Simple circuits for generating high-voltage staircase waveforms

Two novel circuits are described which provide simple generation of high-voltage staircase waveforms for driving electro-optical (EO) loads. The circuits use power MOSFET's in what is essentially a switching mode. For applications which require high-voltage step-type waveforms, this technique offers substantial power savings and improved time-domain response over drive circuits that use a linear amplifier approach. Waveform characteristics can be controlled at a low voltage point, allowing flexible and accurate operation.<
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