FCC Exam Question: 6A454

A wavetrap in a receiver:

A. Prevents the effects of any undesired output of the receiver
B. Generates desired frequencies in the output of the receiver
C. A & B
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A

Explanation: A wavetrap, also known as a notch filter, is a resonant circuit (typically an LC circuit) tuned to a specific frequency. Its purpose in a receiver is to significantly attenuate or "trap" a strong, undesired signal at that particular frequency. By installing a wavetrap in the receiver's input stages, it prevents strong interference, image frequencies, or other unwanted signals from entering the receiver and causing desensitization, intermodulation, or mixing with the desired signal. Therefore, it prevents the *effects* of these undesired input signals from manifesting as an "undesired output" from the receiver. Option B is incorrect because wavetraps are passive filters; they do not generate frequencies. Frequency generation is the role of active components like oscillators. Since B is incorrect, C is also incorrect, and D is incorrect because A is a correct description of its function.

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