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Subelement M: M – Communications Technology— Topic 82: Types of Transmissions

Question 3-82M3

Element 3 (GROL)

What is the term used to describe a spread spectrum communications system where the center frequency of a conventional carrier is altered many times per second in accordance with a pseudo-random list of channels?

Explanation
Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) systems achieve spectrum spreading by rapidly changing the carrier frequency of a signal over a wide range of frequencies. The sequence of these frequency changes, or "hops," is determined by a pseudo-random code known to both the transmitting and receiving stations. This rapid, pseudo-random alteration of the center frequency across a list of available channels is the defining characteristic of FHSS. Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) is a different technique where the data stream is multiplied by a high-speed pseudo-noise code, spreading the signal across a wide bandwidth *without* changing the carrier frequency. "Time-domain frequency modulation" and "frequency compandored spread spectrum" are not recognized terms for this method of spread spectrum communication.

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