an inexpensive pulse generating circuit is disclosed that generates ultra - short , 200 picosecond , and high voltage 100 kw , pulses suitable for wideband radar and other wideband applications . the circuit implements a nonlinear transmission line with series inductors and variable capacitors coupled to ground made from reverse biased diodes to sharpen and increase the amplitude of a high - voltage power mosfet driver input pulse until it causes non - destructive transit time breakdown in a final avalanche shockwave diode , which increases and sharpens the pulse even more .