The pulse width of a transistor refers to the length of time the transistor remains conducted or turned on during a pulse or signal. In digital circuits, particularly in applications such as pulse-width modulation (PWM), the pulse width determines how long the transistor allows current to flow through it before turning off. This parameter is crucial for controlling the timing and duration of signals in various electronic devices and systems.
Pulse width, in general, refers to the duration or length of time a signal or pulse remains at a high or low level.
It is usually measured from the start of the pulse to the point where it returns to its original state. Pulse width is fundamental in digital electronics, telecommunications and signal processing to specify the timing characteristics of signals and control their behavior.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a technique used to encode information in a pulsed signal by varying the width of the pulses while keeping the frequency constant. This modulation technique is widely used in applications such as motor speed control, LED brightness regulation, and audio signal processing.
By adjusting the pulse width, PWM allows precise control over the average power delivered to a load.
The difference between pulse width and period is their definitions and what they measure in a signal. Pulse width refers to the duration of the pulse itself, specifically the duration of the pulse in its active state (high or low). Period, on the other hand, refers to the total time it takes for a complete cycle of a periodic signal, including the active and inactive states of the pulse.
In essence, the period is the sum of the pulse width and the time between pulses (if there are multiple pulses in a cycle)