Pulse generator with storage means to maintain output transistor in saturation after removal of trigger pulse

Abstract

Abstract A high-voltage pulse generator responsive to pairs of ''''on''''''''off'''' trigger signals wherein a first or second voltage supply is selectively coupled to an output terminal during the time interval between such pairs of trigger signals. The ''''off'''' trigger signal drives a first output transistor into saturation to thereby couple the first voltage supply to the output terminal. Such output transistor is maintained in saturation after removal of the ''''off'''' trigger signal by a low-voltage base drive transistor. During the time the first voltage supply is coupled to the output terminal a capacitor coupled to such terminal becomes charged with low-voltage potential energy, such voltage being limited by a zener diode. When the ''''on'''' trigger signal drives a second output transistor into saturation the first voltage supply is decoupled from the output terminal and the second voltage supply becomes coupled thereto. The second output transistor is maintained saturation after removal of the ''''on'''' trigger signal by a second low-voltage base drive transistor, such base drive transistor being supplied voltage by the voltage previously stored in the capacitor. When an ''''off'''' trigger signal is applied to the first output transistor, the voltage developed between the emitter-collector electrodes of the second low-voltage base drive transistor is limited to a low voltage by the zener diode.

Inventors

• 👤 John J Kelleher Jr

Bibliographic Details