Microwave Engineering

Chapter Two: Microwave Network Analysis

Dr. Ghaith Mansour

1
2.1 Impedance Matrices

The impedance parameters relate the total voltages and currents at various ports of the
microwave network.

For the two port network shown in Figure 2.1. The impedance parameters are given by

𝑉1 = 𝑍11 𝐼1 + 𝑍12 𝐼2 (2.1)

𝑉2 = 𝑍21 𝐼1 + 𝑍22 𝐼2 (2.2)

Where

𝑉1
𝑍11 = |𝐼 = 0
𝐼1 2

𝑉2
𝑍21 = |𝐼 = 0
𝐼1 2

𝑉1
𝑍12 = |𝐼 = 0
𝐼2 1

𝑉2
𝑍22 = |𝐼 = 0
𝐼2 1

or in matrix form,

𝑉1 𝑍11 𝑍12 𝐼1 𝐼2
[ ]= [ ] [ ] (2.3)
𝑉2 𝑍21 𝑍22 𝐼1 𝐼2

Figure 2.1: A two-port microwave network

 For a lossless network, the Z matrix is purely imaginary

 For a reciprocal network, the Z matrix is symmetrical, that is, Zij = Zji.
 For nxn admittance matrix, any specific element in the matrix Zij is found as

2
 𝑉𝑖
𝑍𝑖𝑗 = |
𝐼𝑗 𝐼
𝑘 =0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘≠𝑗

Example 2.1

Find the Z matrix for the circuit shown in the Figure 2.2

Figure 2.2: An illustration of Example 2.1

Solution

The port voltages and currents are defined as shown in Figure 2.4. The Z parameters are
found as following:

𝑉1
𝑍11 = | = 𝑍𝐴 + 𝑍𝐶
𝐼1 𝐼2 =0

𝑉2
𝑍21 = | = 𝑍𝐶
𝐼1 𝐼2 =0

𝑉2
𝑍22 = | = 𝑍𝐵 + 𝑍𝐶
𝐼2 𝐼1 =0

and

𝑉1
𝑍12 = | = 𝑍𝐶
𝐼2 𝐼1 =0

Thus, the [Z] matrix describing the two-port network is given by

𝑍𝐴 + 𝑍𝐶 𝑍𝐶
[𝑍 ] = [ ]
𝑍𝐶 𝑍𝐵 + 𝑍𝐶

3
 Figure 2.3: Defining voltages and currents for the two port network

2.2 Admittance Matrices

The admittance parameters are used to relate voltages and currents at various ports of the
microwave network.

For two-port network, the admittance parameters are given by

𝐼1 = 𝑌11 𝑉1 + 𝑌12 𝑉2 (2.4)

𝐼2 = 𝑌21 𝑉1 + 𝑌22 𝑉2 (2.5)

Where

𝐼1
𝑌11 = |𝑉 = 0
𝑉1 2

𝐼2
𝑌21 = |𝑉 = 0
𝑉1 2

𝐼1
𝑌12 = |𝑉 = 0
𝑉2 1

𝐼2
𝑌22 = |𝑉 = 0
𝑉2 1

or in matrix form,

𝐼1 𝑌11 𝑌12 𝑉1 𝑉2
[ ]= [ ] [ ] (2.6)
𝐼2 𝑌21 𝑌22 𝑉1 𝑉2

4
 Figure 2.4: A two-port microwave network

 For a lossless network, the Y matrix is purely imaginary

 For a reciprocal network, the Y matrix is symmetrical, that is, Y ij = Yji, the transpose
of the matrix yields the matrix itself.
 For nxn admittance matrix, any specific element in the matrix Yij is found as
𝐼𝑖
𝑌𝑖𝑗 = |
𝑉𝑗
𝑉𝑘 =0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘≠𝑗

Example 2.2

Find the Y matrix for the two-port microwave network shown in the Figure 2.5.

8Ω

8Ω 8Ω

Figure 2.5: Example 2.2

solution

5
 (a)

(b)

(c)
Figure 2.6: Defining voltages and currents
(a) finding Y11 and Y21, (c) finding Y12 and Y22

𝑉1 = 𝐼1 (8//8) = 4𝐼1

𝐼1
𝑌11 = | = 0.25 𝑌22
𝑉1 𝑉2 =0

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 𝐼2 = −0.5𝐼1 ==> 𝐼1 = −2𝐼2

𝑉1 = 4𝐼1 = −8𝐼2

𝐼2 −1
𝑌21 = | = = 𝑌12
𝑉1 𝑉2 =0 8

1 −1
4 8
[𝑌] = [−1 1]
8 4

2.3 The Scattering Matrix

The scattering matrix provides a complete description of the microwave networks. The
scattering matrix relates the voltage waves incident on the ports (V+1, V+2, ... V+n) to the
voltage waves reflected from the ports (V-1, V-2, ...., V-n). The scattering parameters can be
measured using the vector network analyzer.

