Fast pulse generator

Abstract

A pulse generator is disclosed. The pulse generator can include a pulsed switch, such as a diode. The pulsed switched can be connected between an input source, such as an oscillator and a frequency multiplier.

What we claim is: 
     
         1 . A pulse generator including:
 an ac source for providing an ac signal;   a pulsed switch connected to an output of the ac source;   a non-linear frequency multiplier connected to an output of the switch;   wherein the pulsed switch is adapted or configured to generate a pulsed ac signal at the output of the switch so that pulses are applied to the non-linear frequency multiplier,   wherein the non-linear frequency multiplier shortens the pulses.   
     
     
         2 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1 , being included in a radar system. 
     
     
         3 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a mixer. 
     
     
         4 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1  including at least one amplifier. 
     
     
         5 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1  comprising at least one amplifier, the at least one amplifier being provided between the pulsed switch and the frequency multiplier. 
     
     
         6 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the switch is a mixer and the at least one amplifier is provided between the mixer and the frequency multiplier 
     
     
         7 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pulsed switch is a semiconductor diode. 
     
     
         8 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a plurality of frequency multipliers is provided and the pulsed switch is provide between adjacent such multipliers. 
     
     
         9 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1  comprising at least one amplifier and a plurality of frequency multipliers, wherein at least one amplifier is provided between two of the multipliers. 
     
     
         10 . A pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1  comprising at least one amplifier, wherein at least one amplifier is connected to an output of the frequency multiplier. 
     
     
         11 . A radar system that includes the pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A radar-based collision avoidance system that includes the pulse generator as claimed in  claim 1 .