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SUBCOURSE MM5000 TIMING CIRCUITS
INTRODUCTION
Radar was a natural outgrowth of intensive radio research over a
period of many years. In 1922 Dr. A. Hoyt Taylor of the Naval
Research Laboratory observed that a ship passing between a radio
transmitter and a radio receiver reflected some of the waves back
toward the transmitter. Further research led, in 1934, to the
determination of range by a single radar set. A pulse radar set for
aircraft detection was demonstrated on land in 1936 and afloat on the
destroyer "Leary" in 1937. The accuracy of the range measurements of
this type of radar set depends upon the accuracy of the locally
generated timing signals.
The circuits used to develop the timing signals for radars are
also widely used in other types of electronic equipment. The sweep
signals for televisions and oscilloscopes are generated and shaped by
several different types of timing circuits. Frequency synthesizers
and multiplexers rely upon timing circuits to provide the correct
frequencies and the desired output waveshapes. Since military
communications are beginning to utilize digital techniques for signal
development and processing, precise signal generation, timing, and
shaping circuits are to be found in many types of communication
equipment.
Upon completion of this subcourse, you will know how various
waveforms are generated and shaped for use in electronic timing
systems.
This subcourse consists of two lessons and an examination, as
follows:
Lesson 1. Introduction to Timers
Lesson 2. Applications of RC and RL Circuits
Reviewed and reprinted with minor revisions, January 1987.
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