Transmission Lines

Waves on Transmission Lines
4 Waves on Transmission Lines
After completing this section, students should be able to do the following.
• Name several transmission lines.
• Explain the difference between phase shift and time delay of a sinusoidal
signal.
• Evaluate whether the transmission line theory or circuit theory has to be

used based on the length of the line and the frequency
• Students will explain the difference between lumped and distributed circuit
elements.
• Derive the voltage on a transmission line from a consideration of a time-

delay due to the finite speed of signals in a transmission-line circuit.
• Explain parts of propagation constant and what they represent.
• Calculate the phase and attenuation constant for specific transmission

lines.
• Identify whether the wave travels in the positive or negative direction from
the equation of a wave.
• Describe how signal flows on a transmission line
• Recognize and explain transmission line equivalent circuit model
• Derive the equations for voltage and current waves on a transmission line
from the equivalent circuit model.
• Describe forward and reflected wave on a transmission line.
• Sketch forward and reflected wave as a function of distance, and explain

how the graph changes as time passes.
• Derive phasor form of voltage and current wave from/to the time-domain
form.
• Describe what wavelength represents on a graph of a wave vs. distance
• Explain how the wavelength is similar and different to waves period?
• Derive and calculate the transmission line impedance and reflection coef-
ficient.
• Relate reflection coefficient to impedance.
51
Waves on Transmission Lines
• Derive and calculate the input impedance of a transmission line

• Calculate and visualize phasors of forward going voltage and current waves
at various points on a transmission line.
52
Types of Transmission Lines
4.1 Types of Transmission Lines
Any wire, cable, or line that guides energy from one point to another is a
transmission line. Whenever we make a circuit on a breadboard, every wire
attached forms a transmission line with the ground wire. Whether we see the
propagation (transmission line) effects on the line depends on the line length,
and the frequency of the signals used. At lower frequencies or short line lengths,
we do not see any difference between the signal’s phase at the generator and the
load, whereas we do at higher frequencies.
Types of transmission lines
(a) Coaxial Cable, Figure 19
(b) Microstrip, Figure 20
(c) Stripline, Figure 21
(d) Coplanar Waveguide, Figure 22
(e) Two-wire line, Figure 23
(f) Parallel Plate Waveguide, Figure 24
(g) Rectangular Waveguide, Figure 25
(h) Optical fiber, Figure 26
Figure 19: Coaxial Cable
53
Figure 20: Microstrip
Figure 21: Stripline.
Figure 22: Coplanar Waveguide.
Figure 23: Two-wire line.
Figure 24: Parallel-Plate Waveguide.
Propagation modes on a transmission line
Coax, two-wire line, transmission line support TEM waves. Waves on microstrip
lines can be approximated as TEM up to the 30-40 GHz (unshielded), up to
140 GHz shielded.
54
Figure 25: Rectangular Waveguide.
Figure 26: Optical Fiber.
(a) Transversal Electro-Magnetic Field (TEM). Electric (E), and Magnetic

(M) fields are entirely transversal to the direction of propagation
(b) Transversal Electric field (TE), Transversal Magnetic Field (TM), M or E
field is in the direction of propagation
Transmission lines we will discuss in this course carry TEM fields.
55
Wave Equation
4.2 Wave Equation
Wave equation on a transmission line

In this section, we will derive the expression for voltage and current on a trans-
mission line. This expression will have two variables, time t, and space z. So far,
we have only seen voltages and currents as a function of time, because all circuit
elements seen so far are lumped elements. In distributed systems, we want to
derive the equations for voltage and current for the case when the transmission
line is longer than the fraction of a wavelength. To make sure that we do not
encounter any transmission line effects to start with, we can look at the piece
of a transmission line that is much smaller than the fraction of a wavelength.
In other words, we cut the transmission line into small pieces to make sure
there are no transmission line effects, as the pieces are shorter than the fraction
of a wavelength. We then represent each piece with an equivalent circuit, as
shown in Figure 29 (a). To derive expressions for current and voltage on the
transmission line, we will use the following five-step plan
(a) Look at an infinitesimal length of a transmission line ∆z.

(b) Represent that piece with an equivalent circuit.
(c) Write KCL, KVL for the piece in the time domain (we get differential
equations)
(d) Apply phasors (equations become linear)
(e) Solve the linear system of equations to get the expression for the voltage
and current on the transmission line as a function of z.
Look at a small piece of a transmission line and represented it with an equivalent

circuit. What is modeled by the circuit elements?
Write KVL and KCL equations for the circuit above.
KVL
∂i(z, t)
−v(z, t) + R ∆z i(z, t) + L ∆z + v(z + ∆z, t) = 0
∂t
KCL
i(z, t) = i(z + ∆z) + iCG (z + ∆z, t)

