FCC Exam Question: 3-45F3

A receiver selectivity of 2.4 kHz in the IF circuitry is optimum for what type of signals?

A. CW.
B. Double-sideband AM voice.
C. SSB voice.
D. FSK RTTY.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A 2.4 kHz receiver selectivity is optimum for SSB (Single Sideband) voice because it closely matches the typical bandwidth of a human voice signal. SSB transmissions efficiently convey voice information within approximately 2.4 to 2.7 kHz, which includes the critical audio frequencies for clear communication. A 2.4 kHz filter effectively passes this full voice range while rejecting noise and interference from signals outside this bandwidth, maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio and audio fidelity. For CW (Morse code), 2.4 kHz is far too wide; CW signals are very narrow, typically 50-500 Hz. Double-sideband AM voice signals require about 6 kHz of bandwidth (twice the audio bandwidth), so a 2.4 kHz filter would severely clip and distort them. FSK RTTY signals are also relatively narrow, ranging from a few hundred Hz to around 1 kHz, making 2.4 kHz generally too wide.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.