Impedance Matching

& Smith Chart

Microwave Engineering
EE 172
Dr. Ray Kwok
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Why match?
Z − Zo
Γ= Minimize reflection, maximize transmission
Z + Zo

Zo l ZL
If ZL = Zo, line length is not important.

Zg

Vg
Zin If Zin = Zg, max power to the load.

Goal: to design matching networks so all Z’s are the same = 50Ω

Zin = 50Ω
matching
ZL
network
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Technician tuning even for 50Ω designs

input 50 Ω

50 Ω

50 Ω

50 Ω

50 Ω

output 50 Ω
Think of a block of cracked glass…
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok
Length = ?
Stub tuning ? Zin = 50Ω
C 50Ω ZL
Short piece of open stub → capacitor

e.g. ZL = 50 − j 10 Ω Y1 want Y1 = Yo - jB

ZL = 1 − j0.2 t = 0.0574 = tan βl

1 βl = 0.0573
YL = = 0.9615 + j0.1923
ZL λ
l = 0.0573 = 0.009λ
YL + j tan β l 2π
Y1 =
1 + jYL tan β l − B = 0.04 / t − 0.2 = 0.497
0.9615 + j0.1923 + jt 0.9615 + j( t + 0.1923) B = BYo = −0.497 / 50 = −0.01
1 − jB = =
1 + j(0.9615 + j0.1923) t (1 − 0.1923t ) + j0.9615t need inductor !!!!
B<0
(1 − 0.1923t ) + j0.9615t − j B(1 + 0.1923t ) + 0.9615t B = 0.9615 + j( t + 0.1923)
(1 − 0.1923t ) + 0.9615t B = 0.9615 real
t = 0.671 = tan βl
0.0385 − 0.1923t 0.04 − 0.2t
−B= = βl = 0.591
0.9615t t
0.9615t − B(1 + 0.1923t ) = t + 0.1923 imaginary λ
l = 0.591 = 0.094λ
t − 0.7692 0.04 − 0.2 t 2π
−B= =
1 + 0.1923t t − B = 0.04 / t − 0.2 = −0.140
2 2
t − 0.7692t = −0.0385t − 0.0123t + 0.04 B = BYo = 0.140 / 50 = 0.0028
0 = t 2 − 0.7288t − 0.0385 0.0028
t = 0.0574 or 0.671 C=
ω
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Matching methods

Stub tuning doesn’t always work

Many other ways to match

Lumped elements

Transmission lines

Stubs (open, short, series, shunt)

Single Stub

Double Stubs

Quarter-wave transformer

Many combinations

Can’t just blindly optimize

Need Smith Chart
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok
v
Smith
Chart

A chart of Γ

Γ=u+jv
u
relate to Z or Y

ρ=1
max reflection circle
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Constant Resistance Circles

Z −1
Γ= If R = 0, u2 + v2 =1
Z +1
1 + Γ 1 + u + jv (1 − u ) + jv v
Z= = ⋅
1 − Γ 1 − u − jv (1 − u ) + jv
(1 − u 2 − v 2 ) + j2 v
R + jX = R & X are normalized
(1 − u ) 2 + v 2
R (1 − 2u + u 2 + v 2 ) = 1 −u 2 − v 2 real R=1
u
2 2
u (R + 1) − 2Ru + (R − 1) + v (R + 1) = 0
 2R 
2 R −1 2 R=0
u − u + +v =0
 R + 1  R + 1
2 2
 R   R  R −1 2 If R = 1, (u - ½)2 + v2 = (½)2
u −  −  + +v =0
 R +1  R +1 R +1
2 2 Family of Constant
 R  2  1 
u −  +v =  circle for each R
Resistance Circles
 R +1  R +1
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Constant Reactance Circles

(1 − u 2 − v 2 ) + j2v
R + jX =
(1 − u ) 2 + v 2
[
X (1 − u ) 2 + v 2 = 2v ] v
X=1

2v imaginary X=2
(u − 1) 2 + v 2 =
X
2 2
 1 1
(u − 1) 2 +  v −  =   circle for
 X X each X
u

