What component controls the radar pulse width by means of a rectangular DC pulse?

The modulator is the component responsible for controlling the radar pulse width by generating rectangular DC pulses. This device shapes the radar signal by determining the duration and characteristics of the radar pulses that are transmitted. By adjusting the width of these pulses, the modulator effectively influences the radar system's range resolution and overall performance.

In radar systems, pulse width plays a critical role; narrower pulses provide better resolution but may limit the maximum range due to lower energy in each pulse. The modulator aligns with the fundamental principles of radar operation, ensuring that the transmitted signal is formatted correctly for effective target detection and tracking.

While the transmitter is crucial in generating the radar signal, it is the modulator that specifically shapes the pulses. Amplitrons, primarily used in communication and amplification applications, do not deal with pulse width control, and frequency synthesizers are involved in generating the needed frequencies rather than controlling pulse characteristics directly. Thus, the role of the modulator is essential for managing how the radar system sends out its signals.