A novel design and implementation of sub-nanosecond sampling pulse generator for ultra-wideband equivalent sampling receiver

This paper presents a novel sub-nanosecond sampling pulse generator. This pulse generator uses a simple RC circuit as a differentiator to generate a narrow pulse, which is used as a triggering pulse for making the avalanche transistor produce multiplication effect to generate an avalanche pulse with high amplitude. The pulse-shaping network employs a Schottky barrier diode to reduce the pulse width significantly meanwhile maintaining high pulse amplitude. The sampling pulse generator with the pulse duration of 400 ps, the pulse amplitude of 6.6 V and the ringing level of -13.9 dB has been simulated on the radiofrequency software ADS and fabricated on the FR4 printed circuit board. Good agreement between the measured and simulation results is achieved. With the features such as simple structure, stable performance and low cost, this pulse generator is applicable to the ultra-wideband equivalent sampling receiver.