How can I build a simple pulse generator to demonstrate transmission lines

hilbert42 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Decades ago we used a much simpler method. A few 50 or 75 ohm non-inductive resistors and a tunnel diode.

Feed any (slow) pulse generator into the diode and make it switch. Tunnel diodes can have sub-nanosecond switching times.

We also used this technique to check/measure the rise times of our oscilloscopes.

	▲	dylan604 an hour ago \| parent [-]
		sometimes, I realize how much is taken for granted these days that when I stop to think about is one of those "whoa" (in a Neo voice) moment. being able to time something in the picosecond range just gives me a wry smile.

KK7NIL 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Nice write up and sneaky introduction to time-domain reflectrometry but I'd like to point out the classic answer to this question is the famous Jim Williams pulse generator: https://github.com/podonoghue/Jim_Williams_Pulse_Generator?t...

That's pretty cool :)