*Question G4A13:
What is the purpose of using a receive attenuator?*  

*Correct Answer is  A: To prevent receiver overload from strong incoming signals*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

A receive attenuator is used to prevent receiver overload from strong incoming signals. Here's why:

1. **Correct Answer (A):**  
   - **Purpose:** A receive attenuator reduces the strength of incoming signals before they reach the sensitive components of the receiver. This is crucial when dealing with very strong signals that could potentially overload the receiver's front end, causing distortion or desensitization.
   - **Effect:** By attenuating the signal, the receiver can handle a wider range of signal strengths without performance degradation.

2. **Why Other Choices Are Incorrect:**
   - **Choice B:** "To reduce the transmitter power when driving a linear amplifier"  
     - **Explanation:** An attenuator in the receive path does not affect the transmitter power. Transmitter power is controlled by the transmitter settings or a separate attenuator in the transmit path.
   - **Choice C:** "To reduce power consumption when operating from batteries"  
     - **Explanation:** A receive attenuator does not reduce power consumption. It only affects the signal level entering the receiver.
   - **Choice D:** "To reduce excessive audio level on strong signals"  
     - **Explanation:** While an attenuator can reduce signal levels, excessive audio levels are typically managed by the audio gain control or automatic gain control (AGC) in the receiver, not by a receive attenuator.

In summary, a receive attenuator is specifically used to manage strong incoming signals to prevent receiver overload, ensuring the receiver operates effectively across a range of signal strengths.