Some circuit applications of avalanche devices

Applications of p-n-p-n avalanche diodes in analogue computers, process control, oscillography and telemetery are discussed. These are based on a new voltage-controlled ramp-generator circuit of high linearity which employs p-n-p-n diodes and silicon transistors, and on a p-n-p-n variable-width pulse generator circuit. Some compatible transistor-p-n-p-n circuits are discussed which overcome the problem of the relatively high striking voltage of p-n-p-n diodes. It is pointed out that several of the above functions can be realized also with triode transistors operated in the avalanche mode, and details are given of a single-transistor sampling oscilloscope circuit operating up to nearly 2 Gc/s.