Question
What determines the PEP-to-average power ratio of an unprocessed single-sideband phone signal?
Answer Options
- A) The frequency of the modulating signal
- B) Speech characteristics
- C) The degree of carrier suppression
- D) Amplifier gain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
The ratio of Peak Envelope Power (PEP) to average power is a figure of merit for voice signals that helps determine the required power supply and final amplifier design. This ratio is defined by the variability and dynamic range of the modulating signal itself.
For an SSB signal, the PEP-to-average power ratio is determined by the speech characteristics of the operator. Voice is not a constant signal; it contains pauses, varying amplitudes, and rapid transients. These natural variations in the human voice create a high ratio, meaning the peak power is substantially higher than the average power over time. Processing the audio (compression or clipping) reduces this ratio.
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