What is the purpose of a noise blanker in a receiver?

A noise blanker is designed specifically to eliminate or reduce unwanted noise pulses in a receiver's output. Noise pulses often arise from various sources, such as ignition systems in cars, electrical equipment, or atmospheric conditions. These pulses can interfere with the clarity of received signals, making it difficult to hear the intended communication.

By employing a noise blanker, the receiver can better distinguish between the desired signals and these brief but disruptive noise spikes, allowing for clearer reception. This functionality is particularly advantageous in environments with significant electrical interference.

In contrast, amplifying weak signals involves increasing the strength of incoming radio waves, which is not the primary role of a noise blanker. Increasing bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies a receiver can process and is unrelated to noise suppression. Adjusting for frequency drift is associated with stabilizing a signal's frequency over time and doesn't pertain to noise reduction.