Question
Which of the following best describes one of the standards that must be met by an external RF power amplifier if it is to qualify for a grant of FCC certification?
Answer Options
- A) It must produce full legal output when driven by not more than 5 watts of mean RF input power
- B) It must have received an Underwriters Laboratory certification for electrical safety as well as having met IEEE standard 14.101(B)
- C) It must exhibit a gain of less than 23 dB when driven by 10 watts or less
- D) It must satisfy the FCC’s spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or its full output power
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
FCC certification for external RF power amplifiers is primarily concerned with ensuring the equipment does not create excessive interference, particularly spurious emissions. The manufacturer must demonstrate that the amplifier is clean and stable throughout its operating range and intended frequencies.
One of the most important technical standards required for certification is that the amplifier must satisfy the FCC’s spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or its full output power. This is a requirement for the amplifier to demonstrate compliance with the suppression standards (e.g., -43 dBc for signals below 30 MHz) at the maximum output levels that an amateur operator might use, ensuring a clean signal.
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