A Predictable Subnanosecond Step Generator

Determination of the response of a time domain instrument to a voltage step is preferable to determination in terms of its response to sine waves. Unfortunately the output waveshape of a voltage or current step generator cannot be evaluated as easily as that of a sine wave source. Consequently, investigators rely (or should rely) upon waveform predictability rather than waveform measurement when employing step generators in system characterization. One form of a predictable step generator is discussed that is useful in the subnanosecond to tens of nanoseconds time region after the step edge. A practical realization of this form is given that has predictability to within 1 percent in that time region from 350 picoseconds to 6 nanoseconds after an 80-picosecond rise-time step edge.