Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E1B
E1B01E1B

Which of the following constitutes a spurious emission?

Deep Dive: E1B01

The correct answer is D: An emission outside the signal's necessary bandwidth that can be reduced or eliminated without affecting the information transmitted. What constitutes a spurious emission is an emission outside the signal's necessary bandwidth that can be reduced or eliminated without affecting the information transmitted. Spurious emissions are unwanted emissions that don't carry information. For amateur radio operators, this is important for transmitter compliance. Understanding this helps ensure legal operation.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Transmission without proper call sign isn't a spurious emission - it's a rules violation, not an emission type. Call sign violation isn't spurious. Option B: Incorrect. Signal to prevent detection isn't a spurious emission - it's intentional, not spurious. Intentional signal isn't spurious. Option C: Incorrect. Signal interfering with another station exceeding 40 dB below fundamental isn't the definition - spurious emissions are defined by being outside necessary bandwidth, not by interference level. Interference level isn't the definition.

Exam Tip

Spurious emission = emission outside necessary bandwidth that can be reduced/eliminated without affecting information. Think 'S'purious 'E'mission = 'S'ignal 'E'xtra (unwanted). Spurious emissions are unwanted emissions that don't carry information. Not call sign violation, not intentional signal, not interference level - just unwanted emission outside bandwidth.

Memory Aid

Spurious emission = emission outside necessary bandwidth that can be reduced/eliminated without affecting information. Think 'S'purious 'E'mission = 'S'ignal 'E'xtra. Spurious emissions are unwanted emissions that don't carry information. Important for transmitter compliance.

Real-World Example

A spurious emission: A transmitter produces a signal at 14.200 MHz (intended frequency) but also produces unwanted emissions at 14.400 MHz (harmonics or other spurious). The emission at 14.400 MHz is outside the necessary bandwidth and can be reduced or eliminated (with filters) without affecting the information transmitted. This is a spurious emission - unwanted emission outside necessary bandwidth.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E1B

Reference: FCC Part 97.307

Key Concepts

Spurious emission Outside necessary bandwidth Can be reduced or eliminated Doesn't affect information

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E1B topic.