In digital electronics and pulse measurements, how is the rise time of a pulse formally defined—that is, the time it takes the waveform to transition between which two standardized amplitude points?

Introduction / Context:
Rise time is a fundamental timing parameter for digital and pulse waveforms. Designers use it to characterize how quickly a signal edge transitions from a LOW level to a HIGH level. A precise, standardized definition avoids ambiguity across oscilloscopes, datasheets, and timing budgets for high-speed electronics and communication links.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A repetitive or single pulse that moves from a steady LOW to a steady HIGH.
• Amplitude is measured between the steady LOW and steady HIGH levels.
• Industry-standard thresholds are employed to minimize the effect of noise and saturation.

Concept / Approach:
Measuring from absolute 0% to 100% is overly sensitive to baseline noise and top-end compression. Therefore, the industry defines rise time as the interval required for the signal to move from 10% of the step amplitude to 90% of the step amplitude. These limits capture the main linear portion of the edge and yield consistent, comparable results.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the LOW and HIGH steady-state levels of the waveform.Compute 10% level = LOW + 0.10 * (HIGH − LOW) and 90% level = LOW + 0.90 * (HIGH − LOW).On the oscilloscope, note the time when the rising edge crosses 10% and when it crosses 90%.Rise time = t(90%) − t(10%).

Verification / Alternative check:
Oscilloscopes typically offer automatic 10%–90% rise-time measurements. If the instrument uses 20%–80% by default, convert or reconfigure for consistency. For a well-behaved RC edge, the measured value will correlate with the circuit’s bandwidth limits (BW approximately 0.35 / rise time for a single-pole response).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Base line to maximum HIGH: too sensitive to noise and saturation regions.
• 10% to maximum HIGH: overshoots the accepted top threshold and inflates the result.
• Base line to 90%: includes noisy baseline and is nonstandard.

Common Pitfalls:

• Measuring with inadequate oscilloscope bandwidth leads to artificially long rise times.
• Using probes without proper compensation distorts the observed edge.
• Confusing rise time with pulse width or propagation delay; they are different metrics.

Final Answer:
10% of the pulse amplitude to 90% of the pulse amplitude