TLW Unit5
TLW Unit5
• Test Setup
• Use a VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) for frequency domain measurements (S-parameters).
• Use a TDR oscilloscope for time domain impedance profile.
• Apply proper connectors and calibration (SOLT or TRL calibration standards).
• b. De-embedding
• If probes or fixtures are used, de-embedding might be necessary to remove their influence.
Measurement: Frequency Domain Analysis
•𝑍
• Translate the TDR trace to impedance using:
Interpret Results
Parameter Acceptable Range Indicates
• Radiation Losses
• Microstrip lines are not fully enclosed; they radiate electromagnetic energy.
• This becomes significant at higher frequencies (GHz range), causing signal degradation and EMI.
• 2. Dispersion
• Microstrip lines support quasi-TEM modes, which are not perfectly non-dispersive.
• Phase velocity changes with frequency, leading to distortion in broadband signals.
• 3. Losses at High Frequencies
• Dielectric and conductor losses increase with frequency.
• Skin effect and surface roughness of conductors worsen signal attenuation.
contd.
• Impedance Discontinuities
• Discontinuities at bends, junctions, or component interfaces cause reflections and signal integrity issues.
• Vias and connectors introduce parasitic inductance/capacitance.
• 5. Environmental Sensitivity
• Changes in temperature and humidity can alter dielectric properties, affecting impedance and delay.
• 6. Limited Power Handling
• Due to small cross-sectional area and open structure, microstrip lines can't handle high RF power as well
as coaxial or waveguide systems.
• 7. Cross-talk and Coupling
• In high-density designs, adjacent microstrip lines can couple, causing interference.
• Requires careful spacing and shielding.
Applications and Advantages of Microstrip
Lines in Microwave Engineering
• Microstrip lines are widely used due to their planar structure, ease of integration, and compatibility with PCB
fabrication.
• 1. Microwave Integrated Circuits (MICs)
• Microstrip lines are used as interconnects and passive elements (e.g., filters, couplers).
• Example: Microstrip low-pass filters in radar front-ends.
• 2. Antennas
• Microstrip patch antennas are popular due to their low profile, lightweight, and ease of fabrication.
• Example: GPS, mobile phone antennas, satellite communication systems.
• 3. Impedance Matching Networks
• Used to match RF sources to loads.
• Microstrip stubs, quarter-wave transformers are common tools.
• 4. Couplers and Power Dividers
• Microstrip lines implement directional couplers (e.g., Lange coupler) and Wilkinson power dividers.
• Example: Used in phased array radar for signal distribution.
• 5. Oscillators and Mixers
• Transmission line resonators based on microstrip lines are used in local oscillators.Example: PLL-based frequency synthesizers.
• 6. RF Filters
• Chebyshev and Butterworth bandpass filters can be realized using microstrip structures.
Advantage Description
A circular waveguide has an internal diameter of 6 cm. For a 9 GHz signal propagated
init in the TE 11 mode, calculate cut-off frequency and characteristic impedance. [(ha
11 )’ = 1.84)]
A lossless air dielectric cylinderical waveguide whose inner diameter is 10 mm, and
f=1.3fc for TM01 mode. Find fc, guided wavelength, ZTM, phase velocity and group
velocity.
Given a circular waveguide used for a signal at afrequncy of 11GHz propagated in the
TE01 mode and the internal diameter is 4.5cm. determine (i) Cut-offwavelength (ii)
Guide wavelength (iii) group velocity (iv) Phase velocity (v) characteristic impedance
A Cylindrical copper tube of inside diameter 3cm is air filled. Calculate the cut off
frequencies in the TE10, TM10, TE11 and TM11 modes