A novel avalanche pulse generator circuit with controllable pulse properties

In this paper, some modifications are done to the fundamental avalanche pulse generator circuit to have control over the pulse width and amplitude. The output pulse characteristics are regulated in two ways: one by injecting a signal with variable frequency into the base of the transistor, and the other by altering the value of the effective avalanche capacitance by appropriately using a varactor diode. The results given in this work show that avalanche capacitance is proportional to pulse width and the injected signal frequency can change the output amplitude. As a result, output pulse amplitude and pulse width can be tuned. Overall, the properties demonstrated by the experimental circuit topologies are applicable to ground-penetrating radar and ultra-wideband communication systems.