What is typically the final step in the signal processing path of a transmitter?

The final step in the signal processing path of a transmitter is radiation, which involves the emission of the radio frequency (RF) signals into the surrounding environment. This step comes after the signal has been processed through modulation and amplification.

In this context, radiation is crucial because it signifies the point where the modulated signal is transformed into electromagnetic waves that can travel through space. This is the ultimate goal of the transmitter, as it allows the information encoded in the signal to reach its intended destination, such as a receiver or antenna.

Prior to this step, keying refers to the process of turning the signal on and off, typically used in Morse code transmission. RF modulation involves altering the characteristics of a carrier wave to encode information. Power amplification ensures that the signal is strong enough to be effectively transmitted over the desired distance. While each of these steps is important in the overall function of a transmitter, radiation is what concludes the transmission process, making it the final step in the signal processing path.