∂v(z + ∆z, t)
i(z, t) = i(z + ∆z) + G ∆z v(z + ∆z, t) + C ∆z
∂t
56
Wave Equation
Figure 27: Coaxial cable is cut in short pieces.
Figure 28: Equivalent circuit of a section of transmission line.
Figure 29: Equivalent circuit of transmission line.
57
Wave Equation
Rearrange the KCL and KVL Equations 79, 83 and divide them with ∆z. Equa-
tions 80, 84. let ∆z → 0 and recognize the definition of the derivative Equations,
81, 85.
KVL
∂i(z, t)
−(v(z + ∆z, t) − v(z, t)) = R ∆z i(z, t) + L ∆z (79)
∂t
v(z + ∆z, t) − v(z, t) ∂i(z, t)
− = R i(z, t) + L (80)
∆z ∂t
v(z + ∆z, t) − v(z, t) ∂i(z, t)
lim {− } = lim {R i(z, t) + L } (81)
∆z→0 ∆z ∆z→0 ∂t
v(z, t) ∂i(z, t)
− = Ri(z, t) + L (82)
∂z ∂t
KCL
∂v(z + ∆z, t)
−(i(z + ∆z, t) − i(z, t)) = G ∆z v(z + ∆z, t) + C ∆z (83)
∂t
i(z + ∆z, t) − i(z, t) ∂v(z + ∆z, t)
− = G v(z + ∆z, t) + C (84)
∆z ∂t
i(z + ∆z, t) − i(z, t) ∂v(z + ∆z, t)
lim {− } = lim {G v(z + ∆z, t) + C } (85)
∆z→0 ∆z ∆z→0 ∂t
i(z, t) ∂v(z + ∆z, t)
− = G v(z + ∆z, t) + C (86)
∂z ∂t
We just derived Telegrapher’s equations in time-domain:
v(z, t) ∂i(z, t)
− = R i(z, t) + L
∂z ∂t
i(z, t) ∂v(z + ∆z, t)
− = G v(z + ∆z, t) + C
∂z ∂t
Telegrapher’s equations are two differential equations with two unknowns, i(z, t),
v(z, t). It is not impossible to solve them; however, we would prefer to have lin-
ear algebraic equations. We then express time-domain variables as phasors.
v(z, t) = Re{Ṽ (z)ejωt }

˜
i(z, t) = Re{I(z)e jωt
}
˜
Ṽ (z), I(z) are the voltage, and current anywhere on the line, and they depend
on the position on the line z. The Telegrapher’s equations in phasor form are
58
Wave Equation
∂ Ṽ (z) ˜
− = (R + jωL)I(z) (87)
∂z
˜
∂ I(z)
− = (G + jωC)Ṽ (z) (88)
∂z
Two equations, two unknowns. To solve these equations, we first take a deriva-
tive of both equations with respect to z.
∂ 2 Ṽ (z) ˜
∂ I(z)
− = (R + jωL) (89)
∂z 2 ∂z
2˜
∂ I(z) ∂ Ṽ (z)
− = (G + jωC) (90)
∂z 2 ∂z
Rearange the previous equations:
1 ˜
∂ I(z) ∂ 2 Ṽ (z)
− = (91)
(R + jωL) ∂z ∂z 2
1 ∂ Ṽ (z) ˜
∂ 2 I(z)
− = (92)
(G + jωC) ∂z ∂z 2
Substitute Eq.91 into Eq.88 and Eq.92 into Eq.87 and we get
∂ 2 Ṽ (z)
− = (G + jωC)(R + jωL)Ṽ (z) (93)
∂z 2
˜
∂ 2 I(z)
− ˜
= (G + jωC)(R + jωL)I(z) (94)
∂z 2
Or if we rearrange
∂ 2 Ṽ (z)
− (G + jωC)(R + jωL)Ṽ (z) = 0 (95)
∂z 2
∂ 2 I(z)
− (G + jωC)(R + jωL)I(z) = 0 (96)
∂z 2
The above Equations 95-96 are called wave equations, and they represent current
and voltage wave on a transmission line. γ = (G+jωC)(R+jωL) is the complex
propagation constant. This constant has a real and an imaginary part.
γ = α + jβ
59
Wave Equation
where α is the attenuation constant and β is the phase constant.
p
α = Re{(G + jωC)(R + jωL)}
p
β = Im{ (G + jωC)(R + jωL)}
We can now write wave equations as:
∂ 2 Ṽ (z)
− γ Ṽ (z) = 0 (97)
∂z 2
∂ 2 I(z)
− γI(z) = 0 (98)
∂z 2
The general solution of the second order differential equations with constant
coefficients Equations 97 - 98 is:
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−γz + Ṽ0− eγz

˜ = I˜+ e−γz + I˜− eγz
I(z) 0 0
Where Ṽ (z)+ = Ṽ0+ e−γz represents the forward-going voltage wave, Ṽ (z)− =
Ṽ0− eγz represents the reflected voltage wave, I(z)˜ + = I˜+ e−γz represents the
0
˜ −
forward going current wave, and I(z) −
= I˜0 e represents the reflected current
γz
wave. We will see later that Ṽ0+ is the forward-going voltage wave at the load,
Ṽ0− is the reflected voltage wave at the load, I˜0+ is the forward going current at
the load, and I˜0− reflected current at the load.
In the next several sections, we will look at how to find the constants β, Ṽ0+ ,
Ṽ0− , I˜0+ , I˜0− . In order to find the constants, we will introduce the concepts
of transmission line impedance Z0 , reflection coefficient Γ(z), input impedance
Zin .
60
Visualization of waves on lossless transmission lines
4.3 Visualization of waves on lossless transmission

lines
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−γz + Ṽ0− eγz

˜ = I˜+ e−γz + I˜− eγz
I(z) 0 0
In this equation Ṽ (z) is the total voltage anywhere on the line (at any point z),
˜ is the total current anywhere on the line (at any point z), V˜0 + and V˜0 − are
I(z)
the phasors of forward and reflected voltage waves at the load (where z=0), and
+ −
I˜0 and I˜0 are the phasors of forward and reflected current wave at the load
(where z=0).These voltages and currents are also phasors and have a constant
+ + 0
magnitude and phase in a specific circuit, for example V˜0 = |V˜0 |eΦ = 4e25 ,
+ + 0
and I˜0 = |I˜0 |eΦ = 5e−40 . We can get the time-domain expression for the
current and voltage on the transmission line by multiplying the phasor of the
voltage and current with ejωt and taking the real part of it.
v(t) = Re{(Ṽ0+ e(−α−jβ)z + Ṽ0− e(α+jβ)z )ejωt }

