Advanced Qualification · A-005 Transmitters, modulation and processing · A-005-004-011
What is meant by "flat topping" in a single-sideband phone transmission?
- A Signal distortion caused by excessive drive
- B Signal distortion caused by insufficient collector current
- C The transmitter's automatic level control is properly adjusted
- D The transmitter's carrier is properly suppressed
Correct answer: A — Signal distortion caused by excessive drive. From the official ISED question bank, verified word for word.
Why
Flat topping happens when you push a single-sideband transmitter too hard, forcing the audio signal beyond what the amplifier can handle. The full explanation — and one for every question — is in Pro.
Practise this section
Transmitters, modulation and processing: AM, FM, SSB, keying, speech processing, and the numbers behind occupied bandwidth.