For two-port microwave network, the scattering parameters are defined as

𝑆11 𝑉1+ + 𝑆12 𝑉2+ = 𝑉1− (2.7)

𝑆21 𝑉1+ + 𝑆22 𝑉2+ = 𝑉2− (2.8)

or in matrix form

𝑆11 𝑆12 𝑉1+ 𝑉1−

[ ] [ + ] = [ −]
𝑆21 𝑆22 𝑉2 𝑉2

where

𝑉1− +
𝑆11 = + | 𝑉2 = 0
𝑉1

𝑉2− +
𝑆21 = + | 𝑉2 = 0
𝑉1

𝑉2− +
𝑆22 = + | 𝑉2 = 0
𝑉2

𝑉1− +
𝑆12 = + | 𝑉2 = 0
𝑉2

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  For reciprocal network, Sij = Sji. In other words, the transpose of the network yields
the network itself.
 For lossless network, the dot product of a column by its conjugate is equal to 1.
𝑛
∗
∑ 𝑆𝑘𝑖 𝑆𝑘𝑖 =1 (2.9)
𝐾=1

 Also, the dot product of a column by the conjugate of another column is equal to 0.
𝑛
∗
∑ 𝑆𝑘𝑖 𝑆𝑘𝑗 = 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖 ≠ 𝑗 (2.10)
𝐾=1

Example 2.3

Derive the scattering matrix for a lossless transmission line shown below, relative to a system
of impedance Z0.

Figure 2.7: The evaluation of the s parameters for a piece of transmission line.

Solution

To obtain S11, we apply an incident voltage at port 1 (𝑉1+ ) and measure the reflected voltage
at port 1 (𝑉1− ), port 2 must be terminated in a matched load (ZL= Z0). S11 is the ratio between
the reflected voltage and the incident voltage (𝑉1− /𝑉1+ ). Since ZL= Z0, there is no reflection
(complete match) and 𝑉1− = 0. Thus, S11 = 0.

𝑉1−
𝑆11 = |
𝑉1+ 𝑉 +=0 (𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑)
2

0
𝑆11 = =0
𝑉1+

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 Figure 2.8: Finding the S parameters for a piece of transmission line.

Alternatively,

The reflection coefficient at the load is given by:

𝑍𝐿 − 𝑍0
𝛤𝐿 = =0
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑍0

Since the magnitude of the reflection coefficient is constant along the line, that is,

|𝛤𝑖𝑛 | = |𝛤𝐿 | = 0

and, S11 = Γin = 0.

To obtain S21, we have

𝑉2−
𝑆21 = +|
𝑉1 𝑉 +=0 (𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑)
2

The voltage along the line is given by

𝑉(𝑧) = 𝑉 + 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝑧

The reflected component is absent because the line is terminated in a matched load.

The voltage at the input (Z= -L) is given by

𝑉𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉 (−𝐿) = 𝑉 + 𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝐿 = 𝑉1+

The voltage at the load (Z= 0) is given by

𝑉𝐿 = 𝑉 (0) = 𝑉 + = 𝑉2−

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 𝑉2− 𝑉+
𝑆21 = = = 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝑙
𝑉1+ 𝑉 + 𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝑙

By symmetry, S21 = S12 and S11 = S22.

Thus, the S matrix representing the transmission line is given by

0 𝑒 −𝛽𝑙
[𝑆] = [ −𝛽𝑙 ]
𝑒 0

Example 2.4

A two-port network has the following scattering matrix

0.15⌊0° 0.85⌊−45°
[𝑆] = [ ]
0.85⌊45° 0.2⌊0°

Determine if the network is reciprocal, and lossless.

solution

Since S21 ≠ S12, the network is not reciprocal (symmetrical).

For a lossless network, the dot product of a column by its conjugate is equal to 1. Taking the
first column:

S11 S11* + S21 S21* = (0.15)2 + (0.85)2 = 0.745 ≠ 1. Thus, the network is not lossless.

