Experimental Comparison of Low-Cost Sub-Nanosecond Pulse Generators

In this paper, six low-cost pulse generator devices having sub-nanosecond transition time are analyzed and compared. Some of the possible applications for these devices are also described, along with an overview of the different approaches for sub-nanosecond pulse generation. Furthermore, the architecture and principle of operation of the realized prototypes are explained. The considered pulse generation techniques are based on logic gates, Step-Recovery Diodes, and transistors driven in the avalanche region. Some experimental results obtained by using an equivalent-time sampling oscilloscope and a spectrum analyzer are shown and discussed, providing both a time-domain and a frequency-domain characterization of the prototypes. Finally, an approach for the generation of modulated pulses in the 6-GHz band (for ultra-wideband applications) is investigated, and experimental results are provided.