be coordinated with the civil aviation
authorities from the point of view of nearness of the airport. Should this require
reduction in actual physical height top loading technique can be adopted. This increases
the current distribution in the vertical portion of the radiator, thereby increases the
efficiency of radiators.

MW Transmitter
However in special cases such as the AIR's National Channel at Nagpur, the stress is
particularly for the night time service, to provide more sky wave average for which two
short antenna of 60m height (0.3 ) fed suitably are used.
Fig. 12 Polar Patterns

Ref. Drg.No:-STI(T)852,(DC604)
The MW self supporting mast antenna could be excited in 3 different methods.
The first method requires an insulator at the base of the mast. The second method is
called shunt feed and the third top feed. The comparatively low voltage at the base and
top of the mast antenna, simplifies the operating condition of the insulators and enables
to accommodate a larger power into the mast antenna, than the wire antenna.
Shunt feed, earthed mast overcomes the difficulties of installing and maintaining masts
placed on insulators. The feed line is usually connected to the mast at a height equal to
1/5 to 1/10 the height of the mast.
The top fed antenna is fed by means of a coaxial line (or wires vertically forced inside
the body of the mast). The advantages are
More uniform current distribution compared to the base feed.

Absence of supporting insulator
High radiation resistance and high efficiency

Top Loaded Antenna
It is possible to simulate higher electrical length of the MW antenna for any physically
smaller MW antenna by top loading. A large capacitance disc (insulated from the mast,
and series resonated by an inductance connected across the insulator at the top of short
mast effectively increases the electrical length of the mast.
Another alternative is to use a number of wires in the form of umbrella emanating from
the top of the radiator and secured via insulated rope to the ground (fig. 13). This is
particularly valuable for thin masts. One such umbrella antenna is installed in Nagarcoil;
and some other stations of AIR.
Fig. 13 Umbrella Antenna

'T' and 'L' Antenna
'T' and 'L' antenna find application in broadcasting. AIR have used such types of MW
antenna in the network. This may perhaps be very handy to rig up one for emergency
arrangements. The antenna is secured on two high (100 to 250m) mast (wood or
metal), spaced 100-250 m apart. (Fig.14 & 15)
The antenna consists of two to sixteen wires spaced 1 to 1.5 m apart. The copper wires
are usually 5 to 8 mm in diameter. The supporting towers may be secured by several
tiers of guys in which insulators are inserted. The antenna down leads directly connect
the radio transmitter. There may not be any need for feeder lines if suitably structured.

MW Transmitter
The disadvantages are :
Need for two or more masts

Distortion of directional diagram caused by the influence of supporting cables.
The voltage at the base and at the end of wire antenna is very high compared to the
mast antenna,
Fig. 14 25M 'T' Antenna

Need for Earth Radials
The MW propogates close to the earth as ground waves. The MW mast also is placed
close to the ground. The electric field in the mast extends from the top to the ground.
Current density of typical /2 tower being significant upto 0.37 to 0.4 wave length and
current flows through the ground back to the mast. The electric field passes through the
ground. The earth usually is not a perfect conductor and field may be attenuated. In
order to improve the earth conductivity when it takes off from the mast the conductivity of
the earth around the mast is artificially increased by burring about 120 radial copper
wires of about 0.4 long (usually 10 swg) at 4 to 12 inches deep. The radial wires are
suitably brazed among them forming a mesh.

Fig. 15 Inverted 'L' Antenna

Matching the MW antenna
The MW Power Amplifier output has to be matched to the feeder line which again is to
be matched to the antenna impedance usually by a PI/T/L- network in the Antenna
tunning unit located close to the base of the mast for perfect match. The impedance of
the mast at the feed points can be measured by an impedance bridge VIM. Usually the
individual component values of the PI/T/L-matching networks could be computed using
transmitter manufacturer's information booklet.
Guy support for MW Mast
The guy wires are used at a number of levels depending upon the height of the tower, its
cross section, the maximum wind velocity expected in that region etc. The guy wires
have to be insulated from the mast so also the guys are broken into a number of small
sections /10 or /12 separated by low loss, high mechanical strength insulators to
minimise distortion of radiation pattern due to field induced in them. These insulators
are shunted by suitable inductors to provide d.c. path for lightning discharges while at
the same time blocking the MW energy from earthing. A high resistance shunt across
the insulator is another method of allowing the static leaks. Some types of insulators
have built in thyristers which provide low resistance to high static charge while
presenting high resistance for low voltages. Ultraviolet detectors which is sensitive to
arcs or spark overs may also be used to activate the protective devices in the
transmitter.