v(t) = |Ṽ0+ |e−αz cos(ωt − βz + ∠Ṽ0+ ) + |Ṽ0− |eαz cos(ωt + βz + ∠Ṽ0− ) (99)
If the signs of the ωt and βz terms are oposite the wave moves in the forward
+z direction. If the signs of ωt and βz are the same, the wave moves in the −z
direction.
In the next several sections, we will look at how to find the constants β, Ṽ0+ ,
Ṽ0− , I˜0+ , I˜0− . In order to find the constants, we will introduce the concepts
of transmission line impedance Z0 , reflection coefficient Γ(z), input impedance
Zin .
Example 9. We will show next that if the signs of the ωt and βz have the
opposite sign, as in Equation 100, the wave moves in the forward +z direction.
If the signs of ωt and βz are the same, as in Equation 101, the wave moves in
the −z direction. In order to see this, we will visualize Equations 100 and 101
using Matlab code below.
vf (t) = |Ṽ0+ |e−αz cos(ωt − βz + ∠Ṽ0+ ) (100)

vr (t) = |Ṽ0− |eαz cos(ωt + βz + ∠Ṽ0− ) (101)
Explanation. Figure 30 shows forward and reflected waves on a transmission

line. z represents the length of the line, and on the y-axis is the magnitude of
61
the voltage. The red line on both graphs is the voltage signal at a time .1 ns. We
would obtain Figure 30 if we had a camera that can take a picture of the voltage,
and we took the first picture at t1 = .1 ns on the entire transmission line. The
blue dotted line on both graphs is the same signal .1 ns later, at time t2 =.2 ns.
We see that the signal has moved to the right in 1 ns, from the generator to the
load. On the bottom graph, we see that at a time .1 ns, the red line represents
the reflected signal. The dashed blue line shows the signal at a time .2 ns. We
see that the signal has moved to the left, from the load to the generator.
Figure 30: Forward (top) and reflected (bottom) waves on a transmission line.
clear all
clc
f = 10^9;
w = 2*pi*f
c=3*10^8;
beta=2*pi*f/c;
lambda=c/f;
t1=0.1*10^(-9)
t2=0.2*10^(-9)
x=0:lambda/20:2*lambda;
y1=sin(w*t1 - beta.*x);
y2=sin(w*t2 - beta.*x);
y3=sin(w*t1 + beta.*x);
y4=sin(w*t2 + beta.*x);
62
subplot (2,1,1),
plot(x,y1,’r’),...
hold on
plot(x,y2,’--b’),...
hold off
subplot (2,1,2),
plot(x,y3,’r’)
hold on
plot(x,y4,’--b’)
hold off
Using Matlab code above, repeat the visualization of signals in the previous sec-
tion for a lossy transmission line. Assume that α = 0.1 Np, and all other vari-
ables are the same as in the previous section. How do the voltages compare in
the lossy and lossless cases?
Question 13 In the following simulation, we have three waves as a function

of distance z. One is fixed cos(βz + 00 ) with a constant phase of 00 , and for the
other two signals the phase can be changed manually by changing the slider t
that represents time. In the simulation, β = 1 and ω = 1. This simulation is
realistic only if time moves forward from 0 to 5. Observe how phase change ωt
as the time increases from 0 to 5, then answer the question below.
Geogebra link: https: // tube. geogebra. org/ m/ x5q7p7jx
The sign in front of βz and ωt is opposite for the forward going wave.
Multiple Choice:
(a) True
(b) False
63
Propagation constant and loss
4.4 Propagation constant and loss
Lossless transmission line

In many practical applications, conductor loss is low R → 0, and dielectric
leakage is low G → 0. These two conditions describe a lossless transmission
line.
In this case, the transmission line parameters are
• Propagation constant
p
γ= (R + jωL)(G + jωC)
p
γ = jωLjωC
√
γ = jω LC = jβ
• Transmission line impedance will be defined in the next section, but it is

also here for completeness.
s
R + jωL
Z0 =
G + jωC
s
jωL
Z0 =
jωC
r
L
Z0 =
C
• Wave velocity
ω
v=
β
ω
v= √
ω LC
1
v=√
LC
• Wavelength
64
2π
λ=
β
2π
λ= √
ω LC
2π
λ= √
ε0 µ0 εr
c
λ= √
f εr
λ0
λ= √
εr
Voltage and current on lossless transmission line

On a lossless transmission line, where γ = jβ current and voltage simplify to
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−jβz + Ṽ0− ejβz

˜ = I˜+ e−jβz + I˜− ejβz
I(z) 0 0
What does it mean when we say a medium is lossy

or lossless?
In a lossless medium, electromagnetic energy is not turning into heat; there is no
amplitude loss. An electromagnetic wave is heating a lossy material; therefore,
the wave’s amplitude decreases as e−αx .
medium attenuation constant α [dB/km]

coax 60
waveguide 2
fiber-optic 0.5
In guided wave systems such as transmission lines and waveguides, the attenu-
ation of power with distance follows approximately e−2αx . The power radiated
by an antenna falls off as 1/r2 . As the distance between the source and load
increases, there is a specific distance at which the cable transmission is lossier
than antenna transmission.
65
Low-Loss Transmission Line

This section is optional.
In some practical applications, losses are small, but not negligible. R << ωL
1
and G << ωC 2 .
In this case, the transmission line parameters are
• Propagation constant
We can re-write the propagation constant as shown below. In somel ap-
plications, losses are small, but not negligible. R << ωL and G << ωC,
then in Equation 103, RG << ω 2 LC.
p
(R + jωL)(G + jωC)
γ= (102)
s
√

R G RG
γ = jω L C 1 − j + − 2 (103)
ωL ωC ω LC
s
√

R G
γ ≈ jω L C 1 − j + (104)
ωL ωC
s
√

R G
Taylor’s series for function 1+x = 1−j + in Equation
ωL ωC
104 is shown in Equations 105-106.
√
x x2 x3
− 1+x=1+
+ − ... f or |x| < 1(105)
s 2 8 16
√ √

