Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

What process combines two signals in a non-linear circuit to produce unwanted spurious outputs?

1. Interference

2. Intermodulation

3. Feedback

4. Heterodyning

The correct answer is: Intermodulation

The process that combines two signals in a non-linear circuit to produce unwanted spurious outputs is known as intermodulation. This occurs when two or more signals pass through a nonlinear device, such as an amplifier or mixer, resulting in the generation of additional signals at frequencies that are the sum and difference of the original frequencies and their harmonics. These extra frequencies can interfere with desired signals and create distortion, making intermodulation a significant concern in radio communications, especially in crowded frequency bands. Understanding intermodulation is crucial for effective communication, as it illustrates how two signals can create unexpected outputs that may disrupt the clarity of transmitted messages. This is particularly important to consider in systems where multiple channels are utilized, as intermodulation can lead to unwanted noise and interference that can degrade overall performance.