Large amplitude picosecond step generation with FETs

Abstract

A two stage FET picosecond step sharpener driven by a 95 ps large-signal generator is realised, tested and simulated. Transistor nonlinearities, as well as propagation effects, are precisely modelled. Dynamic waveforms of the step response are measured and analysed. A 24 ± 4 ps intrinsic output time response and 2 V amplitude are obtained. These results demonstrate FET potential to regenerate and compress large-signal picosecond steps.