Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E7F
E7F06E7F

What is the minimum number of bits required to sample a signal with a range of 1 volt at a resolution of 1 millivolt?

Deep Dive: E7F06

The correct answer is D: 10 bits. What is the minimum number of bits required to sample a signal with a range of 1 volt at a resolution of 1 millivolt is 10 bits. 1V / 1mV = 1000 levels, so 2^10 = 1024 levels (10 bits). For amateur radio operators, this is important for digital signal processing. Understanding this helps when working with ADCs.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (4 bits): Incorrect. 4 bits gives 16 levels, not enough - need 10 bits for 1000 levels. 4 bits is wrong. Option B (6 bits): Incorrect. 6 bits gives 64 levels, not enough - need 10 bits for 1000 levels. 6 bits is wrong. Option C (8 bits): Incorrect. 8 bits gives 256 levels, not enough - need 10 bits for 1000 levels. 8 bits is wrong.

Exam Tip

Bits for 1V range at 1mV resolution = 10 bits. Think '1'V / '1'mV = '1'000 levels, so 2^10 = 1024 (10 bits). 1V / 1mV = 1000 levels, so 2^10 = 1024 levels (10 bits). Not 4 bits (16 levels), not 6 bits (64 levels), not 8 bits (256 levels) - just 10 bits.

Memory Aid

Bits for 1V range at 1mV resolution = 10 bits. Think '1'V / '1'mV = '1'0 bits. 1V / 1mV = 1000 levels, so 2^10 = 1024 levels (10 bits). Important for digital signal processing.

Real-World Example

Sampling a signal with range of 1 volt at resolution of 1 millivolt: The minimum number of bits required is 10 bits. 1V / 1mV = 1000 levels, and 2^10 = 1024 levels, which is sufficient. This is the number - 10 bits.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E7F

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E7 - Practical Circuits

Key Concepts

Minimum number of bits Sample signal Range 1 volt Resolution 1 millivolt 10 bits

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E7F topic.