AC vs. DC Output Coupling

Time-domain products employ Picometrix’s Clean-pulse™ technology which assures exceedingly clean pulse responses with minimal ringing or tails. This is highly desirable for all diagnostic applications, especially digital communications, where an exact temporal replica of the signal under study is required. All of our products (except the DG-15ir and DG-15xr) are designed for time-domain applications.

Frequency-domain products (DG-15ir and DG-15xr) are typically well-suited for analog, microwave applications where a flat-frequency response is more desirable than a clean-temporal pulse. Microwave applications typically benefit from this type of frequency response, because the responsivity of the detector essentially remains constant over the entire usable frequency band. As a result of this frequency response shape, the pulse or time-domain performance is compromised resulting in a pulse that rings slightly (see plots and application note).