🔍 Key Concepts
• Dynamic range and how logarithmic receivers handle very weak and very strong signals
• What it means for a receiver to be saturated versus damaged
• Typical sensitivity requirements for marine RADAR receivers
💭 Think About
• Think about why a RADAR designer might choose a logarithmic receiver instead of a linear one. What problem is it solving?
• Consider whether a receiver type would ever make a RADAR unusable, or whether it is actually chosen to improve performance under certain conditions.
• Ask yourself: does using a logarithmic response usually increase or decrease the useful detection range for weak echoes?
✅ Before You Answer
• Verify how logarithmic amplification affects the ability to process both strong and weak returns on a RADAR display.
• Distinguish clearly between saturation (overload of the signal path) and physical damage to components.
• Check whether marine RADARs generally aim for high or low sensitivity in their receiver design.