Lambda Diode wave shaping.

First circuit ideas.

Fred Mundell, Aug. 2014

Fig 1: curve for simulation of standard lambda JFET diode in Fig 2.

Fig 2: Test Circuit giving Fig 1 curves

The basic circuit operation of my lambda diode: (note, I have replaced the normal p
chan Jfet with a PNP transistor and biasing – trial and error rather than calculations
determined component values in these simulations – trimming will probably be
required depending on transistor characteristics)

Fig 3: Combined JFET / BJT Lambda diode

Either lambda implementation could be used for waveform modification, depending

on the required distortions etc..
Fig 4: Circuit to test simulate waveform modification:

The following page shows waveforms obtained by driving the circuit with a ramp
waveform and changing the amplitude of this waveform.

It can be seen that ‘pulses’ become narrower as amplitude is increased, but the output
waveform amplitude remains constant.

With use of simple filtering on the input waveform, it should therefore be possible to
vary the effective M/S ratio of the output waveform as a function of frequency, as
well as allowing manual changes to output harmonics simply by varying the
amplitude .

There ARE potential problems though – The falling edge of the ramp will generate a
glitch proportional in width to the slope of this edge, so care must be taken in this
area.
Fig 5: 0V to V+ ramp

Working left to right and progressing down, these wave-forms (red) are from ramps
descending in voltage from 11V to 2V, output amplitude is 250mV

Fig 6: Waveforms from ramp biased +Ve 1V to V+:

From 12V to 3V left to right

Physical experimentation is needed to confirm the above, as simulation depends on
the models.
Feeding triangle or other input to the circuit can produce waveforms with high
harmonics and frequency doubling effects:

Fig 7:

But I am not going to do any more in simulation until I have played with a physical
circuit, at which point I may update this document.