FCC Exam Question: 3-90O3

What is the normal range of pulse widths?

A. .05 s to 0.1 s.
B. .05 s to 1.0 s.
C. 1.0 s to 3.5 s.
D. 2.5 s to 5.0 s.
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Pulse width refers to the duration of a pulse in a pulsed signal, such as those used in radar systems or certain digital communications. A typical range for pulse widths, particularly in microwave applications like radar, is from 50 nanoseconds (0.05 µs) to 1 microsecond (1.0 µs). This range allows for a good balance between range resolution and detectability. Shorter pulses (like 0.05 µs) offer excellent range resolution, meaning the system can distinguish between closely spaced targets. Longer pulses (up to 1.0 µs) provide more energy per pulse, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and detection range, though with slightly reduced resolution. Ranges like 1.0 µs to 3.5 µs or 2.5 µs to 5.0 µs represent significantly longer pulses, which would severely limit range resolution in many applications. While specific systems might use these, the broader, more common "normal" range extends to shorter durations. The range of 0.05 µs to 0.1 µs is too narrow and excludes many common pulse widths.

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