Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What is the reason for neutralizing the final amplifier stage of a transmitter?

1. To limit the modulation index

2. To eliminate self-oscillations

3. To cut off the final amplifier during standby periods

4. To keep the carrier on frequency

The correct answer is: To eliminate self-oscillations

Neutralizing the final amplifier stage of a transmitter primarily serves to eliminate self-oscillations. This process is essential because self-oscillations can cause unwanted feedback within the amplifier, which can lead to distortion and instability in the signal being transmitted. When an amplifier is not properly neutralized, it risks generating additional signals at unintended frequencies, which can interfere with the desired transmission and degrade the overall performance of the transmitter. By neutralizing the final amplifier, the feedback loops that lead to these self-oscillations are effectively disrupted, ensuring that the amplifier operates linearly and within its intended frequency range. This results in a clean and stable output signal, which is crucial for effective communication in ham radio operations. Therefore, the primary purpose of neutralization is to maintain signal integrity and reliability by preventing internal oscillations from compromising the amplifier’s function.