8 GHz transient signal digitizer theory and realization

A new technique leading to an accurate sampling of single shot high frequency signals is described. This technique provides 20 GHz sampling of electrical pulses up to 8 GHz bandwidth with a 60 dB dynamic range. The prototype of a transient digitizer involving this new principle is currently being tested, with the goal of a new product development. We will present the theory of the sampling operations, and the outline and conception of the prototype. For this purpose, a specific set of MMIC has been developed in a fast GaAs technology. The performance predicted from full wave circuits simulations will be presented.