FCC Exam Question: 8-9A5

In the Line-Driver/Coax/Line-receiver circuit shown in Fig. 8A3, what component is represented by the blank box marked "X"?

A. 25-ohm resistor.
B. 51-ohm resistor.
C. 10-microhm inductor.
D. 20-microhm inductor.2009 FCC Commercial Element 8 Question Pool (approved 25 June 2009) PAGE 12
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: In a Line-Driver/Coax/Line-receiver circuit, the coaxial cable (coax) acts as a transmission line. For optimal power transfer and to minimize reflections (standing waves), the characteristic impedance of the coax must be matched by both the source (line driver) and the load (line receiver). Standard coaxial cable for RF applications has a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms. Component "X" represents a termination or matching impedance within the circuit, likely at the output of the line driver or input of the line receiver, designed to match the 50-ohm coax. A 51-ohm resistor (option B) is a standard E-series value very close to 50 ohms and is commonly used as a resistive termination or matching component in 50-ohm systems. Options A (25-ohm resistor) would create a significant impedance mismatch. Options C and D (inductors) are reactive components and would not provide the necessary broadband resistive termination for a general transmission line, introducing frequency-dependent behavior and reflections.

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