Piezoelectric crystals are used in several amateur radio applications. They are called piezoelectric crystals because they use the piezoelectric effect, which is the physical deformation of a crystal by the application of a voltage. (E6E03) The equivalent circuit of a quartz crystal consist of motional capacitance, motional inductance and loss resistance in series, with a shunt capacitance representing electrode and stray capacitance. (E6E10)
Perhaps the most common use for a piezoelectric crystal is as the frequency-controlling component in an oscillator circuit. To ensure that a crystal oscillator provides the frequency specified by the crystal manufacturer, you must provide the crystal with a specified parallel capacitance. (E6E09)
Piezoelectric crystals are also used in crystal filters. A crystal lattice filter is a filter with narrow bandwidth and steep skirts made using quartz crystals. (E6E01) The relative frequencies of the individual crystals is the factor that has the greatest effect in helping determine the bandwidth and response shape of a crystal ladder filter. (E6E02) A “Jones filter” is a variable bandwidth crystal lattice filter used as part of a HF receiver IF stage. (E6E12)
Monolithic microwave integrated circuits, or MMICs, are ICs that are made to perform various functions at high frequencies. Gallium nitride is the material that is likely to provide the highest frequency of operation when used in MMICs. (E6E11)
The characteristics of the MMIC that make it a popular choice for VHF through microwave circuits are controlled gain, low noise figure, and constant input and output impedance over the specified frequency range. (E6E06) For example, a low-noise UHF preamplifier might have a typical noise figure value of 2 dB. (E6E05) 50 ohms is the most common input and output impedance of circuits that use MMICs. (E6E04)
To achieve these specifications, great care is taken in building and using an MMIC. For example, microstrip construction is typically used to construct a MMIC-based microwave amplifier. (E6E07) The power-supply voltage is normally furnished to the most common type of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) through a resistor and/or RF choke connected to the amplifier output lead. (E6E08)
Bob Scruggs says
Hello, Dan,
I just found your site. I am studying the Extra Class question pool. I’ve not been on the air in years. I just took my Technician Class then got home and checked to learn that my grace period was still in effect for 6 more months. Once again WB5EMX is licensed to ride the ether.
I do not have a study manual, so your web site is helpful. Thanks. Not sure I will purchase the manual at this point. I plan on testing first Sat in April. Hope I can find my calculator by then. If not, I may take it with a slide rule. That should raise some eyebrows!!
73,
Bob
Noji Ratzlaff says
Question E6E10 has been withdrawn from the exam pool.
Thx,
Noji Ratzlaff KNØJI
Dan KB6NU says
E6E10 is not in the PDF version of the manual, so I guess I eliminated it before I published the study guide.
Charles Werner says
Wow, I just took the Extra class exam today after passing my General Class exam, and E6E10 was on the test I had. Did not pass the Extra exam this time.