Transistor tunnel diode produces an N-type negative resistance characteristic

A composite circuit having an N-type or current-stable characteristic is described. It consists, in its simplest form, of a tunnel diode, a transistor, and one resistor and exhibits results unobtainable from either device alone. The combination is capable of the very-high-speed triggering of the tunnel diode and, yet, has the much higher operating voltage level of the transistor. A mathematical and graphical analysis is made of the basic circuit and the effects of various modifications are studied. Experimental results and several practical applications are given.