What is the primary purpose of the final IF amplifier stage in a receiver?

The primary purpose of the final intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier stage in a receiver is gain. This stage is designed to amplify the signal after it has been mixed down to the IF frequency, allowing the receiver to produce a clearer and stronger output signal. The final IF amplifier ensures that the signal is at a suitable level for further processing and demodulation, enhancing the overall performance of the receiver.

While other aspects like image rejection, selectivity, and bandpass characteristics are important in the design of a receiver, they are not the primary functions of the final IF amplifier stage. Image rejection relates to the receiver's ability to eliminate unwanted signals at frequencies that are mirror images of the desired frequency, selectivity pertains to the receiver's ability to differentiate between adjacent channels, and bandpass characteristics define the specific frequency range that the receiver is designed to process effectively. However, the main role of the final IF amplifier is specifically aimed at increasing the level of the desired signal to facilitate better reception and sound quality.