What does the term "AFC" stand for in a RADAR receiver context?

In the context of a RADAR receiver, "AFC" stands for Auto Frequency Control. This is a critical function in RADAR systems, specifically designed to maintain accurate frequency synchronization between the transmitted and received signals.

The AFC automatically adjusts the frequency of the local oscillator within the receiver to compensate for any frequency drift that might occur due to temperature changes, aging of components, or other environmental factors. Such adjustments are vital for ensuring that the receiver can accurately process the incoming signals, leading to clearer and more reliable target detection.

Maintaining proper frequency alignment is crucial for effective RADAR operation, as any discrepancies can lead to the potential loss of target information or inaccuracies in range and velocity measurements. Thus, when discussing RADAR systems, Auto Frequency Control plays a fundamental role in enhancing overall system performance and reliability.