If X = 1, (u-1)2 + (v-1)2 =1
ρ = 1 circle X=-2
If X = 2, (u - 1)2 + (v – ½)2 = (½)2

X=-1
Family of Constant Reactance Circles
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok
v
Constant VSWR
Circles
Not shown in Smith Chart
Γ = ρe jθ
ρ
θ
0<ρ<1 u

ρ=1
max reflection circle

Any point on Smith Chart

has a definite Z and Γ
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Locate Z X = 0.5
circle

e.g. ZL = 50 + j 25 Ω

ZL
50Ω ZL R=1
circle

ALWAYS
NORMALIZE
FIRST

ZL = 1 + j0.5
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Read off ρ ρ
and VSWR

VSWR =1.6

ρ = |Γ
Γ| =0.24
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

76o

Phase of Γ

Γ = 0.24 (76o)
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Move along Starting phase

0.145λ
Transmission 0.145 +0.1
= 0.245λ

Line clockwise

e.g. ZL = 50 + j 25 Ω ending phase

ZL 0.1λ along
the Constant
0.245λ
0.1λ VSWR Circle

Zin 50Ω ZL

Zin(1.65, 0.1)
All 50 Ω, constant ρ 4o

Zin = 50(1.65 + j 0.1) Ω

Γin = 0.24 (4o)

Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Quarter- Starting phase

0.145λ
Wave 0.145 +0.25
= 0.395λ
e.g. ZL = 50 + j 25 Ω
λ/4
ZL 0.25λ along
the Constant clockwise
50Ω ZL
VSWR Circle

Zin
Zin = 50(0.8 - j 0.4) Ω

Zo = Zin Z L Zin(0.8,-0.4)

1 = Zin ZL
1
Zin = = YL
ZL
ending phase
YL = 0.02(0.8 – j 0.4) Ω-1 0.395λ

Convert Z ↔ Y easily !!
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Series
Connections ser-L

Z xline
Use Z
ser-R
Add series L (clockwise) ser-C

Add series C (counter-clockwise)

Add series R (inward)

Add transmission line

Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Parallel
Connections shunt C

Y xline
Use Y
shunt R
Add shunt C (clockwise)
shunt L
Add shunt L (counter-clockwise)

Add shunt R (inward)

Add transmission line

Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Move along X = 0.5

circle

the 3 circles
e.g. ZL = 50 + j 25 Ω

ZL
50Ω ZL R=1
circle

ALWAYS
NORMALIZE
FIRST

ZL = 1 + j0.5
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Exercise
e.g. ZL = 20 - j 25 Ω
f = 159 MHz (ω = 109) Z3 0.192λ
Find Zin, Γin, VSWR.
10nH Z2 YL Y1

20Ω 50Ω, λ/8 ZL 164o

Zin
20pF
(0.28,0.13)

ZL = 0.4 − j0.5 Yin

B = ωC/Yo = 0.02Zo= 1
ZL
X = ωL/Zo = 10/Zo= 0.2
Y2
G = G/Yo = Zo/R= 50/20 = 2.5
Y3
Zin = 50(0.28+j0.13) = 14 + j7 Ω +0.125λ

0.317λ
Γin = 0.57 (164o) SWR=7

VSWR = 7 at Y1 junction !!

ρ=0.57
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Color
Smith Constant B circles Constant X circles

(Z – Y)
Chart +jX

Instead of flipping Z ↔ Y
flip the chart !!!

Red – impedance
Blue – admittance
Constant G circles
Top half : X > 0, B < 0 !! Constant R circles

+jB
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Exercise
e.g. ZL = 20 - j25 Ω 0.068λ
f = 159 MHz (ω = 109) Z3
+0.125λ
Find Zin, Γin, VSWR.
10nH Z2

20Ω 50Ω, λ/8 ZL 164o

Zin
20pF
(0.28,0.13)
ZL = 0.4 − j0.5

B = ωC/Yo = 0.02Zo= 1
ZL
X = ωL/Zo = 10/Zo= 0.2 Z1
G = G/Yo = Zo/R= 50/20 = 2.5
0.443λ

Zin = 50(0.28+j0.13) = 14 + j7 Ω

Γin = 0.57 (164o)

SWR=7 ρ=0.57
VSWR = 7 at Y1 junction !!
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Microwave Office (AWR)

TLIN
ID=TL1
PORT IND Z0=50 Ohm LOAD
P=1 ID=L1 EL=45 Deg ID=Z1
Z=50 Ohm L=10 nH F0=0.159 GHz Z=20-i*25 Ohm

RES CAP
ID=R1 ID=C1 Graph 1
C=20 pF Swp Max

1.0
R=20 Ohm

0 .8
0.159GHz

6
0.

