FCC Exam Question: 1A6

Using a frequency counter with an accuracy of 5 ppm — which of the following are within legal tolerance for the frequencies of 156.875 MHz and 157.200?

A. 156,873.562 kHz and 157,198.264 kHz.
B. 156,875.774 kHz and 157.199.321 kHz.
C. 156,876.562 kHz and 157,201.355 kHz.
D. 156,873.336 kHz and 157,201.570 kHz.
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Frequency tolerance, expressed in parts-per-million (ppm), defines the maximum allowable deviation from a designated frequency. To determine if a measured frequency is within tolerance, you calculate the absolute deviation in Hertz. For 156.875 MHz: The allowed deviation is $156,875,000 \text{ Hz} \times (5 / 1,000,000) = 784.375 \text{ Hz}$. This means the frequency must be between $156,875,000 \text{ Hz} - 784.375 \text{ Hz}$ and $156,875,000 \text{ Hz} + 784.375 \text{ Hz}$, or $156,874.216 \text{ kHz}$ and $156,875.784 \text{ kHz}$. For 157.200 MHz: The allowed deviation is $157,200,000 \text{ Hz} \times (5 / 1,000,000) = 786 \text{ Hz}$. The frequency must be between $157,200,000 \text{ Hz} - 786 \text{ Hz}$ and $157,200,000 \text{ Hz} + 786 \text{ Hz}$, or $157,199.214 \text{ kHz}$ and $157,200.786 \text{ kHz}$. Examining the options: * **A, C, and D** contain at least one frequency that falls outside these calculated legal ranges. * **B) 156,875.774 kHz and 157.199.321 kHz:** Both frequencies are within their respective calculated tolerance ranges ($156,874.216 \text{ kHz}$ to $156,875.784 \text{ kHz}$ and $157,199.214 \text{ kHz}$ to $157,200.786 \text{ kHz}$). Therefore, only option B represents frequencies that are within the 5 ppm legal tolerance, crucial for preventing interference and complying with FCC regulations.

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