Question
Which type of detector is used for demodulating SSB signals?
Answer Options
- A) Discriminator
- B) Phase detector
- C) Product detector
- D) Phase comparator
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
Single-Sideband (\text{SSB}) signals are transmitted with the carrier frequency suppressed. An envelope detector cannot be used because the missing carrier makes the signal unintelligible. To recover the original audio, the receiver must re-insert a carrier that is exactly matched in frequency and phase to the suppressed carrier.
The type of detector used for demodulating \text{SSB} signals is a Product detector. A product detector is essentially a mixer circuit that combines the incoming \text{SSB} signal with a locally generated, stable carrier (from a Beat Frequency Oscillator, or \text{BFO}). This mixing process ‘demodulates’ the \text{SSB} signal, translating the \text{RF} spectrum back down into the original audio frequency range.
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