0
2.
4
0.
0
3.

0
4.
5 .0
0. 2

1 0. 0

One-port impedance

10.0
0.8

2.0

3.0

5.0
0.2

0.4

0.6

1.0

4.0
0
Freq ReZ11 ImZ11
- 10 .0

0.159 0.27375 0.13908 -0 .

2
0
- 5.
.0
-4

Reflection coefficient -0
.4
-3
.0

Z[1,1]

.0
Freq MagS11 AngS11

-2
.6
Smith Chart Example
-0

- 0. 8
Swp Min

-1.0
S[1,1]
0.159 0.5771 162.93 Smith Chart Example 0.159GHz
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Vmax & Vmin

Zg=100Ω 80-j40Ω

100Ω, 1.5λ

Vg=10V

0.356λ
λ to Vmax

θ=π θ=0
Vmin Vmax

ZL

0.106λ
λ to Vmin

0.394λ
λ
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

To what we match?
Vg Zg=Rg + jXg

Zin Zo l ZL

Case 1: match ZL = Zo = real → ΓL = 0, VSWR = 1 on the line

2 2
1 2 1 Vg 1 Vg Zo
PLoad = PLine = I Zo = Zo =
2 2 Z total 2 (Zo + R g )2 + X g2
Zg
Case 2: match Zin = Zg → Γin = 0, VSWR > 1
2 2 Vg
Vg R g Zin
1 2 1 1 Vg R g
PLoad = Ploss − in = I R in = =
2 (
2 (2R g )2 + (2X g )2 2 4 R 2g + X 2g )
Case 3: match Zin = Z*g → Xin = -Xg conjugate matching
2 2
1 Vg R g 1 Vg
PLoad == = = max power available
2 4R g2 8 Rg

Ideally, match all Zo = Zg = ZL = real, then all 3 PLoad are the same = Pmax.
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

2-element
matching
2 equations, 2 unknowns (Re, Im) ZL

Zin = 50Ω
matching
ZL
network

Single frequency matching

Bring ZL to center of chart → Zo

Many choices
First element → to the “1” circles
G=1 R=1
Choices:
• lumped elements
• transmission line (single, multiple)
• stubs (single, double)
• λ/4
• multiple sections
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Lumped
Elements
jX = -j0.52 = -j/ωCZo ZL (0.4, 1)
YL (0.34, -0.87)
ZL =0.4+j1
Z (1, 1.4)
jB = +j1.24 = jZoωC Z (0.4, 0.48) Y (0.34, -0.48)
Y (1, -1.24)
jX = -j1.48 = -j/ωCZo

ZL =0.4+j1

jB = -j1.24 = -jZo/ωL

jX = -j1.4 = -j/ωCZo Z (0.4, -0.48)

Y (1, 1.24)
ZL =0.4+j1
G=1 R=1
Z (1, -1.4)
jB = +j0.39 = jZoωC Y (0.34, 0.48)

jX = j1.4 = jωL/Zo

ZL =0.4+j1

jB = +j1.35 = jZoωC

If ZL is inside the R=1 circle, If ZL is inside the G=1 circle,

first element cannot be in series first element cannot be shunt
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Using Stubs
One way, simply replace lumped elements with stubs

Zsh = jZo tan β l ZL (0.4, 1)

YL (0.34, -0.87)
Zop = − jZo cot βl Zo can be
Ysh = − jYo cot βl anything here Z (1, 1.4)
Y (0.34, -0.48)
Yop = jYo tan β l

open series stub

jX = -j1.48 = -jcotβl

ZL =0.4+j1
previous example

short shunt stub

jB = -j1.24 = -jcotβl Z (0.4, -0.48)
Y (1, 1.24)
open series stub
jX = -j1.4 = -jcotβl

