Pulse Transition Duration Measurements and Standards at NIST -- 1975 to 1988

Published

August 1, 2000

Author(s)

W L. Gans, N. S. Nahman, J R. Andrews, E E. Baldwin

Abstract

The techniques employed by NBS from the mid 70s through 1988 for the calibration of the pulse transition duration (TD) of a fast, step-like, electrical pulse generator are described along with the artifact requirements imposed on the pulse generator. The fundamental definitions and measurement and generation methods relevant to the calibration of pulse transition duration are presented. Subjects discussed include the IEEE Pulse Standards 181-77 and 194-77, deconvolution as applied in (1) time-domain waveform measurements of a pulse and in (2) network impulse response characterization, and the NBS 50ps, 100ps, and 200 ps Transition Duration Transfer Standards which are based upon a tunnel diode step-like generator (TD about 20 ps), and Debye liquid-dielectric coaxial line filters. The Appendices contain electronic circuit diagrams and mechanical drawings for the transition Duration Transfer Standards.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6550

Report Number

6550

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Keywords

deconvolution, impulse response, pulse, rise time, step response, time domain metrology, transfer standards, transition duration, waveform

Citation

Gans, W. , Nahman, N. , Andrews, J. and Baldwin, E. (2000), Pulse Transition Duration Measurements and Standards at NIST -- 1975 to 1988, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 15, 2025)