FCC Exam Question: 3-53G5

How can a single-sideband phone signal be generated?

A. By driving a product detector with a DSB signal.
B. By using a reactance modulator followed by a mixer.
C. By using a loop modulator followed by a mixer.
D. By using a balanced modulator followed by a filter.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Generating a single-sideband (SSB) phone signal typically involves a two-step process to remove the carrier and one of the sidebands from a standard Amplitude Modulated (AM) signal. The correct method, D) **By using a balanced modulator followed by a filter**, works as follows: First, an audio signal and a radio frequency (RF) carrier are fed into a **balanced modulator**. This circuit's function is to suppress the carrier frequency while producing the upper and lower sidebands, resulting in a Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) signal. Second, this DSB-SC signal is passed through a highly selective **filter** (such as a crystal, mechanical, or DSP filter). This filter removes one of the sidebands, leaving only the desired single sideband, which is then amplified and transmitted. Let's look at why the other options are incorrect: A) **By driving a product detector with a DSB signal:** A product detector is used for *demodulating* (receiving) SSB, CW, or DSB signals, not generating them. B) **By using a reactance modulator followed by a mixer:** A reactance modulator is primarily used to generate *Frequency Modulation (FM)*, not SSB. C) **By using a loop modulator followed by a mixer:** "Loop modulator" is not a standard or common term for SSB generation in amateur radio theory.

Pass Your FCC Exam!

Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the GMDSS Trainer app.


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