A High-Performance UWB Gaussian Pulse Generator: Analysis and Design

This article aims to investigate the limitations on the amplitude of the conventional step recovery diode (SRD)-based Gaussian pulse transmitter and techniques to overcome the limits. The operation of the modified design is examined and compared with a conventional configuration. The results show a considerable increase in the pulse amplitude. The high pulse amplitude of the modified configuration represents an increase in the transmitter’s output power and its improved probing range. The Gaussian pulse is converted into the first derivative Gaussian pulse using a 90° broadband coupler as a differentiator and a semi-differentiator delay line circuit with balanced stubs. The output monopulse generated using the balanced stub delay line has more symmetric sidelobes with narrower pulsewidth than the 90° couplers. Experimental results have shown the high performance of the proposed transmitter over the conventional designs in terms of pulse amplitude and symmetry.