R G j R G
γ ≈ jω L C 1 − j + = jω L C 1 − + (106)
ωL ωC 2 ωL ωC
The real and imaginary part of the propagation constant γ are:
√
ω LC R G
α= + (107)
2 ωL ωC
√
β = ω LC (108)
We see that the phase constant β is the same as in the lossless case,
and the attenuation constant α is frequency independent. All frequencies
1
metal resistance is lower than the inductive impedance
2
dielectric conductance is lower than the capacitive impedance
66
of a modulated signal are attenuated the same amount, and there is no

dispersion on the line. When the phase constant is a linear function of
ω
frequency, β = const ω, then the phase velocity is a constant vp = =
β
1
, and the group velocity is also a constant, and equal to the phase
const
velocity. In this case, all frequencies of the modulated signal propagate at
the same speed, and there is no distortion of the signal.
Transmission-line parameters R, G, C, and L

To find the complex propagation constant γ, we need the transmission-line pa-
rameters R, G, C, and L. Equations for R, G, C, and L for a coaxial cable are
given in the table below.
Transmission-line R G C L
Rsd 1 1 2πσ 2πε µ
Coaxial Cable + ln b/a
2π a b ln b/a ln b/a 2π
p
Where Rsd = πf µm /σm is the resistance associated with skin-depth. f is the
frequency of the signal, µm is the magentic permeability of conductors, σc is the
conductivity of conductors.
Example 10. Calculate capacitance per unit length of a coaxial cable if the
inner radius is 0.02 m, the outer radius is 0.06 m, the dielectric constant is
εr = 2. Use the applet below, Matlab, Matematica, or other software that you
use.
Geogebra link: https: // tube. geogebra. org/ m/ whkrg2pu
67
Transmission Line Impedance
4.5 Transmission Line Impedance
This section will relate the phasors of voltage and current waves through the
transmission-line impedance.
In equations 109-110 Ṽ0+ e−γz and Ṽ0− eγz are the phasors of forward and reflected
going voltage waves anywhere on the transmission line (for any z). I˜0+ e−γz and
I˜0− eγz are the phasors of forward and reflected current waves anywhere on the
transmission line.
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−γz + Ṽ0− eγz (109)

I(z) = I˜+ e−γz + I˜− eγz
0 0 (110)
To find the transmission-line impedance, we first substitute the voltage wave

equation 109 into Telegrapher’s Equation Eq.111 to obtain Equation 112.
∂ Ṽ (z)
− = (R + jωL)I(z) (111)
∂z
γ Ṽ0+ e−γz − γ Ṽ0− eγz = (R + jωL)I(z) (112)
We now rearrange Equation 112 to find the current I(z) and multiply through
to get Equation 113.
γ
I(z) = (Ṽ + e−γz + Ṽ0− eγz )
R + jωL 0
γ Ṽ0+ γ Ṽ0−
I(z) = e−γz − eγz (113)
R + jωL R + jωL
We can now compare Equation 110 for current, a solution of the wave equation,
with the Eq.113. Since both equations represent current, and for two transcen-
dental equations to be equal, the coefficients next to exponential terms have to
be the same. When we equate the coefficients, we get the equations below.
γ Ṽ0+
I˜0+ = (114)
R + jωL
γ Ṽ0−
I˜0− = − (115)
R + jωL
Definition 13. We define the characteristic impedance of a transmission line as
the ratio of the voltage to the current amplitude of the forward wave as shown in
68
Transmission Line Impedance
Equation 114, or the ratio of the voltage to the current amplitude of the reflected
wave as shown in Equation 115.
Ṽ0+ R + jωL
Z0 = = (116)
˜
I0+ γ
Ṽ0− R + jωL
Z0 = − = (117)
I˜0− γ
We can further simplify Equations 116-117 to obtain the final Equation 118
for the transmission line impedance. This equation is valid for both lossy and
lossless transmission lines.
Ṽ0+
Z0 =
I˜0+
R + jωL
Z0 =
γ
s
R + jωL
Z0 =
G + jωC
For lossless transmission line, where R → 0 and G → 0, the equation simplifies

to
r
L
Z0 = (118)
C
Equations for voltage and current on a transmission-

line
Using the definition of transmission-line impedance Z0 , we can now simplify the
Equations 109-110 for voltage and current on the transmission line, by replacing
the currents I˜0+ = Z0 /Ṽ0+ , and I˜0− = −Z0 /Ṽ0− .
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−jβz + Ṽ0− ejβz (119)

Ṽ0+ −jβz Ṽ0− jβz
I(z) = e − e (120)
Z0 Z0
69
Reflection Coefficient
4.6 Reflection Coefficient
In this section, we will derive the equation for the reflection coefficient. The
reflection coefficient relates the forward-going voltage with reflected voltage.
Reflection coefficient at the load

Equations 121-122 represent the voltage and current on a lossless transmission
line shown in Figure 31.
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−jβz + Ṽ0− ejβz (121)

Ṽ0+ −jβz Ṽ0− jβz
I(z) = e − e (122)
Z0 Z0
Figure 31: Transmission Line connects generator and the load.

We set up the z-axis so that the z = 0 is at the load, and the generator is at
z = −l. At z = 0, the load impedance is connected. The definition of impedance
is Z = V /I, therefore at the z=0 end of the transmission line, the voltage and
current on the transmission line at that point have to obey boundary condition
that the load impedance imposes.
V (0)
ZL =
I(0)
Substituting z=0, the boundary condition, in Equations 121-122, we get Equa-

tions 123-124.
Ṽ (0) = Ṽ0+ e−jβ0 + Ṽ0− ejβ0 = Ṽ0+ + Ṽ0− (123)

