FCC Exam Question: 3-84M4

Which is the code used for SITOR-A and -B transmissions?

A. The 5 bit baudot telex code.
B. Each character consists of 7 bits with 3 “zeros” and 4 “ones”.
C. Each character consists of 7 bits with 4 “zeros” and 3 “ones”.
D. Each character has 7 bits of data and 3 bits for error correction.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: SITOR-A and SITOR-B (also known as AMTOR for Amateur Teleprinting Over Radio) utilize a specialized 7-bit code for robust digital communication, primarily designed for error detection and correction. The correct code for SITOR transmissions is one where each character consists of 7 bits, specifically with 4 "zeros" (space bits) and 3 "ones" (mark bits). This is known as a constant ratio or constant weight code. This precise 4:3 ratio is crucial for error detection. If a receiver detects a 7-bit character that does not have exactly 4 zeros and 3 ones, it immediately knows the character is corrupted and requests a retransmission (in ARQ mode) or discards it (in FEC mode). Option A is incorrect because the basic Baudot telex code is 5 bits, while SITOR expands upon this with a 7-bit character set to add error detection capabilities. Option B is incorrect because it reverses the correct 4:3 ratio of zeros to ones for SITOR. Option D is incorrect as it describes a different error correction scheme; SITOR's error detection is built into the constant ratio of its 7-bit character, not by appending separate error correction bits to a data character.

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