Deep Dive: E1F11
The correct answer is D: It must satisfy the FCC's spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or its full output power. Which of the following best describes one of the standards that must be met by an external RF power amplifier if it is to qualify for a grant of FCC certification is that it must satisfy the FCC's spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or its full output power. Amplifiers must meet spurious emission standards. For amateur radio operators, this is important for understanding amplifier certification. Understanding this helps when selecting amplifiers.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Producing full legal output when driven by not more than 5 watts isn't the standard - spurious emission standards must be met. 5-watt drive isn't the standard. Option B: Incorrect. Underwriters Laboratory certification and IEEE standard isn't the requirement - FCC spurious emission standards must be met. UL/IEEE isn't the requirement. Option C: Incorrect. Gain less than 23 dB when driven by 10 watts or less isn't the standard - spurious emission standards must be met. Gain limit isn't the standard.
Exam Tip
Amplifier FCC certification standard = satisfy spurious emission standards at lesser of 1500W or full output. Think 'A'mplifier 'C'ertification = 'A'pproved 'C'ompliance with spurious standards. Amplifiers must meet spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or full output. Not 5W drive, not UL/IEEE, not gain limit - just spurious emission standards.
Memory Aid
Amplifier FCC certification standard = satisfy spurious emission standards at lesser of 1500W or full output. Think 'A'mplifier 'C'ertification = 'S'purious 'S'tandards. Amplifiers must meet spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or full output. Important amplifier certification requirement.
Real-World Example
An external RF power amplifier seeking FCC certification: It must satisfy the FCC's spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts or its full output power. For example, if an amplifier can output 2000 watts, it must meet spurious standards at 1500 watts. If it can only output 1000 watts, it must meet standards at 1000 watts. This is one of the certification standards.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E1F
Reference: FCC Part 97.315
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E1F topic.