Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E4A
E4A02E4A

Which of the following parameters does a spectrum analyzer display on the vertical and horizontal axes?

Deep Dive: E4A02

The correct answer is B: Signal amplitude and frequency. Which of the following parameters does a spectrum analyzer display on the vertical and horizontal axes is signal amplitude and frequency. Spectrum analyzers show amplitude vs frequency. For amateur radio operators, this is important for test equipment. Understanding this helps when using spectrum analyzers.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Signal amplitude and time isn't correct - spectrum analyzers show amplitude vs frequency, not time. Amplitude/time isn't correct. Option C: Incorrect. SWR and frequency isn't correct - spectrum analyzers show amplitude vs frequency, not SWR. SWR/frequency isn't correct. Option D: Incorrect. SWR and time isn't correct - spectrum analyzers show amplitude vs frequency, not SWR or time. SWR/time isn't correct.

Exam Tip

Spectrum analyzer axes = signal amplitude (vertical) and frequency (horizontal). Think 'S'pectrum 'A'nalyzer = 'S'ignal 'A'mplitude vs 'F'requency. Spectrum analyzers show amplitude vs frequency. Not amplitude/time, not SWR/frequency, not SWR/time - just amplitude/frequency.

Memory Aid

Spectrum analyzer axes = signal amplitude (vertical) and frequency (horizontal). Think 'S'pectrum 'A'nalyzer = 'A'mplitude/'F'requency. Spectrum analyzers show amplitude vs frequency. Important for test equipment.

Real-World Example

A spectrum analyzer: It displays signal amplitude on the vertical axis and frequency on the horizontal axis. This allows you to see the frequency spectrum of a signal - which frequencies are present and their amplitudes. This is what it displays - signal amplitude and frequency.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E4A

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E4 - Amateur Practices

Key Concepts

Spectrum analyzer Vertical and horizontal axes Signal amplitude Frequency

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E4A topic.