Design and experiment of a sub-nanosecond repetition rate pulse signal generator

The repetitive narrow pulse signal generator with a sub-nanosecond front, high-voltage amplitude, and approximately Gaussian single-cycle waveform is extensively applied in areas such as ultra-wideband detection and electromagnetic compatibility testing. This paper introduces the design of an all-solid-state repetitive pulse generator utilizing a Marx circuit architecture, which incorporates components like mica capacitors, avalanche transistors, surface-mount technology resistors, and inductors. To meet the signal output specifications, the printed circuit board layout and microstrip lines have been optimized. Through fine-tuning the matching circuit element parameters, the generator successfully delivers a unipolar negative pulse signal with a peak value of approximately 1 kV, a pulse width of around 650 ps, a leading edge of approximately 450 ps, and a trailing edge of about 700 ps across a 50 Ω resistive load. The resulting pulse waveform exhibits similar, smooth, and steep leading and trailing edges, achieving a repetition rate of 10 kHz. Both the peak value and full width at half maximum jitters are maintained at less than 10%.