Study of the probabilistic behaviour of regenerative switching circuits

Probabilistic transitional processes in the three basic types of regenerative switching circuit are considered by the use of finite Markov chain theory. For the bistable and monostable configurations, the transition probabilities are related to the probabilistic nature of the input signal. The distribution function for resolving times is investigated and is used to derive an expression for the expected switching frequency. Race phenomena are considered, and an equation is derived relating the probability of input-pulse coincidence to the set and reset input-pulse lengths. Finally, an expression for the reliability of a regenerative switching circuit in the transitional state is formulated which takes into account the probability of both gradual and instantaneous failures.