Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Single sideband (SSB) is a refinement of amplitude modulation (AM) that transmits information more efficiently. In SSB, only one sideband (either the upper or the lower) is transmitted, while the carrier and the opposite sideband are suppressed. This leads to several advantages:

1. **Efficiency**: By eliminating one sideband and the carrier, SSB reduces the bandwidth required for transmission, allowing more signals to fit within the same frequency spectrum. This is particularly important in crowded bands where space is limited.

2. **Power Usage**: Since there is no need to transmit the carrier and both sidebands, SSB can operate effectively with lower power levels. This makes it advantageous for portable and long-distance communication, as it can achieve greater distances with less power.

3. **Improved Range**: The suppression of the carrier and one sideband leads to less energy being wasted and allows for better signal clarity, helpful for weak signal communications.

By focusing on just one sideband, SSB allows for clearer communication while making more efficient use of the radio spectrum. Therefore, understanding how SSB works and its benefits is crucial for amateur radio operators seeking to improve their transmission practices.