Rise Time/Fall Time

Rise time refers to the time it takes for the leading edge of a pulse (voltage or current) to rise from its minimum to its maximum value. Rise time is typically measured from 10% to 90% of the value. Conversely, fall time is the measurement of the time it takes for the pulse to move from the highest value to the lowest value. In a resistive circuit, rise time values are primarily due to stray capacitance and inductance, which cause a delay in voltage and/or current until the steady state is reached. In terms of application, when measuring a waveform on an oscilloscope, the faster the rise time, the more accurate measurement.