Question
Which of the following is an effect of overmodulation?
Answer Options
- A) Insufficient audio
- B) Insufficient bandwidth
- C) Frequency drift
- D) Excessive bandwidth
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Overmodulation occurs when the amplitude or frequency deviation of a modulated signal is driven beyond the transmitter’s linear limits or the acceptable standard for the modulation type. In Amplitude Modulation (AM) or Single Sideband (SSB), overmodulation causes clipping (flat-topping) of the waveform.
This clipping introduces sharp, rapid changes in the RF signal’s envelope, which generates spurious sidebands that extend far outside the intended channel. The resulting ‘splatter’ means that the primary effect of overmodulation is excessive bandwidth, leading to interference with stations on adjacent frequencies.
This topic was automatically created to facilitate community discussion about this exam question. Feel free to share study tips, memory tricks, or additional explanations!