Ṽ0+ −jβ0 Ṽ0− jβ0 Ṽ0+ Ṽ0−
I(0) = e − e = − (124)
Z0 Z0 Z0 Z0
70
Dividing the two above equations, we get the impedance at the load.
Ṽ0+ + Ṽ0−
ZL = Z0 (125)
Ṽ0+ − Ṽ0−
We can now solve the above equation for Ṽ0−
ZL +
(Ṽ − Ṽ0− ) = Ṽ0+ + Ṽ0−
Z0 0
ZL ZL
( − 1)Ṽ0+ = ( + 1)Ṽ0−
Z0 Z0
ZL
Ṽ0− Z0 − 1
+
= ZL
Ṽ0 Z0 + 1
Ṽ0− ZL − Z0
+
= (126)
Ṽ0 ZL + Z0
Ṽ0− ZL − Z0
Definition 14. ΓL = +
= is the voltage reflection coefficient at the
Ṽ0 ZL + Z0
load. ΓL relates the reflected and incident voltage phasor and the load ZL and
transmission line impedance Z0 . The voltage reflection coefficient at the load is,
in general, a complex number, it has a magnitude and a phase ΓL = |ΓL |ej∠ΓL .
Example
(a) 100 Ω transmission line is terminated in a series connection of a 50 Ω re-
sistor and 10 pF capacitor. The frequency of operation is 100 MHz. Find
the voltage reflection coefficient.
(b) For purely reactive load ZL = j50Ω, find the reflection coefficient.
Voltage and Current on a transmission line

Now that we related forward and reflected voltage on a transmission line with
the reflection coefficient at the load, we can re-write the equations for the current
and voltage on a transmission line as:
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ (e−jβz + ΓL ejβz ) (127)

Ṽ0+
I(z) = (e−jβz − Γejβz ) (128)
Z0
71
We see that if we know the length of the line, line type, the load impedance, and
the transmission line impedance, we can calculate all variables above, except for
Ṽ0+ . In the following chapters, we will derive the equation for the forward going
voltage at the load, but first, we will look at little more at the various reflection
coefficients on a transmission line.
Reflection coefficient anywhere on the line

Equations 121-122 can be concisely written as
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ (z)+ + Ṽ (z)− (129)

˜ = I(z)
I(z) ˜ + + I(z)
˜ − (130)
Where Ṽ (z)+ is the forward voltage anywhere on the line, Ṽ (z)− is reflected
˜ + is the forward current anywhere on the line,
voltage anywhere on the line, I(z)
˜ −
and I(z) is the reflected current anywhere on the line.
We can then define a reflection coefficient anywhere on the line as
Ṽ (z)− Ṽ0− ejβz Ṽ −
Definition 15. Γ(z) = = + = 0+ e2jβz is a voltage reflection
Ṽ (z)+ Ṽ0 e−jβz Ṽ0
coefficient anywhere on the line. Γ(z) relates the reflected and incident voltage
phasor at any z.
Ṽ0−
Since we already defined ΓL = as the reflection coefficient at the load, we
Ṽ0+
can now simplify the general reflection coefficient as
Γ(z) = ΓL e2jβz (131)
It is important to remember that we defined points between the generator and

the load as the negative z-axis. If the line length is, for example, l m long, the
generator is then at z=-l m, and the load at z=0. To find the reflection coefficient
at some distance l/2 m away from the load, at z = −l/2 m, the equation for the
reflection coefficient will be
Γ(z = −l/2) = ΓL e−2jβl/2 (132)
Since we already defined the reflection coefficient at the load, the reflection at
any point on the line z = −l is
Γ(z = −l) = ΓL e−2jβl (133)

j(∠ΓL −2βl)
Γ(z = −l) = |ΓL |e (134)
72
Reflection coefficient at the input of the trans-

mission line
Using the reasoning above, the reflection coefficient at the input of the line
whose length is l is
Γ(z = −l) = Γin = ΓL e−2jβl (135)
0
Example 11. The reflection coefficient at the load is ΓL = 0.5ej60 . Find the
input reflection coefficient if the electrical length of the line is βl = 450 .
Explanation. The reflection coefficient at the input of the line is Γ(z = −l) =
Γin = |ΓL |ej(∠ΓL −2βl) .
0
We substitute the expression for ΓL = 0.5ej60 and βl = 900 , we get the reflec-
tion coefficient at the input of the line Γin = 0.5e−j30 .
73
Input impedance of a transmission line
4.7 Input impedance of a transmission line
Again, we will look at a transmission line circuit in Figure 32 to find the input
impedance on a transmission line.
The equations for the voltage and current anywhere (any z) on a transmission
line are
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ (ejβz + ΓL e−jβz ) (136)

Ṽ0+
I(z) = (ejβz − Γe−jβz ) (137)
Z0
The voltage and current equations at the generator z = −l are:
Ṽin = Ṽ (z = −l) = Ṽ0+ (ejβl + ΓL e−jβl ) (138)

Ṽ0+
I˜in = I(z = −l) = (ejβl − Γe−jβl ) (139)
Z0
Input impedance as a function of reflection coef-

ficient
Vin
The input impedance is defined as Zin = . Since the line length is l, the
Iin
input impedance is
Ṽ0+ (e−jβz + ΓL ejβz )

Zin = (140)
Ṽ0+ −jβz
Z0 (e − ΓL ejβz )
74
If we cancel common terms, we get
(e−jβz + ΓL ejβz )
Zin = Z0 (141)
(e−jβz − ΓL ejβz )
Now we can take e−jβz in front of parenthesis from both numerator and denom-
inator and then cancel it.
1 + ΓL e2jβz
Zin = Z0 (142)
1 − ΓL e2jβz
We have previously defined the reflection coefficient at the transmission line’s

input as Γin = ΓL e2jβz . The final equation for the input impedance is therefore
1 + Γin
Zin = Z0 (143)
1 − Γin
Input impedance as a function of load impedance