Example 2.5

For a lossless reciprocal two-port network show that

(𝑆21 )2 = 1 − (𝑆11 )2

solution

Since the network is lossless, the dot product of a column by its conjugate is equal to 1.

Taking the first column, S11 S11* + S21 S21* = 1.

|𝑆11 |2 + |𝑆21 |2 = 1 𝑜𝑟 |𝑆21 |2 = 1 − |𝑆11 |2

10
2.4 Insertion Loss and Return Loss

Microwave power is sent into a transmission line and reaches a two-port microwave
component. This power is the forward power. A portion of this power is reflected back into
the line (reflected power) and another portion is transmitted into the component (transmitted
power).

Figure 2.9: Power reflection and transmission through two-port

microwave component.

The return loss (RL) is the ratio of the reflected power to the forward power, that is,

𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑟
𝑅𝐿 = =
𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑓

The insertion loss (IL) is the ratio of the transmitted power to the forward power, that is,

𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑡
𝐼𝐿 = =
𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑓

These two quantities completely describe the performance of a microwave component.

11
Relating the insertion and return losses to the scattering parameters

Figure 2.10: Relating the insertion and return losses to the S parameters.

The forward and reflected powers are given by

|𝑉1+ |2
𝑃𝑓 =
2𝑍0

|𝑉1− |2 |𝛤|2 |𝑉1+ |2 |𝑆11 |2 |𝑉1+ |2

𝑃𝑟 = = =
2𝑍0 2𝑍0 2𝑍0

and

𝑃𝑟 |𝑆11 |2 |𝑉1+ |2 2𝑍0

𝑅𝐿 = = = |𝑆11 |2 (2.11)
𝑃𝑓 2𝑍0 |𝑉1+ |2

RL (dB) = 10 log(S11)2 = 20 log(S11) dB.

The best case, S11 = 0 ===> RL = -∞ dB. This case is known as perfect matching.

The worst case, S11 = 1 ===> RL = 0 dB. This case is known as total mismatch.

The insertion loss is given by

𝑃𝑡 |𝑉2− | 2𝑍0
𝐼𝐿 = =
𝑃𝑓 2𝑍0 |𝑉1+ |2

|𝑆21 |2 |𝑉1+ |2 2𝑍0 2

=
| + |2 = |𝑆21 | (2.12)
2𝑍0 𝑉1

IL (dB) = 10 log(S21)2 = 20 log(S21) dB

With S21 = 1 ===> IL=1 = 0 dB (total transmission/pass-band)

With S21 = 0 ===> IL=0 = -∞ dB (no transmission/stop-band)

12
Example 2.6

A four-port microwave network has the scattering matrix shown below

(a) Is the network lossless?

(b) Is the network reciprocal?

(c) What is the return loss at port 1 when all ports are terminated in matched loads?

(d) What is the insertion loss and phase delay between ports 2 and 4, when all ports are
terminated in matched loads?

0.1⌊90° 0.8⌊−45° 0.3⌊−45° 0

[𝑆] =
0.8⌊−45° 0 0 0.4⌊45°
0.3⌊−45° 0 0 0.6⌊45°
[ 0 0.4⌊45° 0.6⌊−45° 0 ]

solution

(a) For a lossless network, the dot product of a column by its conjugate is equal to 1. By
taking the first column:

0.1⌊90° 0.1⌊−90° + 0.8⌊−45° 0.8⌊45° + 0.3⌊−45° 0.3⌊45° + 0 0

= (0.1)2 + (0.8)2 + (0.3)2 = 0.74 ≠ 1

Hence, the network is not lossless (i.e. the network is lossy).

(b) For reciprocal network, Sij = Sji. Since the condition is satisfied (S12 = S21, S13 = S31, S14 =
S41, S23 = S32, S24 = S42, ..etc), the network is reciprocal.

(c) The return loss at port 1

𝑅𝐿 = 20 log 𝑆11 = 20 log(0.1) = 20 𝑑𝐵

(d) The insertion loss between ports 2 and 4

𝐼𝐿 = 20 log 𝑆24 = 20 log(0.4) = 7.96 𝑑𝐵

13
2.5 The Transmission (ABCD) Parameters

The Y, Z, and S parameters can be used to characterize a microwave network with any
number of ports, but in practice many microwave networks consist of a cascade connection of
two or more two-port networks. In this case, it is convenient to define 2X2 transmission
network. We will see that the ABCD matrix of the cascade connection of two or more two-
port networks can be easily found by multiplying the ABCD matrices of the individual two-
ports.
𝑉1 = 𝐴𝑉2 + 𝐵𝐼2 (2.13𝑎)

𝐼1 = 𝐶𝑉2 + 𝐷𝐼2 (2.13𝑏)

Or in matrix form,

𝑉1 𝐴 𝐵 𝑉2
[ ]= [ ][ ]
𝐼1 𝐶 𝐷 𝐼2

(a)

(b)

Figure 2.11: (a) A two-port network; (b) a cascade connection of two-port networks.

