Pulsed-waveform generator based on coupled oscillators

Waveform sharpening in nonlinear transmission lines (NLTL) is analyzed in detail and applied to the design of a pulse-generator based on two coupled oscillators. The maximum propagation frequency through the NLTL is calculated with a realistic numerical technique, which enables an optimized design. By coupling two NLTL oscillators terminated in grounded stubs of different length, three design parameters are available, which enables a flexible mechanism for pulse formation. A reduced-order model is proposed for the efficient determination of the tuning voltage in one of the oscillator elements. The analysis and design techniques have been applied to a prototype at 0.8 GHz.