If we now look back at the Equation 141, here we can also use Euler’s formula
ejβz = cos(βz) + j sin(βz), and the equation for the reflection coefficient at the
ZL − Z0
load ΓL = we find the input impedance of the line as shown below.
ZL + Z0
ZL + jZ0 tan βl
Zin = Z0 (144)
Z0 + jZL tan βl
This equation will be soon become obsolete when we learn how to use the Smith
Chart.
Example 12. Find the input impedance if the load impedance is ZL = 0Ω, and
the electrical length of the line is βl = 900 .
Explanation. Since the load impedance is a short circuit, and the angle is 900
the equation simplifies to Zin = jZ0 tan βl = ∞.
When we find the input impedance, we can replace the transmission line and the
load, as shown in Figure 33. In the next section, we will use input impedance
to find the forward going voltage on a transmission line.
75
76
Forward voltage on a transmission line
4.8 Forward voltage on a transmission line
Again, we will look at a transmission line circuit in Figure 34 to find the input
impedance on a transmission line.
The equations for the voltage and current anywhere (any z) on a transmission
line are
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ (e−jβz − ΓL ejβz ) (145)

Ṽ0+
I(z) = (e−jβz − ΓL ejβz ) (146)
Z0
Using the equations from the previous section, we can replace the transmission
line with its input impedance, Figure 35.
Forward voltage phasor as a function of load impedance

From Figure 35, we can find the input voltage on a transmission line using the
voltage divider.
77
Zin
Ṽin = Ṽg (147)
Zin + Zg
Using Equation 146, we can also find the input voltage. The input voltage
equation at the generator z = −l is:
Since these two equations represent the same input voltage we can make them
equal.
Zin
Ṽ0+ (ejβl + ΓL e−jβl ) = Ṽg (149)
Zin + Zg
Rearranging the equation, we find Ṽ0+ .
Ṽg Zin 1
Ṽ0+ = (150)
Zg + Zin ejβl + ΓL e−jβl
(151)
Forward voltage phasor as a function of input re-

flection coefficient
There is another way to find the input impedance as a function of the input
reflection coefficient.
We write KVL for the circuit in Figure 35.
Ṽg = Zg I˜in + Ṽin (152)
Using Equations 146-146, we can also find the input voltage and current. Input
voltage and current equation at the generator z = −l are:

Ṽ0+
I˜in = I(z = −l) = (ejβl − Γe−jβl ) (154)
Z0
Substituting these two equations in Equation 152 we get
78
Ṽ0+ jβl
Ṽg = Zg (e − ΓL e−jβl ) + Ṽ0+ (ejβl + ΓL e−jβl ) (155)
Z0
We can re-write this equation as follows.
Ṽ0+
Ṽg = Zg ejβl (1 − ΓL e−2jβl ) + Ṽ0+ ejβl (1 + ΓL e−2jβl ) (156)
Z0
Using that Γin = ΓL e−2jβl is the input reflection coefficient, and multiplying
through with Z0 .
Ṽ0+
Ṽg Z0 = Zg ejβl (1 − Γin ) + Ṽ0+ Z0 ejβl (1 + Γin ) (157)
1
Rearranging the equation, we get Ṽ0+
Z0
Ṽ0+ = Ṽg e−jβl (158)
Z0 (1 + Γin ) + Zg (1 − Γin )
Γin = ΓL e−2jβl is the input reflection coefficient.
Special case - forward voltage when the generator

and transmission-line impedance are equal
Because the generator’s impedance is equal to the transmission line impedance,
we will use the second equation. When Zg = Z0 we see that the denominator
simplifies into Z0 (1 + Γin) + Zg (1 − Γin ) = Z0 (1 + Γin + 1 − 1 + Γg ∈) and we
Vg −jβl
can further simplify the fraction to get the final value of Ṽ0+ = e .
2
79
Traveling and Standing Waves
4.9 Traveling and Standing Waves
Standing Waves
In the previous section, we introduced the voltage reflection coefficient that
relates the forward to reflected voltage phasor.
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ (e−jβz + ΓL ejβz ) (159)

Ṽ0+
I(z) = (e−jβz − ΓL ejβz ) (160)
Z0
Let us look at the physical meaning of these variables.
(a) ΓL is the voltage reflection coefficient at the load (z=0),