ZL =0.4+j1

open shunt stub

jB = +j0.39 = jtanβl
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Transmission 0.130λ
λ

Line Matching
ZL (0.4, 1) 0.185λ
λ
usually requires 1 more element YL (0.34, -0.87)

Z (1, 1.85)
jX = -j1.85 = -j/ωCZo
previous example
0.055λ

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1

Y (1, 1.9)
0.305λ

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1

short shunt stub 0.435λ

λ
jB = -j1.9 = -jcotβl
 Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok
Length = ?
Stub tuning ? Zin = 50Ω
C 50Ω ZL
Short piece of open stub → shunt C
e.g. ZL = 50 − j 10 Ω Y1 want Y1 = Yo - jB

ZL = 1 − j0.2 0.0385
1
t=
YL = = 0.9615 + j0.1923 0.1923 − 0.9615(0.200)
ZL t = tan βl = 6845
YL + j tan β l π
Y1 = βl ≈
1 + jYL tan β l 2
0.9615 + j0.1923 + jt 0.9615 + j( t + 0.1923) λ
1 − jB = = l=
1 + j(0.9615 + j0.1923) t (1 − 0.1923t ) + j0.9615t 4
(1 − 0.1923t ) + j0.9615t − jB(1 − 0.1923t ) + 0.9615t B = 0.9615 + j( t + 0.1923) B = BYo = 0.200 / 50 = 0.004
(1 − 0.1923t ) + 0.9615t B = 0.9615 real 0.004
C=
0.0385 ω
t=
0.1923 − 0.9615 B
0.9615t − B(1 − 0.1923t ) = t + 0.1923 imaginary
0.1923 + B 0.0385
t= =
0.1923B − 0.0385 0.1923 − 0.9615 B Quadratic equations
0.03698 + 0.0074 B − 0.9615 B 2 = 0.0074 B − 0.00148
possible 2 solutions
0.9615 B 2 = 0.03846
B = 0.200
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Single transmission line matching

match with just 1 lossless transmission line? Yes, change Zo & length
In previous example
Zin = 50 Ω ZC ZL
ZL = 50(0.4+j1) = 20 + j50
solve for Z
R(50 − R) = 600 < X2
50X 2
(
50R − Z = 2
)
(50 − R )
Cannot tune match with
 Z + jZc tan βl  just one line !!!
Zin = Zc  L  50X 2
Z
 c + jZ L tan β l 
2
Z = 50R −
(50 − R ) If ZL = 25 + j20 Ω,
 R + jX + jZt  Z = Zc
50 = Z  50X 2 ZL = 0.5 + j0.4 normalized to 50 Ω
 Z + j(R + jX )t 
t = tanβl 50R >
(50 − R ) R <1 
50( Z + jRt − Xt ) = Z( R + jX + jZt) 0.5 < 1
 0.25 > (0.4)2
50 Z − 50Xt = ZR (real) conditions R (1 − R ) > X 2 
conditions ok
50Rt = Z(X + Zt) (imaginary) R < 50
Z(50 − R ) ZX R (50 − R ) > X 2 2 X2 0.4 2
t= = Z =R− = 0.5 −
50X (
50R − Z2 ) c
(1 − R ) (1 − 0.5)
Z ≠ 50R ?? 50X 2 Z c = 0.424
2
Z = 50R −
c Z c (1 − R ) 0.424(1 − 0.5)
ok…. that means Zc is real, and (50 − R ) tan βl = = = 0.53
transmission line is a λ/4 transformer. Z (50 − R ) X 0.4
tan β l = c λ
50X l = (0.488) = 0.0776λ
2π
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

In Smith 0.172λ

Chart ? 0.172 +0.078

= 0.250λ

Last example
clockwise
ZL = 25 + j20 Ω
Zo = 21.2 Ω
Length = 0.078λ ZL (1.19, 0.94)
Zin = 50 Ω

