E7C09 - What is a crystal lattice filter?

Question

What is a crystal lattice filter?

Answer Options

  • A) A power supply filter made with interlaced quartz crystals
  • B) An audio filter made with four quartz crystals that resonate at 1 kHz intervals
  • C) A filter using lattice-shaped quartz crystals for high-Q performance
  • D) A filter for low-level signals made using quartz crystals

Correct Answer: D


Explanation

A crystal lattice filter is a specialized, high-performance filter used primarily in the Intermediate Frequency (IF) stage of communications receivers, where maximum selectivity is paramount. This filter leverages the extremely high Quality factor (Q) achievable by quartz crystals compared to conventional LC components.

A crystal lattice filter is a filter for low-level signals made using quartz crystals. It consists of an arrangement of four or more quartz crystals, interconnected in a lattice (bridge) structure, and tuned to slightly different frequencies. This complex arrangement creates a highly stable, sharp-sided band-pass filter with excellent shape factor, ideal for narrow-band modes like CW and SSB.


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