14
Example 2.7

Find the ABCD parameters of a two-port network consisting of a series impedance (Z)
between ports 1 and 2.

Figure 2.12: A two-port network consisting of a series impedance.

solution

We have,

𝑉1 = 𝐴𝑉2 + 𝐵𝐼2

𝐼1 = 𝐶𝑉2 + 𝐷𝐼2

Where,

𝑉1
𝐴= | 𝐼 = 0 (𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 − 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑)
𝑉2 2

When port 2 is open-circuited, no current flows through the impedance Z and hence V2 = V1.
Thus, A = 1.

𝐼1
𝐶= | 𝐼 = 0 (𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 − 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑)
𝑉2 2

When port 2 is open-circuited, I1 = I2 = 0. Hence, C = 0.

𝑉1
𝐵= | 𝑉 = 0 (𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 − 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑)
𝐼2 2

When port 2 is short-circuited, a current flows in the impedance Z and I1 = I2. V1 = Z I2 and
Hence, B= V1/I2 = Z.

𝐼1
𝐷= | 𝑉 = 0 (𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 − 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑)
𝐼2 2

When port 2 is short-circuited, a current flows in the impedance Z and I1 = I2. Hence, D =
I1/I2 = 1.

𝐴𝐵 1𝑍
[ ]= [ ]
𝐶 𝐷 01
15
 (a)

(b)

(c)
Figure 2.13: (a) Defining port voltages and currents
(b) finding A and C; (b) finding B and D.

Example 2.7

Find the ABCD matrix for the two-port network shown in Figure 2.14.

16
 Figure 2.14: two-port network of example 2.7

solution

Finding the parameters A and C requires that I2= 0 (placing an open circuit at port 2 as shown
in Figure 2.15b).

𝑉1
𝐴= |
𝑉2 𝐼
2 =0

V1 = NV2, or A = V1/V2 = N.

𝐼1
𝐶= |
𝑉2 𝐼2 =0

I1 = I2/N = 0. Hence, C = I1/V2 = 0.

Finding the parameters B and D requires that I2= 0 (placing a short circuit at port 2 as shown
in Figure 2.15c).

𝑉1
𝐵= |
𝐼2 𝑉2 =0

V1 = NV2 = 0. Hence, B = V1/I2 = 0.

𝐼1
𝐷= |
𝐼2 𝑉 =0
2

I1= I2/N or D=I1/I2 = 1/N.

Or in matrix form

𝐴𝐵 𝑁 0
[ ]= [ 1]
𝐶 𝐷 0
𝑁

17
 (a)

(b)

(c)
Figure 2.15: (a) Defining port voltages and currents
(b) finding A and C; (b) finding B and D.

Example 2.8

Find the ABCD parameters for a transmission line of length L and characteristic impedance of
Z0 .

solution

18
 Figure 2.16: Defining voltages and currents for a lossless transmission line.

The voltage and the current along the line are given by:

𝑉 (𝑧) = 𝑉0+ (𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝑧 + 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝑧 )

𝑉0+ −𝑗𝛽𝑧
𝐼 (𝑧 ) = (𝑒 − 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝑧 )
𝑍0

Where V0+ is the magnitude of the forward voltage and ΓL is the reflection coefficient at the
load. ΓL is given by

𝑍𝐿 − 𝑍0
𝛤𝐿 =
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑍0

Finding the parameters A and C requires that I 2= 0 (placing an open circuit at port 2).

𝑉1 𝐼1
𝐴= | 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 = |
𝑉2 𝐼2 =0 𝑉2 𝐼2 =0

In this case, ZL= ∞ and ΓL =1.

