Compute pulse width from key waveform parameters instantly. Compare timing across multiple physical relationships easily. Export results, inspect trends, and understand every calculation clearly.
The chart shows a normalized pulse envelope centered at zero time. The horizontal axis automatically scales to a readable time unit.
This page uses a single-column page structure. The calculator inputs switch to three columns on large screens, two on medium screens, and one on small screens.
These worked examples show how the calculator behaves under different physical assumptions.
| Scenario | Inputs | Relationship | Approximate Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycles and frequency | 5 cycles, 2 MHz | τ = N / f | 2.5 µs |
| Gaussian bandwidth | 20 MHz bandwidth | τ = 0.44 / Δν | 22 ns |
| Spatial pulse length | 3 m, speed = 2.0 × 10⁸ m/s | τ = L / v | 15 ns |
| Duty cycle method | 10%, 100 kHz | τ = D / frep | 1.0 µs |
| Spectral width method | 1550 nm center, 0.4 nm width, Gaussian | Δν ≈ cΔλ / λ², τ = 0.44 / Δν | 6.3 ps |
Formula: τ = N / f
τ is pulse duration, N is the number of oscillation cycles, and f is waveform frequency in hertz.
Formula: τ = TBP / Δν
TBP is the time-bandwidth product. Common values are 0.44 for Gaussian and 0.315 for sech² pulses.
Formula: τ = L / v
L is the physical pulse length and v is propagation speed inside the medium.
Formula: τ = D / frep
D is duty cycle expressed as a fraction, not percent. frep is the repetition rate.
Formula: Δν ≈ cΔλ / λ2
This small-bandwidth approximation converts spectral width in wavelength units into frequency bandwidth before calculating pulse duration.
Pulse duration is the time span over which a pulse exists significantly above zero. It may be defined by full width at half maximum, duty width, or cycle count, depending on the signal model.
Different pulse shapes distribute energy differently across time and frequency. Because of that, Gaussian, sech², Lorentzian, and rectangular pulses use different time-bandwidth products and produce different duration estimates for the same bandwidth.
Use it when the pulse contains a known number of oscillation cycles at a carrier or waveform frequency. It is common for radio bursts, gated sinusoids, and short packet timing studies.
A transform-limited pulse has the shortest achievable duration for its spectral bandwidth, without extra chirp or phase distortion. Real pulses can be longer if dispersion, filtering, or modulation adds temporal broadening.
It is an approximation that works well when the spectral width is small compared with the center wavelength. Very broad spectra may need a more exact nonlinear conversion and a fuller propagation model.
A pulse occupying a fixed physical distance lasts longer in slower media. For example, the same spatial length gives a longer duration in fiber or coaxial cable than in vacuum.
The graph shows a normalized pulse envelope centered in time. It helps compare how different durations and pulse shapes occupy time, but it is not a full electromagnetic or circuit simulation.
Yes. The formulas are general timing relationships. You only need to supply values consistent with your domain, including the correct frequency, bandwidth, wavelength, medium speed, or repetition rate.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.