What is the role of a duplexer in radar systems?

The role of a duplexer in radar systems is primarily to isolate the receiver from the transmitter. This function is essential because it allows the radar system to switch between transmitting and receiving signals without interference. During transmission, the high-power signals generated by the transmitter could damage or disrupt the sensitive receiver components if they were connected simultaneously. The duplexer ensures that while the transmitter is sending out signals, the receiver is safely isolated, preventing any potential backflow of signals into the receiver that could lead to false readings or damage.

In addition to its isolating function, the duplexer allows the radar system to operate efficiently by enabling quick transitions between the sending and receiving modes, which is crucial for accurate distance measurement and target detection. As a result, the effectiveness and performance of the radar system are significantly enhanced through the proper functioning of the duplexer.