A sensor measures the current in high frequency pulses (e.g., pulses
having fast rise times) that are transported on coaxial transmission
lines. The sensor includes an entrance coaxial conductor and an exit
coaxial conductor that are interconnected by a continuous inner
conductor. The outer conductors of the two coaxial conductors are
interrupted and are interconnected by a sensing resistor with a
substantially constant resistance. An output sensor coaxial conductor has
an inner conductor electrically connected to a first end of the sensing
resistor and has an outer conductor connected to a second end of the
sensing resistor. Tapered ferrite cores are placed around the three
coaxial conductors proximate the connections to the sensing resistor.
Preferably, the sensing resistor is a tubular resistor formed on a
dielectric cylindrical tube. The sensor is enclosed within a continuous
conductive housing.