Deep Dive: E9H10
The correct answer is C: By increasing the number of turns and/or the area enclosed by the loop. The output voltage of a multiple-turn receiving loop antenna can be increased by increasing the number of turns and/or the area enclosed by the loop. More turns and larger area increase the voltage induced by the magnetic field. The voltage induced in a loop antenna is proportional to the number of turns and the area enclosed by the loop. More turns means more wire cutting through the magnetic field, increasing voltage. Larger area means more magnetic flux is captured, also increasing voltage. Both factors multiply together - doubling the turns and doubling the area would quadruple the voltage. This is why large, multi-turn loops are used for receiving weak signals. The trade-off is that more turns increase inductance and may require tuning, but the voltage increase is significant.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Reducing permeability of the loop shield would decrease, not increase, output voltage. Higher permeability (if using a core) would increase voltage. Option B: Incorrect. High impedance wire for the coupling loop doesn't increase the loop's output voltage. The coupling loop is separate from the main loop. Option D: Incorrect. Not all options are correct. Only increasing turns and/or area increases output voltage.
Exam Tip
Increase loop voltage = More turns and/or larger area. Remember: To increase output voltage of a receiving loop antenna, increase the number of turns and/or the area enclosed by the loop. Both factors increase the induced voltage.
Memory Aid
**I**ncrease **L**oop **V**oltage = **M**ore **T**urns + **L**arger **A**rea (think 'ILV = MT+LA')
Real-World Example
You have a 4-turn loop with 1 square meter area. The output voltage is, say, 1 millivolt. You increase it to 8 turns and 2 square meters area. The output voltage increases significantly (maybe 4× or more) because both the number of turns and the area increased. More turns and larger area capture more magnetic flux, increasing the voltage.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E9H
Reference: FCC Part 97.3
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E9H topic.