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What is the name of a circuit that generates a signal at a specific frequency?

An oscillator generates a signal at a specific frequency.

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  1. A reactance modulator
  2. An oscillator ✔
  3. A low-pass filter

Why: An oscillator makes its own steady signal at a set frequency. Transmitters and receivers depend on oscillators to know where they are on the dial.

Huh, didn't know that: A quartz crystal is often used to hold an oscillator on a very precise frequency.

The dad joke
Why did the oscillator never get bored? Its life was full of ups and downs.
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References

Answer: An oscillator. An oscillator makes its own steady signal at a set frequency. Transmitters and receivers depend on oscillators to know where they are on the dial.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    D. Oscillator
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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