Ham Radio General Class Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

The primary function of the filter choke in a power supply is to reduce ripple in the output DC. A filter choke is an inductor that works in conjunction with capacitors to smooth out the fluctuations in the output voltage from a rectifier. When AC voltage is converted to DC, it usually has some ripple, which is the residual AC voltage superimposed on the DC level.

The choke impedes the flow of alternating current while allowing direct current to pass through, which effectively reduces the amount of ripple. This result leads to a more stable and cleaner DC output, essential for the reliable operation of electronic equipment that relies on a steady power supply.

In contrast, the other options do not describe the function of a filter choke: increasing voltage pertains to transformers; boosting signal strength relates to amplifiers, and regulating temperature is typically associated with heat sinks or fans in electrical equipment. Each of these components serves a different role in a power supply system, and understanding the specific purpose of the filter choke is crucial for effective circuit design and maintenance.