Extension of the dynamic range of a receiver by means of a low-noise parametric attenuator

The paper examines the principal characteristics of a low-noise parametric attenuator (LNPA) which can be used to compress the range of input-signal amplitudes in radar systems without an appreciable deterioration of the receiver parameters. It is shown that the application of the LNPA at the receiver input makes it possible to extend the dynamic range of the receiver and to regulate the signal-attenuation coefficient proportionately only to the carrier amplitude. Preliminary experiments indicate a dynamic-range extension of 15 dB.