What does a two-tone test illustrate on an oscilloscope for an SSB transmitter?

The two-tone test is a diagnostic tool used to analyze the linearity of an SSB (Single Sideband) transmitter. When a two-tone signal is applied to the transmitter, it generates harmonics and intermodulation products, which can be observed on an oscilloscope.

The key focus of this test is to determine how faithfully the transmitter converts the input signals into output signals without introducing unwanted distortions. If the transmitter exhibits good linearity, the two tones will produce distinct, well-defined spectral components with minimal distortion. Conversely, if there are non-linearities in the transmitter, you will see additional unwanted signals or distortions in the output, indicating poor linearity.

This method helps identify issues in the transmitter that could affect the quality of the transmitted signal, ensuring that the final output remains as close as possible to the intended message without alterations due to non-linear effects.

Contextually, while the other options may relate to the performance of the transmitter (such as power output, frequency response, or signal distortion), they do not specifically reflect the primary purpose of the two-tone test as it pertains to assessing linearity.