To find the voltage at port 1 (V1), we substitute in the voltage equation with Z = -L. This
yields,

𝑉1 = 𝑉 (−𝐿) = 𝑉0+ (𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝐿 + 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝐿 ) = 𝑉0+ (𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝐿 + 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝐿 ) = 2𝑉0+ cos(𝛽𝐿)

To find the voltage at port 2 (V2), we substitute in the voltage equation with Z = 0. This
yields,

𝑉2 = 𝑉 (0) = 𝑉0+ (𝑒 𝑗0 + 𝑒 𝑗0 ) = 2𝑉0+ = 2𝑉0+

Hence,

19
 𝑉1 2𝑉0+ cos(𝛽𝐿)
𝐴= | = = cos(𝛽𝐿)
𝑉2 𝐼2 =0 2𝑉0+

To find the current at port 1 (I 1), we substitute in the voltage equation with Z= -L. This
yields,

𝑉0+ 𝑗𝛽𝐿 −𝑗𝛽𝐿

𝑉0+ 𝑗𝛽𝐿 −𝑗𝛽𝐿
𝑗2 𝑉0+
𝐼1 = 𝐼(−𝐿) = (𝑒 − 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 )= (𝑒 − 𝑒 )= sin(𝛽𝐿)
𝑍0 𝑍0 𝑍0

Hence,

𝐼1 𝑗2 𝑉0+ 1 𝑗 sin(𝛽𝐿 )
𝐶= | = sin(𝛽𝐿) =
𝑉2 𝐼2 =0 𝑍0 2𝑉0+ 𝑍0

Finding the parameters B and D requires that V2= 0 (placing a short circuit at port 2).

𝑉1 𝐼1
𝐵= | 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷 = |
𝐼2 𝑉2 =0 𝐼2 𝑉2 =0

In this case, ZL= 0 and ΓL = -1.

To find the voltage at port 1 (V1), we substitute in the voltage equation with Z = -L. This
yields,

𝑉1 = 𝑉 (−𝐿) = 𝑉0+ (𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝐿 + 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝐿 ) = 𝑉0+ (𝑒 𝑗𝛽𝐿 − 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝐿 ) = 𝑗2𝑉0+ sin(𝛽𝐿)

To find the current at port 2 (I2), we substitute in the current equation with Z= 0. This yields,

𝑉0+ 𝑗0 2𝑉0+
𝐼2 = 𝐼 (0) = (𝑒 − 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 −𝑗0 ) =
𝑍0 𝑍0

To find the current at port 1 (I1), we substitute in the current equation with Z= 0. This yields,

𝑉0+ 𝑗𝛽𝐿 𝑉0+ 𝑗𝛽𝐿 2𝑉0+

𝐼1 = 𝐼(−𝐿) = (𝑒 − 𝛤𝐿 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝐿 ) = (𝑒 + 𝑒 −𝑗𝛽𝐿 ) = cos(𝛽𝐿)
𝑍0 𝑍0 𝑍0

𝑉1 𝑗2𝑉0+ sin(𝛽𝐿)
𝐵= | = = 𝑗𝑍0 sin(𝛽𝐿)
𝐼2 𝑉2 =0 2𝑉0+
𝑍0

2𝑉0+
( )
𝐼1 𝑍0 cos 𝛽𝐿
𝐷= | = = cos(𝛽𝐿)
𝐼2 𝑉2 =0 2𝑉0+
𝑍0

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 𝐴𝐵 cos(𝛽𝐿) 𝑗𝑍0 sin(𝛽𝐿)
[ ]= [ 𝑗 sin(𝛽𝐿) ]
𝐶 𝐷 cos(𝛽𝐿)
𝑍0

Example 2.9

Find the overall ABCD matrix for the cascade connection shown in Figure 2.17.

Figure 2.17: A series impedance in a cascade with a transformer

solution

The overall ABCD matrix is the multiplication of the individual ABCD matrices, that is,

𝐴𝐵 𝐴1 𝐵1 𝐴2 𝐵2
[ ]= [ ][ ]
𝐶 𝐷 𝐶1 𝐷1 𝐶2 𝐷2

The ABCD matrix representing the series impedance Z1 s given by

𝐴1 𝐵1 1 𝑍1
[ ]= [ ]
𝐶1 𝐷1 0 1

The ABCD matrix representing the transformer is given by

𝐴2 𝐵2 2 0
[ ]= [ ]
𝐶2 𝐷2 0 1

𝐴𝐵 1 𝑍1 2 0 2 𝑍1
[ ]= [ ][ ]= [ ]
𝐶 𝐷 0 1 0 1 0 1

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2.6 dB Terminology

At microwave frequencies the strength of a signal is specified by the electric and magnetic
fields. The electric and magnetic fields can't be measured, only power can be measured at
microwave frequencies.

