Pulsed circuits and waveform generation are very important to testing and identification in a whole range of electrical and electronic circuits and systems. There are essentially two types of such networks, those that are considered passive and the rest that can be lumped into active wave shaping (which includes those done digitally).

Passive circuits are lumped into linear and nonlinear. Linear are most commonly, single pole RC and RL networks. Nonlinear networks are usually designed around diodes with or without capacitors and inductors.

A common element used in waveform generation is the switch. Mechanical switches are cleaner giving better electrical characteristics; however, they do have serious limitations. Electronic switches can be compensated so that they can come close to the mechanical switches without the serious limitations such as contact bounce. In addition, electronic switches can be made smaller and are able to work at much higher frequencies.

Active networks are either analog or digital. Analog networks have been in use for a long period of time and still have many practical uses. Digital networks have advantages especially in the area of noise, speed, and accuracy and have successfully replaced most of the analog networks in most applications. C.A.

On the CD-ROM:

Dynamic Behavior of Bipolar Switches

Section References: