FCC Exam Question: 28C4

Which of the following statements is true?

A. The L2 carrier of 1227.60 MHz is used to measure the ionospheric delay.
B. The L1 carrier of 1650.5 MHz is used to measure the ionospheric delay.
C. The L1 carrier of 1545.22 MHz is used to provide the navigation message.
D. The L2 carrier of 1575.42 MHz is used to provide the navigation message.
Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Global Positioning System (GPS) transmits signals on multiple carrier frequencies. The L1 carrier is at 1575.42 MHz, and the L2 carrier is at 1227.60 MHz. The ionosphere, a layer of Earth's atmosphere, causes delays in radio signals, and the amount of this delay is dependent on the signal's frequency. Dual-frequency GPS receivers utilize both the L1 and L2 carriers to measure and correct for this ionospheric delay. By comparing the phase or arrival time differences of the signals received on these two distinct frequencies from the same satellite, the receiver can accurately determine the delay introduced by the ionosphere and compensate for it, enhancing positioning accuracy. Therefore, the L2 carrier at 1227.60 MHz is indeed used in this process to measure the ionospheric delay. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they list incorrect frequencies for the specified carriers or misattribute the carrier's primary function in the context of the given frequency.

Pass Your FCC Exam!

Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the GMDSS Trainer app.


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