Automatic Gain Control

Automatic gain control (AGC) is an adaptive system found in many electronic devices. The average output signal level is fed back to adjust the gain to an appropriate level for a range of input signal levels. For example, without AGC the sound emitted from an AM radio receiver would vary to an extreme extent from a weak to a strong signal; the AGC effectively reduces the volume if the signal is strong and raises it when it is weaker.

Famous quotes containing the words automatic, gain and/or control:

    What we learn for the sake of knowing, we hold; what we learn for the sake of accomplishing some ulterior end, we forget as soon as that end has been gained. This, too, is automatic action in the constitution of the mind itself, and it is fortunate and merciful that it is so, for otherwise our minds would be soon only rubbish-rooms.
    Anna C. Brackett (1836–1911)

    Whether a man hides his bad qualities and vices or confesses them openly, his vanity wants to gain an advantage by it in both cases: just note how subtly he distinguishes between those he will hide his bad qualities from and those he will face honestly and candidly.
    Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)

    Time in the hand is not control of time,
    Nor shattered fragments of an instrument
    A proof against the wind; the wind will rise,
    We can only close the shutters.
    Adrienne Rich (b. 1929)