Question 8-28C1

A discriminator circuit in a RADAR set is primarily used as part of an Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) loop. Its purpose is to sense any drift in the system's intermediate frequency (IF), which would occur if the local oscillator (LO), often a klystron, drifts from its desired operating frequency. The discriminator generates a DC error voltage proportional to this frequency deviation. This corrective voltage is then fed back to the klystron or its tuning circuitry, automatically adjusting its frequency to maintain the correct IF. This ensures the receiver remains tuned and sensitive for accurate target detection. Options A and B are incorrect because discriminators are frequency-sensitive circuits, not involved in the spatial discrimination of objects based on bearing or proximity; that's handled by antenna design and signal processing. Option D is incorrect because, while discriminators can demodulate FM signals, in the context of a radar's klystron LO, its role is frequency stabilization, not extracting "intelligence" from the radar's return signal.