Regenerative Amplifier for Digital Computer Applications

A description of the negative-resistance properties of the point-contact transistor is presented as an introduction to the description of a regenerative amplifier. The choice of circuit parameters for the amplifier is discussed and a sample design presented. The illustrative amplifier regenerates digital information at a megacycle rate and develops pulses with rise times of less than 0.05 μsec. It operates from supply voltages of +6 and -8 volts, with a battery drain of less than 0.05 watt. A complete set of computer building blocks has been designed around the amplifier. Their use is illustrated in two computer applications.