Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G4B
G4B07G4B

What signals are used to conduct a two-tone test?

Deep Dive: G4B07

The correct answer is B: Two non-harmonically related audio signals. The signals used to conduct a two-tone test are two non-harmonically related audio signals. Two-tone tests use two audio tones that aren't harmonics of each other to test transmitter linearity. For amateur radio operators, this is a standard test for SSB transmitters. Understanding this helps when testing transmitter performance.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Two tones of the same frequency shifted 90 degrees aren't used - that's a single tone with phase shift, not a two-tone test. Two-tone tests need two different frequencies. Option C: Incorrect. Two swept frequency tones aren't used - two-tone tests use fixed frequencies, not swept. Swept tones are for different tests. Option D: Incorrect. Square wave signals aren't used - two-tone tests use sine waves, not square waves. Square waves have harmonics that would interfere with the test.

Exam Tip

Two-tone test = two non-harmonically related audio signals. Think 'T'wo-'T'one = 'T'wo 'T'ones 'N'on-harmonic. Uses two audio tones that aren't harmonics of each other to test transmitter linearity. Not same frequency, not swept, not square waves - just two non-harmonic tones.

Memory Aid

Two-tone test = two non-harmonically related audio signals. Think 'T'wo-'T'one = 'T'wo 'T'ones 'N'on-harmonic. Uses two audio tones that aren't harmonics of each other to test transmitter linearity. Standard test for SSB transmitters.

Real-World Example

You conduct a two-tone test on your SSB transmitter. You inject two audio tones (e.g., 700 Hz and 1900 Hz - non-harmonically related) into the microphone input. The transmitter should produce only these two tones and their sum/difference products. Any other products indicate non-linearity. This tests transmitter linearity.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G4B

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G4 - Amateur Radio Practices

Key Concepts

Two-tone test Non-harmonically related Audio signals Transmitter testing

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G4B topic.