An ion discharge (TR) cell is used primarily to:

An ion discharge (TR) cell serves a critical role in the operation of radar systems, particularly in the context of protecting the receiver mixer during the transmit pulse. When the radar system transmits a pulse, it generates high-power signals that could potentially damage sensitive components of the receiver, such as the mixer. The ion discharge cell acts as a protective device that detects these high-power levels and effectively switches to a non-conductive state, preventing the receiver from being exposed to damaging levels of power during transmission.

The functionality of the ion discharge (TR) cell ensures that the receiver can remain operational and reliable without the risk of being compromised by the high-intensity signals generated during the transmission phase. This protection is crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of radar systems, allowing them to receive incoming signals without interference or damage from the outgoing pulses.