The time it takes for a pulse or signal amplitude to drop from a specific upper threshold to a lower threshold, typically from 90 percent down to 10 percent of its maximum value. It is a critical parameter in high-speed digital design because slow transitions can lead to timing violations or excessive power dissipation during switching. Engineers measure it on an oscilloscope to verify signal integrity.
Heard on the job
The datasheet specifies a maximum fall time of 2 nanoseconds when driving a 50-picofarad load.