Technician 2022-2026T8A07

What is a characteristic of single sideband (SSB) compared to FM?

C
Answer
Signals, emissions, and modulation
Type
A
SSB signals are easier to tune in correctly
B
SSB signals are less susceptible to interference
C
SSB signals have narrower bandwidth
D
All these choices are correct

Answer Notes

Single Sideband (SSB) is a highly efficient mode of communication because it transmits only one sideband of a voice signal and suppresses the carrier. This results in a very narrow bandwidth of roughly 3 kHz. In contrast, Frequency Modulation (FM) requires a much wider bandwidth, typically between 10 and 15 kHz for standard amateur voice. Therefore, SSB's primary characteristic compared to FM is its significantly narrower bandwidth. The other options are incorrect: SSB is actually harder to tune because the receiver must perfectly reinsert the missing carrier to make voices sound natural, and FM is generally less susceptible to static interference due to the 'capture effect'.
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Which sideband is normally used for 10 meter HF, VHF, and UHF single-sideband communications?
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What is the approximate bandwidth of a typical single sideband (SSB) voice signal?