Abstract:
The present invention provides a single-stage tunable Ultra-Wideband (UWB) pulse generator, by creating and differentiating a variable edge rate signal. Edge rate variability is introduced by first applying a step recovery diode (SRD) to compress the edges of the source and then applying a simple RC network to adjust the edge rate. Next, the resulting signal is differentiated using microstrip transmission lines. The tunable generator resulting from this approach demonstrates a Gaussian and monocycle pulses with good symmetry and low distortion over the tunable range.
Abstract:
A circuitry for generating a narrow impulse including an input device coupled to a matching circuitry that is coupled to a step recovery diode (SRD). The input device is configured to receive a succession of digital input signals, each characterized by having high level and low level portions. The signals having less than 50% duty cycle. The input device is configured to drive forward the SRD through the matching circuitry during the high level portion of the digital signal, whereby the SRD stores sufficient power for generating the narrow impulse following the falling edge of the high level portion of the digital input signal.
Abstract:
A low power dual sampler including two sampler switches with a step recovery diode (SRD) in each sampler switch. A local oscillator (LO) signal is provided through a power amplifier and transformer to baluns in the sampler switches without utilizing a power splitter, providing limited power loss to each balun. Each balun is configured to provide the LO signal to terminals of the SRD in a sampler switch without providing a termination to SRD impulses. Each sampler switch further includes series diodes connected across the terminals of each SRD switch with a junction of the series diodes connected to receive an RF signal, and the terminals of each SRD connected for providing an IF signal. To limit phase shift between SRD impulses, a temperature compensation circuit provides a DC offset voltage to each SRD. In one embodiment, each temperature compensation circuit includes an operational amplifier having a noninverting terminal coupled to a terminal of an SRD, an inverting terminal connected by a first resistor to ground, and an output connected by a second resistor to the inverting terminal and by a third resistor to the non-inverting terminal. To provide isolation between the sampler switches, a capacitor providing a high impedance to the LO signal and a low impedance to RF signals is connected at the interconnection of the sampler switches.
Abstract:
The current output amplitude of a charge storage diode in its reverse conducting condition is absolutely limited by detecting the attainment of a predetermined output level and in response thereto applying an aiding feedback to the diode to terminate the current rapidly by purging the remaining carriers at a much faster rate. This mode of diode operation is employed with current detection in a memory drive circuit. One aspect of the fast diode discharge mode is also employed in a time shared sample and hold circuit.
Abstract:
A pulse shaping circuit for producing high-frequency pulses of extremely steep waveform is comprised by a first snap-off diode connected between input and output terminals, a second snap-off diode connected to the juncture between the first snap-off diode and the output terminal and an impedance connected between the ground and the juncture between the input terminal and the first snap-off diode, the first and second snap-off diodes being poled oppositely with respect to the output terminal. The width of the shaped pulses is determined by the setting of the impedance. Sources of DC supply of suitable polarities may be connected to said impedance and said second snap-off diode.
Abstract:
The duration of pulses may be controlled to have a given constant width, or a variable width to convey intelligence by the circuit of this invention. A semiconductor device receives a pulse input whose width is to be maintained constant or varied. A bias voltage, constant or variable, is coupled to the control electrode of said device to adjust the storage time thereof. The output of said device and the pulse input are coupled to an OR gate to produce either said constant or variable width pulse output. Negative feedback to the control electrode may be employed to compensate the pulse output for temperature variations.