Monochrome TV Communication System – Examination Study Guide
This document is designed to help you understand the fundamentals of Monochrome TV
communication systems, including both theoretical and practical aspects. It explains the elements of
the TV communication system, scanning techniques, synchronizing pulses, picture tube operation,
camera tube comparisons, receiver block diagrams, and troubleshooting methods. At the end, you will
find a sample exam paper (30 marks) with possible questions and detailed solutions.
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Elements of the TV Communication System
1.1 System Overview
- Transmitter Section:
• Generates video signals by scanning a picture.
• Includes circuits for modulation, synchronizing, and blanking pulses.
- Transmission Channel:
• Carries the composite video signal (CVS) over airwaves (VHF/UHF) or cable.
- Receiver Section:
• Includes tuning, IF amplification, demodulation, and display (picture tube) stages.
- Display Section (Picture Tube):
• Converts electrical signals into a visible image using electron beams and phosphors.
1.2 Scanning – Need for Picture Transmission
- Purpose of Scanning:
• A two-dimensional picture is converted into a time-varying signal by scanning the image line-by-line.
• Enables transmission over a single channel rather than sending entire pictures simultaneously.
- Techniques:
• Progressive Scanning: Every line is transmitted sequentially from top to bottom.
• Interlaced Scanning: Alternates between odd and even lines to form complete frames in two fields,
reducing flicker and bandwidth demands.
------------------------------------------------------------
2. Synchronizing and Blanking Pulses
2.1 Need for Synchronizing Pulses
- Horizontal Sync Pulse:
• Marks the beginning of each scan line.
- Vertical Sync Pulse:
• Indicates the start of a new field.
- Function:
• Ensures the receiver’s deflection circuits remain in step with the transmitted picture.
2.2 Blanking Pulses
- Purpose:
• Prevents the electron beam from producing a visible trace during retrace intervals.
- Result:
• Only the active video is visible, while retrace movements are “blanked” to avoid unwanted lines or
noise.
2.3 Pre & Post Equalizing Pulses
- Pre-equalizing Pulses:
• Introduced before vertical sync to balance the beam current during the retrace.
- Post-equalizing Pulses:
• Placed immediately after the vertical sync for a similar balance.
- Purpose:
• Improve vertical synchronization by equalizing potential differences in scanning circuits.
------------------------------------------------------------
3. Scanning Methods and Picture Quality
3.1 Progressive vs. Interlaced Scanning
- Progressive Scanning:
• Advantage: Better resolution for fast-moving pictures.
• Disadvantage: Higher bandwidth requirements.
- Interlaced Scanning:
• Advantage: Reduced flicker and lower bandwidth.
• Disadvantage: Can introduce “combing” artifacts in fast motion.
3.2 Resolution and Bandwidth Requirements
- Resolution:
• Determined by the number of scan lines and horizontal line definition.
- Bandwidth:
• Must be sufficient to carry the high-frequency components of the video signal.
- The “Ell Effect”:
• Refers to distortions caused by limitations in scanning or bandwidth; proper design minimizes these
effects.
3.3 Composite Video Signal (CVS)
- CVS Formation:
• Combines luminance (brightness), synchronizing pulses, and sometimes chrominance into a single
signal.
- Even and Odd Fields:
• In interlaced systems, even and odd fields combine to form a complete frame.
------------------------------------------------------------
4. Modulation Techniques
4.1 Negative Modulation
- Definition:
• A modulation technique where an increase in the video signal results in a decrease in the carrier
amplitude.
- Advantages:
• Better noise immunity; sync pulses remain stable in the presence of noise.
- Disadvantages:
• In severe interference, an abrupt drop in signal level may lead to loss of detail.
------------------------------------------------------------
5. Monochrome Picture Tube – Construction and Working
5.1 Construction
- Electron Gun: Emits electrons focused into a beam.
- Deflection System: Magnetic or electrostatic coils steer the beam.
