A generator of ultra-wideband balanced pulses

A balanced pulse generator with high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) delivering pulses of high voltage amplitude and pulse widths in the picoseconds region is described in this paper. It contains four negative-positive-negative (NPN) silicon power transistors operating in an avalanche mode and a shaping circuit which effectively utilizes the performance of the step recovery diode (SRD). The generator can generate high voltage amplitude balanced pulses which are advantageous for obtaining a good radar range, especially when penetrating thick and lossy building walls. The proposed generator can operate well at the pulse repetition frequency up to 500 kHz. Measurement results are presented, which show the output of the generator are balanced pulses with peak values of 36V at 100 kHz PRF and approximately 250 ps FWHM (Full-Width at Half-Maximum) in width.