Which component of a radar system amplifies weak returning echoes?

In a radar system, the receiver plays a crucial role in amplifying weak returning echoes. When a radar pulse is transmitted, it travels until it hits an object and reflects back towards the radar system. These reflections, or echoes, can be very weak, especially when the object is far away or has a small radar cross-section.

The receiver is designed specifically to capture these faint signals and amplify them so they can be processed for display and analysis. This amplification is vital for detecting objects at long distances or in adverse conditions where echoes may be diminished. The effectiveness of the receiver directly affects the radar system's ability to identify and track objects accurately.

The transmitter is responsible for generating and sending out the radar pulses, while the antenna transmits those pulses and receives the echoes. The duplexer allows for switching between the transmitter and receiver but does not amplify signals itself. Hence, the receiver is the essential component for amplifying the weak echoes returning to the radar system.