(b) z is the axis in the direction of wave propagation,
(c) β is the phase constant,
(d) Z0 is the impedance of the transmission line.
(e) Ṽ0+ is the phasor of the forward-going wave at the load,
(f) ΓL Ṽ0+ is the phasor of the reflected going wave at the load,
(g) Ṽ0+ e−jβz is a forward voltage anywhere on the line,
(h) ΓL Ṽ0+ ejβz is a reflected voltage anywhere on the line,
(i) Ṽ (z) is the total voltage phasor on the line, the sum of forward and re-
flected voltage.
(j) I˜0+ is the phasor of the forward-going current at the load,
Ṽ0+
(k) −ΓL is the phasor of the reflected current at the load,
Z0
(l) I˜0+ e−jβz is the phasor of a forward current anywhere on the line,
Ṽ0+ jβz
(m) −ΓL e is the phasor of a reflected current anywhere on the line,
Z0
˜ is the phasor of the total current on the line, the sum of forward and
(n) I(z)
reflected voltage.
80
√
The magnitude of a complex number can be found as |z| = q zz ∗ .Therefore the
magnitude of the voltage anywhere on the line is |Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ (z)Ṽ (z)∗ . We
can simplify this equation as shown in Figure 161.
q
|Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ (z)Ṽ (z)∗
q
|Ṽ (z)| = (Ṽ0+ )2 (e−jβz − |ΓL |ejβz+Θr )Ṽ0+ (ejβz − |ΓL |e−(jβz+∠ΓL ) )
q
|Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ0+ (e−jβz − |ΓL |ejβz+|∠ΓL )(ejβz − |ΓL |e−(jβz+∠ΓL ) )
q
|Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ0+ 1 + |ΓL |e−(2jβz+|∠ΓL ) + |ΓL |ej2βz+∠ΓL + |ΓL |2 )
q
+
|Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ0 1 + |ΓL |2 + |ΓL |(e−(2jβz+∠ΓL ) ∠ΓL + e(j2βz+∠ΓL ) )
p
|Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ0+ 1 + |ΓL |2 + 2|ΓL | cos(2βz + ∠ΓL ) (161)
The Equation 161 is written in terms of z. We set up the load at z = 0, and the
generator at z = −l. The positions of the maximums and minimum total voltage
on the line will be at some position at the negative part of z-axis zmax = −lmax ,
and the minimums will be at zmax = −lmin .
The magnitude of the total voltage on the transmission line is given by Eq.161.
We will now visualize how the magnitude of the voltage looks on the transmission
line.
Example 13. Find the magnitude of the total voltage anywhere on the trans-
mission line if ΓL = 0.
Explanation. Let us start from a simple case when the voltage reflection coef-
ficient on the transmission line is ΓL = 0 and draw the magnitude of the total
voltage as a function of z. Equation 161 shows the magnitude of the total volt-
age anywhere on the line is equal to the magnitude of the voltage at the load
|Ṽ (z)| = |Ṽ0+ |. The magnitude of the voltage is constant everywhere on the
transmission line, and so the line is called ”flat,” and it represents a single, for-
ward traveling wave from the generator to the load. The magnitude is the green
line in Figure 36. To see the movie of this transmission line, go to the class
web page under Instructional Videos. Forward voltage is shown in red, reflected
voltage in pink, and the magnitude of the voltage is green.
mission line if ΓL = 0.5ej0 .
Explanation.
Let’s look at another case, ΓL = 0.5 and ∠ΓL = 0. Equation 162 represents the
magnitude of the voltage on the transmission line, and Figure 37 shows in green
how this function looks on a transmission line. This case is shown in Figure 37.
81
Figure 36: Flat line.
r
5
|Ṽ (z)| = Ṽ0+ + cos2βz (162)
4
Figure 37: Voltage on a transmission line with reflection coefficient magnitude

0.5, and zero phase.
The function in Equation 162 is at its maximum when cos(2βz + ∠ΓL ) = 1 or

k
z = λ, and the function value is Ṽ (z) = 1.5Ṽ0+ . It is at its minimum when
2
2k + 1
cos(2βz + ∠ΓL ) = −1 or z = λ and the function value is Ṽ (z) = 0.5Ṽ0+
4
The function that we see looks like a cosine with an average value of Ṽ0+ , but it is
not a cosine. The minimums of the function are sharper than the maximums.
Question 14 Observe waves in the app below.
Geogebra link: https: // tube. geogebra. org/ m/ bmr8euzu
82
Is the black wave moving left or right?
Multiple Choice:
(a) left
(b) right
Is the black wave a forward, reflected or the sum of the two?
Multiple Choice:
(a) Forward
(b) Reflected
(c) The sum of the two
mission line if ΓL = 1.
Explanation. Another case we will look at is when the reflection coefficient is

at its maximum of ΓL = 1. The function is shown if Figure 38. In this case,
we have a pure standing wave on a transmission line.
Figure 38: Shorted Transmission Line.
Question 15 Observe waves in the app below.
Geogebra link: https: // tube. geogebra. org/ m/ fwebfheh
83
Is the black wave moving left or right? The wave is not moving left or right, it
is standing in place, so it is called a standing wave. Is the black wave a forward,
reflected or the sum of the two?
Multiple Choice:
(a) Forward
(b) Reflected
(c) The sum of the two
mission line for any ΓL , and the position of voltage maximums on the line.
Explanation. The magnitude of the total voltage on the line is given in Equa-
tion161. In general the voltage maximums will occur when the cosine function
is at its maximum cos(2βz + ∠ΓL ) = 1. In this case, the maximum value of the
magnitude of total voltage on the line is shown in Equation 163.
p
|Ṽ (z)max | = |Ṽ0+ | 1 + |ΓL |2 + 2|ΓL |
p
|Ṽ (z)max | = |Ṽ0+ | (1 + |ΓL |)2
|Ṽ (z)max | = |Ṽ0+ |(1 + |ΓL |) (163)
The Equation 164 shows position of voltage maximums zmax on the line.
cos(−2βlmax + ∠ΓL ) = 1
cos(2βlmax − ∠ΓL ) = 1
2βzmax − ∠ΓL = 2nπ
2nπ + ∠ΓL
zmax =
2β
2nπ + ∠ΓL
zmax = λ (164)
4π
In general the voltage minimums will occur when cos(2βz) = −1.
p
|Ṽ (z)min | = |Ṽ0+ | 1 + |ΓL |2 − 2|ΓL |
p
|Ṽ (z)min | = |Ṽ0+ | (1 − |ΓL |)2
|Ṽ (z)min | = |Ṽ0+ |(1 − |ΓL |) (165)
The Equation 166 shows the position of voltage minimums on the line.
84
cos(2βzmax − ∠ΓL ) = −1
2βzmax + ∠ΓL = (2n + 1)π
(2n + 1)π + ∠ΓL
zmax =
2β
(2n + 1)π + ∠ΓL
zmax = λ (166)
4π
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) - pron:

”vee-s-uh-are”
The ratio of voltage minimum on the line over the voltage maximum is called
the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) or just Standing Wave Ratio (SWR).
Ṽ (z)max
SW R =
Ṽ (z)min
1 + |ΓL |
SW R = (167)
1 − |ΓL |
Note that the SWR is always equal or greater than 1.
85
Example Transmission Line Problem
4.10 Example Transmission Line Problem
Example 17. A transmitter operated at 20MHz, Vg=100V with Zg = 50Ω

internal impedance is connected to an antenna load through l=6.33m of the line.
The line is a lossless Z0 = 50Ω, β = 0.595rad/m. The antenna impedance at
20MHz measures ZL = 36 + j20Ω. Set the beginning of the z-axis at the load,
as shown in Figure 39.
(a) What is the electrical length of the line?

