The process of reducing the difference between the smallest and largest voltages is called ________.

• A. Amplification
• B. Compensation
• C. Compression
• D. Demodulation

Answer: (C)

Dynamic range compression is the process that reduces the difference between the smallest and largest voltages so echoes of varying strengths can be displayed on the same scale. It accomplishes this by nonlinearly mapping a wide range of input amplitudes into a narrower output range, often using logarithmic or piecewise rules. This keeps very strong echoes from saturating the display while making weak echoes more visible, without simply boosting everything equally. Amplification would increase all signals together, not compress the range. Compensation (time gain compensation) adjusts gain with depth to compensate for attenuation but doesn’t shrink the overall dynamic range. Demodulation separates the envelope from the carrier and doesn’t change the voltage range.