Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of automatic frequency control (AFC) in a frequency-shift-key (FSK) data transmission system that allows a receiver to be used that has a bandwidth that approaches the requisite minimum bandwidth for a given data transmission rate and produces a substantial signal noise ratio (SNR) in the detected signal by the receiver. The invention includes a transmitter that outputs a SPACE signal and a MARK signal in a preamble that precedes the transmission data. The apparatus also includes a receiver that uses the SPACE and MARK signals to adjust the frequency of the signal output by a voltage-controlled-oscillator (VCO) to tune the receiver and thereby improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the signals subsequently detected by the receiver.

Abstract: A direct frequency modulation crystal-controlled oscillator circuit is provided having a configuration which minimizes the number of parts required for modulation while maintaining a linear relationship between the incoming modulation voltage and the outputted frequency. The circuit includes a tuning diode in a parallel arrangement with a tank circuit connected to the collector of a transistor. In the preferred embodiment, the tank circuit includes only an inductor. The crystal of the circuit operates in the anti-resonant mode and its impedance is much greater than that of the tank circuit. Direct frequency modulation results from the frequency change of the crystal in responding to a phase change caused by the modulation voltage applied to the tuning diode, which subsequently results in a change in the phase of a transistor collector voltage.