General exam question G4A05
Subelement G4, AMATEUR RADIO PRACTICES· Group G4A
Why is automatic level control (ALC) used with an RF power amplifier?
- A.To balance the transmitter audio frequency response
- B.To reduce harmonic radiation
- C.To prevent excessive drive (correct answer)
- D.To increase overall efficiency
WhyAutomatic level control is used with an RF power amplifier to prevent excessive drive. Automatic level control senses the RF power amplifier's output and reduces the transmitter's drive level before it can overdrive the amplifier stage, protecting it from excessive drive and the distortion/splatter that comes with it, answer C. ALC isn't primarily an audio-response tool, a harmonic suppressor, or an efficiency booster, those are side effects at most, not its purpose.
Published 2026-08-28 · Last updated 2026-08-28 · Question text is verbatim from the 2023-2027 NCVEC Element 3 pool (public domain); the explanation above is original writing, see our methodology.
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