LAUSR

A precise method of controlling the pulse width using a digital synthesis system is proposed for measurements in the picosecond domain and gigahertz frequency domain. Unlike the traditional pulse synthesise method based on reshapers, the proposed method of synthesising a pulse waveform and adjusting the pulse width is entirely digital. The method realises an ultra-narrow pulse width by breaking the limit of propagation delay of devices, and the width can be adjusted in fine steps over a wide range (e.g. from a few seconds to hundreds of picoseconds). Programmable delay lines and high-speed triggers and digital counters within a field-programmable gate array are used. Experimental results show that the proposed approach generates a pulse that is controllable in 1 ps steps from a minimum width of 100 ps to a maximum width of 1000 s.