FCC Exam Question: 3-47F4

What is an m-derived filter?

A. A filter whose input impedance varies widely over the design bandwidth.
B. A filter whose product of the series- and shunt-element impedances is a constant for all frequencies.
C. A filter whose schematic shape is the letter “M”.
D. A filter that uses a trap to attenuate undesired frequencies too near cutoff for a constant-k filter.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: M-derived filters are designed to improve upon the performance of constant-k filters, particularly near the cutoff frequency. Constant-k filters exhibit a gradual attenuation slope as frequencies approach and pass their cutoff. An m-derived filter, however, introduces a resonant "trap" circuit (either in series or shunt configuration) that creates a very sharp attenuation peak, or "pole of attenuation," at a specific frequency just outside the desired passband. This sharply attenuates undesired frequencies that are too close to the cutoff frequency to be effectively suppressed by a constant-k filter alone. The parameter 'm' determines the location of this attenuation pole relative to the cutoff frequency. * **A) Incorrect:** A good filter aims for a relatively constant input/output impedance within its passband for proper impedance matching, not widely varying impedance. * **B) Incorrect:** This characteristic, where the product of series and shunt *reactances* is constant, is a defining property of a constant-k filter's image impedance, from which m-derived filters are derived. * **C) Incorrect:** The name "m-derived" comes from a mathematical parameter 'm' used in its design equations, not its physical schematic shape.

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