In an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) system, what happens to the gain during periods of noise?

In an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) system, the primary function is to automatically adjust the gain of the signal being processed to maintain an optimal output level, regardless of variations in the input signal amplitude. During periods of noise, the system detects the higher noise level and responds by reducing the gain. This action minimizes the impact of the noise on the overall signal quality, ensuring that the desired signal remains prominent while suppressing unwanted noise.

By reducing the gain in response to noise, the AGC aims to maintain a stable output level and improve the clarity of the received signal. With excessive noise, if the gain were to be increased or remain constant, the system would amplify the noise along with the signal, potentially compromising the quality of the output. Therefore, lowering the gain in the presence of noise is a key operational characteristic of AGC systems, ensuring optimal performance in varying signal conditions.