FCC Element 6 Radiotelegraph Operator License (T) Practice Test 2026 – Your Complete Guide to Exam Success!

Over-excitation of a Class B amplifier grid circuit can lead to significant operational issues, specifically related to distortion and current handling.

When an amplifier is over-excited, it typically means that the input signal is too strong, causing the amplifier to operate beyond its intended limits. In the context of a Class B amplifier, this can result in excessive grid current, which occurs when the control grid receives more negative bias than it can handle, leading to distortion of the original signal. This distortion happens because the amplifier is unable to linearly amplify the input signal when it gets pushed too far, resulting in non-linear output characteristics.

Additionally, excessive plate current can also be a direct result of this over-excitation, as the tubes or transistors may attempt to compensate for the high input levels. High plate current can lead to overheating and potential damage to the amplifier components, further compromising performance.

Thus, both the generation of excessive grid current and the increase in plate current resulting from over-excitation lead to the problems delineated in the choices, affirming that options B and C are both correct outcomes of this phenomenon. This demonstrates the intricate balance needed in amplification systems to maintain fidelity while avoiding the adverse effects of over-excitation.