(b) What is the input impedance of the line Zin ?
(c) What is the forward going voltage at the load Ṽ0+ ?
(d) Find the expression for forward voltage anywhere on the line.
(e) Find the expression for reflected voltage anywhere on the line.
(f) Find the total voltage anywhere on the line.
(g) Find the expression for forward current anywhere on the line.
(h) Find the expression for reflected current anywhere on the line.
(i) Find the total current anywhere on the line.
(j) Instead of the antenna, a load impedance Zl = 50Ω is connected to this 50
Ohm line. How will that change the equations above?
Explanation. The equations for the voltage and current anywhere (any z) on
a transmission line are
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ (e−jβz − |Γ|ejβz+Θr ) (168)

Ṽ0+
I(z) = (e−jβz − Γejβz ) (169)
Z0
86
Example Transmission Line Problem
We are given phase constant β, and we have to find the other unknowns: phasor
of voltage at the load Ṽ0+ , and the reflection coefficient Γ.
Since we know the load impedance ZL , and the transmission-line impedance Z0 ,
we can find the reflection coefficient Γ using Equation 170.
ZL − Z0 o
Γ= = 0.279 ej112 = 0.279 ej1.95 rad (170)
ZL + Z0
To find the input impedance of the line, we use the equation
ZL + jZ0 tan βl
Zin = Z0 = 70.8 + j27.1Ω (171)
Z0 + jZL tan βl
We can use one of the following two equations to find the forward going voltage
at the load:
Ṽg Zin 1
Ṽ0+ = (172)
Zg + Zin ejβl + Γe−jβl
Z0
Ṽ0+ = Vg e−jβl (173)
Z0 (1 + Γin ) + Zg (1 − Γin )
Because the generator’s impedance is equal to the transmission line impedance,

we will use the second equation. When Zg = Z0 we see that the denominator
simplifies into Z0 (1 + Γin ) + Zg (1 − Γin ) = Z0 (1 + Γin + 1 − Γin ) and we can
Vg −jβl
further simplify the fraction to get the final value of Ṽ0+ = e . Since
2
2π
βl = 0.6λ, the forward going voltage at the load is Ṽ0+ = 50 e−j1.2π =
λ o
50 e−j3.768 = 50 e−j216 .
The equations of the voltage and current anywhere on the line are therefore
Ṽ (z) = 50e−j3.768 (e−j0.595z − 0.279ej0.595z+1.95 ) (174)

−j3.768 −j0.595z j0.595z+1.95
I(z) = e (e − 0.279e ) (175)
Suppose we replace the antenna with another load of impedance 50Ω. In that
case, the reflection coefficient from the load will be zero, and the reflected voltages
will disappear, so the voltage and current will be equal to the forward-going
voltage on the transmission line.
Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−jβz (176)

Ṽ0+ −jβz
I(z) = e (177)
Z0
87

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Waves on Transmission Lines

4 Waves on Transmission Lines

After completing this section, students should be able to do the following.

• Name several transmission lines.

• Evaluate whether the transmission line theory or circuit theory has to be

• Derive the voltage on a transmission line from a consideration of a time-

• Explain parts of propagation constant and what they represent.

• Calculate the phase and attenuation constant for specific transmission

• Describe how signal flows on a transmission line

• Recognize and explain transmission line equivalent circuit model

• Describe forward and reflected wave on a transmission line.

• Sketch forward and reflected wave as a function of distance, and explain

• Describe what wavelength represents on a graph of a wave vs. distance

• Explain how the wavelength is similar and different to waves period?

• Relate reflection coefficient to impedance.

• Derive and calculate the input impedance of a transmission line

4.1 Types of Transmission Lines

Types of transmission lines

(a) Coaxial Cable, Figure 19

(b) Microstrip, Figure 20

(c) Stripline, Figure 21

(d) Coplanar Waveguide, Figure 22

(e) Two-wire line, Figure 23

(f) Parallel Plate Waveguide, Figure 24

(g) Rectangular Waveguide, Figure 25

(h) Optical fiber, Figure 26

Figure 19: Coaxial Cable

Figure 20: Microstrip

Figure 21: Stripline.

Figure 22: Coplanar Waveguide.

Figure 23: Two-wire line.

Figure 24: Parallel-Plate Waveguide.

Propagation modes on a transmission line

Figure 25: Rectangular Waveguide.

Figure 26: Optical Fiber.

(a) Transversal Electro-Magnetic Field (TEM). Electric (E), and Magnetic

Transmission lines we will discuss in this course carry TEM fields.

4.2 Wave Equation

Wave equation on a transmission line

(a) Look at an infinitesimal length of a transmission line ∆z.

Look at a small piece of a transmission line and represented it with an equivalent

i(z, t) = i(z + ∆z) + iCG (z + ∆z, t)

Figure 27: Coaxial cable is cut in short pieces.

Figure 28: Equivalent circuit of a section of transmission line.

Figure 29: Equivalent circuit of transmission line.

We just derived Telegrapher’s equations in time-domain:

v(z, t) = Re{Ṽ (z)ejωt }

Rearange the previous equations:

where α is the attenuation constant and β is the phase constant.

We can now write wave equations as:

Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−γz + Ṽ0− eγz

4.3 Visualization of waves on lossless transmission

Ṽ (z) = Ṽ0+ e−γz + Ṽ0− eγz

v(t) = Re{(Ṽ0+ e(−α−jβ)z + Ṽ0− e(α+jβ)z )ejωt }

vf (t) = |Ṽ0+ |e−αz cos(ωt − βz + ∠Ṽ0+ ) (100)

Explanation. Figure 30 shows forward and reflected waves on a transmission

Question 13 In the following simulation, we have three waves as a function

Geogebra link: https: // tube. geogebra. org/ m/ x5q7p7jx

4.4 Propagation constant and loss

Lossless transmission line