FCC Exam Question: 8-11B3

Which of the following statements about most modern RADAR transmitter power supplies is false?

A. High voltage supplies may produce voltages in excess of 5,000 volts AC.
B. There are usually separate low voltage and high voltage supplies.
C. Low voltage supplies use switching circuits to deliver multiple voltages.
D. Low voltage supplies may supply both AC and DC voltages.
Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Most modern RADAR transmitters, particularly those using magnetrons or klystrons, require very high *DC* voltages (often tens of thousands of volts, pulsed) to operate their transmitting tubes. While the *input* to the high-voltage power supply might be AC, it is rectified and filtered to produce the necessary high-voltage DC for the radar's output stage. Therefore, statement A, claiming high voltage supplies may produce voltages in excess of 5,000 volts *AC* for the transmitter itself, is generally false for the final output stage of modern radar. Statements B, C, and D are true: B) It's standard practice in complex electronics like radar to have separate supplies for distinct voltage domains (e.g., low voltage for control logic, high voltage for the transmitter tube). C) Modern low-voltage supplies commonly use switching mode power supply (SMPS) technology for efficient generation of multiple regulated DC voltages. D) A low-voltage power supply unit can indeed provide both DC for logic and amplifiers, and low-voltage AC for components like transformer-isolated signals, filament heaters, or specific motor applications.

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