- Phosphor-Coated Screen: Coating emits light when struck by electrons.
- Focus and Convergence Circuits: Ensure the beam strikes the correct spot.
5.2 Working Principle
- The electron beam is modulated by the video signal and scanned across the screen.
- Synchronizing pulses control the timing of horizontal and vertical deflections.
- Blanking circuits prevent unwanted traces during retrace intervals, resulting in a stable image.
------------------------------------------------------------
6. Camera Tubes: Vidicon, Plumbicon, and Night Vision
6.1 Vidicon Tube
- Construction:
• Uses a photoconductive target whose resistance changes with light intensity.
- Working:
• Scanned by an electron beam; variations in target conductivity modulate the beam current.
- Characteristics:
• Lower efficiency, prone to lag, and limited resolution.
6.2 Plumbicon Tube
- Construction:
• Uses a lead oxide (PbO) target.
- Working:
• Offers faster response and better linearity, leading to higher-quality images.
- Comparison:
• Improved resolution, lower lag, and better low-light performance compared to vidicons.
6.3 Night Vision Camera Tubes
- Working Principle:
• Amplifies low-light levels using image intensifiers or special photocathodes sensitive to infrared.
- Applications:
• Military, surveillance, and industrial low-light scenarios.
------------------------------------------------------------
7. Block Diagram of a TV Receiver
7.1 Typical Block Diagram
[RF Tuner] → [IF Amplifier] → [Detector/Demodulator] → [Video Amplifier] → [Deflection & Sync
Circuits] → [Picture Tube]
7.2 Function of Each Block
- RF Tuner: Selects the desired channel frequency.
- IF Amplifier: Amplifies the intermediate frequency signal with high selectivity.
- Detector/Demodulator: Recovers the baseband video signal from the modulated IF.
- Video Amplifier: Amplifies the video signal to drive the picture tube.
- Deflection & Sync Circuits: Generate timing for horizontal and vertical scanning.
- Picture Tube: Converts electrical signals into a visible image.
7.3 Frequency Range (VHF Bands in India)
- Typical VHF Channels:
• Channels typically fall in the 41–68 MHz range with each channel allocated specific bandwidth
(around 5–7 MHz).
- Channel Assignment:
• Defined by regulatory authorities per CCIR or national standards.
------------------------------------------------------------
8. CCIR B Standard – Major Specifications
- Frame Rate: Typically 25 frames per second (50 fields per second in interlaced systems).
- Line Frequency: Approximately 15.625 kHz.
- Bandwidth: Video signal bandwidth usually around 5–6 MHz.
- Synchronization: Strict limits on sync pulse levels and blanking intervals.
- Additional Requirements: Specifications for audio, channel separation, and interference limits as per
CCIR guidelines.
------------------------------------------------------------
9. Typical Circuits in a TV Receiver
9.1 Scanning Circuitry
- Horizontal Scanning Oscillator: Generates a sawtooth waveform for horizontal deflection.
- Vertical Scanning Oscillator: Provides ramp signals for vertical deflection.
- Waveforms:
• Horizontal scan: Active video period followed by fly-back (blanking period).
• Vertical scan: A slower ramp with retrace pulses.
9.2 EHT (Extra High Tension) Stage
- Purpose: Provides high voltage (typically 15–30 kV) required by the picture tube’s electron gun.
- Circuit Elements: Oscillators, transformers, rectifiers, and voltage multipliers.
------------------------------------------------------------
10. Keyed Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
- Definition: Automatically adjusts the receiver’s gain based on a reference level from the video signal.
- Purpose: Compensates for varying signal strengths to maintain consistent picture brightness.
- Operation: Compares the detected signal level to a reference and adjusts amplifier gain accordingly.
------------------------------------------------------------
11. SAW Filter and Trap Circuit
11.1 SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) Filter
- Function: Provides narrow-band filtering in the IF stage.
- Advantages: High selectivity and stability to reject adjacent channel interference.