MW Transmitter
Directional MW antenna, using more than one vertical mast exist in a number of stations
like Jullandar, Nagpur (National Channel) in the network. Special care must be taken to
allow for proper bandwidth of the directional antenna system.
They guy tensions are usually given in the completion report. It is necessary to measure
the Guy tensions as per AIR technical manual to ensure the verticality or absence of
twist in the mast. Measurement of verticality and twist of the mast are also required to
be carried out as per AIR Technical Manual. Loss of verticality will affect the range of
the service due to earth's proximity.

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MW TRANS MITTER

10 kW HMB 104 Medium Wave Transmitter

Fig.1 Block Diagram of AM Transmitter (HMB-104)

Crystal Oscillator and Buffer Stage

This crystal oscillator employs a pentode tube 6 AU 6 or its equivalent, connected as a

Power Amplifier Stage

STI(T) Publication 108 004/IC(Radio)/2004

First and Second AF Amplifier Stages

Sub Modulator Stage

1. Filament Supply - All AC.

STI(T) Publication 109 004/IC(Radio)/2004

3 phase 220 V AC is stepped up to 3 phase 520 V AC using a Delta/Star connected

3 phase 400 V AC is stepped up to 3 phase 470 V using Delta/Star connected

100 kW HMB 140 Medium Wave transmitter

Fig.2 Block Diagram of RF Chain (HMB-140)

To oscillate at a consistent frequency, the crystal is kept in a oven. The temperature of

STI(T) Publication 110 004/IC(Radio)/2004

Transistor Power Amplifier

Various Pin Voltages

The cathode of the driver : - 600 V.

STI(T) Publication 111 004/IC(Radio)/2004

Fig. 3 PA Output Circuit (HMB-140)

The L-C combination of the output circuit provides the following :

Fig. 4 AF Stage (HMB-140)

High Pass Filter

STI(T) Publication 112 004/IC(Radio)/2004

STI(T) Publication 113 004/IC(Radio)/2004

Power Supply in 100 kW HMB 140 MW Transmitter

1. HT -11 kV PA & Modulator : thyristor controlled for smooth variation of HT

6. Thycon Unit : + 12 V DC and - 12 V DC

VDDB + 15 V - Logic circuits.

10. Main supply to transmitter 415 V. 3 Phase 50 Hertz.

Control and Interlock Systems In Transmitter

1. Ensure correct switching sequence.

STI(T) Publication 114 004/IC(Radio)/2004

1. Switching Sequence of Transmitter

Cooling for the tube filaments.

The cooling equipments comprise of blowers, pumps and heat exchangers.

STI(T) Publication 115 004/IC(Radio)/2004

iii. Application of filament voltage in 3 or 4 steps.

Connection of Load (Antenna/Dummy load)

Application of Screen Voltage : In the case of tetrode tubes, the screen

Release of Audio frequency : The application of AF signal to the AF stage in

STI(T) Publication 116 004/IC(Radio)/2004

2. Safety of the equipment

v) Sometimes thermal sensors are embedded in the filament transformers to

STI(T) Publication 117 004/IC(Radio)/2004

3. Safety for the Personnel

STI(T) Publication 118 004/IC(Radio)/2004

10 KW MW TRANSMITTER (HMB 163)

Identical type of valves both for PA and Modulators.

1. Emission : Double side band broadcasting on MW.

The transmitter can be broadly divided into the following blocks :

The block diagram of transmitter is given in Fig. 5.

STI(T) Publication 119 004/IC(Radio)/2004

Fig. 5 Block Diagram of 10 kW MW Transmitter HMB-163

The block diagram of RF chain has been shown in Fig. 6.

STI(T) Publication 120 004/IC(Radio)/2004

Crystal Oscillator Interface

Adjustable Delayline Driver

STI(T) Publication 121 004/IC(Radio)/2004

The block diagram of AF chain is given in Fig. 7.