Which circuit is primarily utilized by radar systems to regulate the output of the local oscillator?

The Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) circuit is designed specifically to maintain the frequency stability of the local oscillator within radar systems. It does this by adjusting the oscillator's frequency to match that of an incoming signal. This is crucial for ensuring that the radar can accurately detect and track targets by minimizing frequency drift that can occur due to temperature changes or component variations over time.

AFC works by continuously monitoring the output frequency and making real-time adjustments. This capability is essential in radar systems because even slight changes in frequency can lead to significant errors in target detection and tracking, thus affecting overall system performance. By keeping the local oscillator frequency stable and accurately synchronized with the received signals, radar systems can improve accuracy and reliability, making AFC a fundamental component in radar technology.