Negative-resistance elements as digital computer components

In determining the maximum repetition rate of a given switching circuit, the response of the switching device and the effect of other circuit parameters (including stray elements) must be taken into account. Although the switching speed is ultimately limited by the device, in many cases one never reaches this theoretical maximum because circuit limitations play the dominant role. To solve this problem, one is forced to devise extremely simple circuits with few components in order to minimize the effect of stray reactance. The use of two-terminal negative-resistance elements allows one to do this.