What is the role of the transmit/receive switch in pulsed radar?

• A. TR switch protects the receiver from high transmitter power during transmission and isolates the receiver during reception.
• B. TR switch amplifies the received signal to improve sensitivity.
• C. TR switch reduces the transmitter power to safe levels.
• D. TR switch changes frequency of the transmitted pulse.

Answer: (A)

In pulsed radar, the transmit/receive switch is there to protect the receiver and route signals correctly as the system alternates between sending and listening. It sits between the antenna and the receiver (and transmitter) and switches roles each cycle: during transmission, it connects the antenna to the transmitter and isolates the receiver so the huge transmitter power doesn’t flood or damage the sensitive receiver front end; during reception, it disconnects the transmitter and connects the antenna to the receiver so the weak echoes can be captured. This fast, reliable switching provides protection, prevents receiver saturation, and allows the system to listen for echoes right after each pulse. The switch doesn’t amplify the signal, reduce transmitter power, or change the transmitted frequency, which is why those descriptions aren’t its role.