ZL = ZL/Zo = 1.19 + j0.94

Zin(2.35, 0) 0.250λ
Zin = 50/21.2 = 2.356
0.078λ
λ

Zin = 50Ω 21.2 Ω ZL

Matching doesn’t necessary

means center of the chart !!
Depends on Z of the line & system.
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Single Stub Tuning 0.130λ

λ

refers to sliding a stub (any kind) 0.064λ

λ
along a transmission line. ZL (0.4, 1)
YL (0.34, -0.87)
In practice, usually shunt stubs,
short stub for waveguides, Y (1, -1.9)
open stub for microstrip.

previous example
0.305λ

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1

short shunt stub

jB = -j1.9 = -jcotβl
Y (1, 1.9)

0.434λ

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1
0.435λ
λ
open shunt stub
jB = j1.9 = jtanβl
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Any Stub 0.130λ

λ

tanβl can be “+” or “-” 0.064λ

λ
ZL (0.4, 1)
can use any type depends on realization. YL (0.34, -0.87)
e.g. use shunt open stub only…
Y (1, -1.9)
previous example
0.305λ

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1

open shunt stub

jB = - j1.9 = jtanβl
βl = -1.086 + π = 2.055
length = 0.327λ > λ/4

Y (1, 1.9)
0.434λ

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1

open shunt stub 0.435λ

λ
jB = j1.9 = jtanβl
βl = 1.086
length = 0.173λ
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Double-Stub Tuning
• Preferable because it’s not sensitive to the initial line length.
• Useful in tuning (especially in waveguide) with variable load.
• 2 adjustable stubs connected to a fixed-length transmission line.
• In principle, can use any series or shunt stubs.
• In practice, mostly shunt short stubs for waveguide.
• Impedance of the stubs are arbitrary, and they don’t have to be the same.
• Impedance of the connecting line doesn’t have to be Zo of the system.
• 2 parameters to tune: d1 & d2

fixed L

Zo ZL

Z2 Z1
ad
ad

ju
ju

s
s

ta
ta

bl
bl

e
e

d1
d2
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Double Stub Tuning

e.g. 2 shunt short stubs (50Ω)
separated by a 50Ω line of 0.2λ
ZL(0.4,1)
0.2λ YL(0.34,-0.87)

50 Ω ZL =0.4+j1
50 50
Ω Ω Y (0.34,-0.2)

d2 d1
-cotβd2 = −1.22
βd2 = 0.687 -cotβd1 = +0.67
d2 = 0.109λ βd1 = -0.98 +π = 2.16 0.5λ
λ
d1 = 0.344λ

• rotate the 1-circle by line length

• adjust d1 along constant-G circle Y (1,1.22)
• stop at the rotated blue-circle
• xline will bring it to the green circle – 0.2λ
λ
• adjust d2 along the green circle to Zo 0.3λ
λ
• not for all ZL !! Forbidden zone.
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Quarter-Wave Transformer
• Zc2 = ZoZ1
• Transformer real-to-real, complex-to-complex impedance.
• Usually needs one more element to match (before λ/4)
(lumped elements, stubs or transmission line).
• normalized to Zo,

Zc = Z1

λ/4

matching
Zo Zc Z1 ZL
element
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

e.g. Quarter-Wave
e.g. shunt stub (100Ω) then λ/4
ZL = 20 + j 50 Ω
ZL(0.4,1)
λ/4 YL(0.34, -0.87)

50 Ω Zc ZL =0.4+j1
10
0Ω
d

(1/100) tanβd= (0.87)(1/50)

βd = 1.05 Z (3.1,0)
d = 0.167λ Y(0.34,0)

• move Z to the real axis

• normalized Zc = √Z = √3.1; Zc = 1.76
• Zc = 50(1.76) = 88 Ω
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Advanced Impedance Matching

So far….
• single frequency
• 1-port network

Need:
• wideband matching – multiple sections
• multi-ports (simultaneously tuned)
require knowledge of multi-port network analysis
Impedance Matching - Dr. Ray Kwok

Homework
Smith Chart Exercise
Matching Exercise
Double Stub Exercise