Question
Which of the following test instruments is used to display spurious signals and/or intermodulation distortion products generated by an SSB transmitter?
Answer Options
- A) Differential resolver
- B) Spectrum analyzer
- C) Logic analyzer
- D) Network analyzer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Intermodulation distortion (IMD) and spurious signals (like harmonics or parasitic oscillations) are critical problems in Single-Sideband (SSB) transmitters because they create unwanted emissions that interfere with other frequencies. Identifying and measuring these products requires viewing the transmitted signal in the frequency domain, spread out over the airwaves.
The only instrument capable of viewing the signal’s energy versus frequency to isolate these unwanted components is a spectrum analyzer. By feeding a two-tone test signal into the SSB transmitter, an operator can use the spectrum analyzer to visualize the IMD products as side spikes (often separated by the test tone frequency), allowing for quantitative measurement of the transmitter’s linearity and cleanliness.
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