11.2 Trap Circuit
- Function: Attenuates unwanted frequencies while allowing desired signals to pass.
- Application: Often used in the RF stage to suppress strong out-of-band signals.
------------------------------------------------------------
12. Fault Identification and Remedies
12.1 Common Fault Symptoms
- No Picture or Faint Image: May indicate issues with the EHT supply or picture tube.
- Horizontal or Vertical Roll: Could be due to synchronization errors in deflection circuits.
- Distorted or “Combed” Image: Often due to problems in scanning oscillators or incorrect blanking
pulses.
- Noise and Interference: Can result from malfunctioning AGC circuits or inadequate filtering.
12.2 Troubleshooting Steps
- Check Power Supplies: Verify both high voltage (EHT) and low voltage supplies.
- Signal Tracing: Use an oscilloscope to monitor key waveforms (sync pulses, video amplifier output,
deflection waveforms).
- Component Testing: Test suspected faulty components (capacitors, resistors, ICs) in the signal path.
- Adjustment and Calibration: Fine-tune AGC, equalizing pulses, and deflection circuits as per service
manuals.
------------------------------------------------------------
13. Sample Examination Question Paper (30 Marks)
Question 1 (6 Marks)
a. Draw and label a block diagram of a monochrome TV receiver.
b. Explain the function of the IF amplifier and the role of the detector/demodulator.
Answer:
- Block Diagram:
[RF Tuner] → [IF Amplifier] → [Detector/Demodulator] → [Video Amplifier] → [Deflection & Sync
Circuits] → [Picture Tube]
- IF Amplifier: Amplifies the IF signal with high selectivity to boost the desired channel.
- Detector/Demodulator: Recovers the baseband video signal including sync, blanking, and luminance.
Question 2 (5 Marks)
Discuss the difference between progressive and interlaced scanning. Explain one advantage and one
disadvantage of each.
Answer:
- Progressive Scanning:
Advantage: Clear image with high resolution for fast-moving scenes.
Disadvantage: Requires higher bandwidth.
- Interlaced Scanning:
Advantage: Reduced flicker and lower bandwidth.
Disadvantage: May produce “combing” effects in fast motion.
Question 3 (5 Marks)
a. Define negative modulation in TV transmission.
b. List one advantage and one disadvantage of using negative modulation.
Answer:
- Negative Modulation: A technique where an increase in the video signal causes a decrease in the
carrier amplitude.
- Advantage: Better noise immunity with stable sync pulses.
- Disadvantage: In severe interference, detail may be lost due to abrupt signal drops.
Question 4 (7 Marks)
Compare and contrast the vidicon and plumbicon camera tubes in terms of construction, working, and
low light performance.
Answer:
- Vidicon Tube:
• Uses a photoconductive target; scanned by an electron beam.
• Lower efficiency, higher lag, limited resolution.
- Plumbicon Tube:
• Uses a lead oxide target; offers faster response and better linearity.
• Superior resolution, lower lag, better low-light performance.
- Conclusion: Plumbicon tubes are preferred for high-quality imaging, while vidicons are simpler but
more limited.
Question 5 (7 Marks)
Explain the role of synchronizing, blanking, and equalizing pulses in TV transmission. Support your
answer with timing diagrams where applicable.
Answer:
- Synchronizing Pulses: Provide timing references for horizontal and vertical deflection.
- Blanking Pulses: Prevent illumination during retrace periods.
- Equalizing Pulses: Balance the beam current before and after vertical sync to ensure stable scanning.
- Timing Diagram: Typically shows an active video period, followed by a blanking interval with a sync
pulse and equalizing pulses around the vertical sync.
------------------------------------------------------------
Final Remarks:
- Revision Tips: Redraw diagrams, explain concepts in your own words, and practice previous exam
questions.
- Exam Strategy: Be clear and concise, use diagrams to illustrate points, and mention key specifications
(frequencies, pulse timings, etc.) where needed.