The dB notation compresses wide range of power values into a practical range. This allows
pico-watts and mega-watts to be dealt with in the same calculation.

To convert A to dB ====> 10 log A

Properties of the logarithmic functions:

1- log(AB) = log(A) + log(B)

For example, log(8) = log(4*2) = log4 + log2

2- log(A/B) = log(A) - log(B)

For example, log(5) = log(10/2) = log10 - log2

3- log(A)n = n log(A)

For example, log(100) = log(10)2 = 2 log(10)

To multiply numbers, add their dB values

To divide numbers, subtract their dB values

The Table 2.1 shows the basic dB conversions. Using the logarithmic properties and these
conversions we can convert any number to dB.

Table 2.1: Basic number to dB conversion

Number dB

2 3dB
3 5 dB
10 10dB
1 0 dB

The dB equivalent of any number can always be obtained by finding the logarithm of the
number on a calculator and multiplying the logarithm by 10. But the dB equivalent can be
easily obtained by using the basic conversions in Table 2.1.

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Example 2.10

What is the dB equivalent of (a) 1000 (b) 80 (c) 27 (d) 5 (e) 500 (f) 0.02.

1000 = 103 =================> 30dB

80 = 2x2x2x10 ==============> 3dB + 3dB + 3dB+ 10dB = 19dB

27 = 3x3x3 ================> 5dB + 5dB + 5dB = 15dB

5 = 10/2 ===================> 10dB - 3dB = 7dB

500 = 103/2 ================> 30dB - 3dB = 27dB

0.02 = 2/102 =================> 3dB - 20dB = -17dB

Example 2.11

What is the dB equivalent of (a) 3000 (b) 0.05 (c) 0.002.

3000 = 3x103 ===========> 5dB + 30dB = 35dB

0.05 = 5x10-2 ===========> 7dB - 20dB = -13dB

0.002 = 2/1000 ==========> 3dB - 30dB = -27dB

Example 2.12

Convert the following dB values to numbers (linear scale): (a) 7dB (b) 13dB (c) 25dB (d) -
13dB (e) -57dB.

7dB = 10dB - 3dB ===========> 10/2 = 5

13dB = 10dB + 3dB ==========> 10x2=20

25dB = 20dB + 5dB ==========> 100x3=300

13dB = 10dB + 3dB ==========> 10x2=20

-57dB = -50dB - 7dB ==========> 10-5/5 = 2x10-6

The dB terminology is used express the ratio between two power levels in a microwave
system.

The dBm is used to express absolute values of microwave power. The reference level for
microwave power measurement is 1mW.

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 To convert power P to dBm

P(mW) ========> 10 log(P) dBm

For example,

1W = 103 mW ======> 30dBm

20μW = 20*10-6W = 20*10-3mW = 0.02mW =========> 3-20 = -17dBm

Example 2.13

Convert the following powers to dBm (approximately): (a) 1W (b) 2KW (c) 50W (d)
30mW (e) 200nW.

Power dBm

1W = 103 mW 30 dBm
2KW = 2x103 W = 2x106 mW 3+ 60 = 63 dBm
50W = 50x103 mW = 5x104 mW 7+ 40 = 47dBm
30mW = 3x10 mW 5+10 = 15 dBm
200nW = 200x10-9W = 2x10-7 W = 2x10-4 mW 3-40 = -37 dBm

Example 2.14

The Figure 2.18 shows a filter, isolator, and attenuator connected together. The microwave
signal must pass through all these components. The insertion loss of each component is
shown in the block. If 1W of power is incident on this chain of components, how much
power comes out of the chain?

Figure 2.18: Microwave sub-system.

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The incident power is 1W = 1000mW = 30 dBm. Thus, Pout = 30dBm - 3dB - 3dB - 10dB =
14 dBm. The components can be combined into a single component with insertion loss of 16
dB (3dB +3dB +10 dB).

(a)

(b)
Figure 2.19: Calculating the output power for a cascade of components.

Example 2.15

Find the output power for the cascade of amplifiers shown in Figure 2.20.

Figure 2.20: A cascade of microwave amplifiers

solution

Pin = 0.5W = 500 mW = 5x102 mW = 7dBm + 20dBm = 27dBm.

G1 = 10 = 10 dB. G2 = 30 = 3x10 = 5dB + 10dB = 15 dB.

Pout = Pin +10 dB + 15 dB = 27 dBm + 25 dB = 52 dBm.

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