FCC Exam Question: 5A2

Which of the following test procedures may be used to determine a VHF receiver’s minimum discernible signal?

A. Connect an oscilliscope to the antenna input and observe the amplitude of minimum signal voltage plotted
B. Set a signal generator to the frequency of the VHF receiver, adjust the output signal to near zero, and
C. Connect a spectrum analyzer to the antenna input and apply the maximum amount of attentuation to detect
D. Connect a 156.3 Mhz signal generator to the antenna input, set the VHF receiver to channel 06 and
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: To determine a VHF receiver's minimum discernible signal (MDS), you need to find the weakest input signal it can successfully detect above its internal noise. This is achieved by: * **Using a signal generator:** This device produces a controlled, variable-strength radio frequency (RF) signal at a specific frequency. * **Matching frequency:** The signal generator is set to the frequency the receiver is tuned to. * **Adjusting output:** The signal generator's output power is initially set very low (near zero) and then gradually increased. The point at which the signal just becomes audible or discernible above the receiver's background noise (typically heard through the speaker) indicates the MDS. Option B accurately describes this process. Options A and C use test equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer) that are not directly used at the antenna input to *determine* MDS in this manner. Option D specifies a frequency but lacks the crucial procedural detail of adjusting the signal level to find the minimum discernible point, making it incomplete.

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