The switching properties of tunnel diodes are analyzed

using the piecewise linear method

and a graphical method for nonlinear systems analysis proposed by one of the authors. Switching times and output wave-forms under various triggering conditions are calculated. The triggering sensitivity and a new mode of triggering

triggering by reversed polarity

are studied in detail. A method is proposed to carry out the quantitative calculation of the above problems.The switching time

triggering sensitivity and characteristics of reversed polarity triggering are measured with an experimental set-up of seven-mμs response time. The experimental results are in good agreement with the calculated values.Both experimental and calculated results are summarized in the form of normalized curves to provide some useful information for practical circuit design.