Chapter 9 / 9.6 / 9.6.8

9.6.8 What Is Automatic Gain Control (AGC) And Why Is It Needed?

Learn why received signal strengths vary enormously and how automatic gain control continually adjusts receiver gain to maintain reliable operation. Explore analogue and digital AGC, attack and release times, squelch systems, and receiver dynamic range.

1. What Is Automatic Gain Control?
2. Why Is AGC Necessary?
3. What Does "Gain" Mean?
4. How Does AGC Work?
5. Where Is the Signal Measured?
6. Does AGC Increase Weak Signals?
7. Can AGC Improve Receiver Sensitivity?
8. Why Must AGC Reduce Strong Signals?
9. What Is AGC Attack Time?
10. What Is Release Time?
11. Why Not Make AGC Instantaneous?
12. What Is AGC Pumping?
13. Is AGC Used in Digital Receivers?
14. What Is Fast AGC?
15. What Is Slow AGC?
16. What Is Squelch?
17. What Is Carrier Squelch?
18. What Is Tone Squelch?
19. Does AGC Work with Modern Modulation?
20. What Are the Advantages of AGC?
21. Are There Any Limitations?
22. Why Is Automatic Gain Control Important?

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