Lab I Report : Quarter Wave

tramsformer Matching with ADS

Prepared by : Haitam Oukhir & Moamed Alkharraz

Faculty of Sciences - MRF

 Part I: Quarter wave transformer design

This lab focuses on designing a quarter-wave transformer to match an 8Ω load to a 50Ω

transmission line at 1 GHz. It includes project creation, schematic design, the use of LineCalc,
S-parameter simulations, and result analysis. The microstrip version will be implemented on a
substrate with εr = 10.2 and H = 0.635 mm

figure 1: A single- section quarter wave matching transformer. l=λ0/4 at the design frequency f0

Q1: Calculation of the input impedance ��� :

The general equation for the input impedance ��� of a length � is given by :

�� + ��� ��� (��)

��� = �� ×
�� + ��� ��� (��)
For � = � 4 , we use the property:

��� � � = ∞
Whis simplifies the equation making the term with tan �� dominant. This leads to an
approximate expression for the input impedance:

�� �
��� ≈
��

Where �1 is the characteristic impedance of the quarter-wave transformer, calculated as:

�� = ��. ��

Given:

 �0 = 50Ω (characteristic impedance of the transmission line)

 �� = 8Ω (load impedance)
Substituting the values:
 �� = �� . �� = ��. � = ��� = �� Ω

Now using the formula for ��� :

�� � ���
��� ≈ ��
= �
= ��Ω

Thus, the input impedance is perfectly matched to the transmission line characteristic
impedance.
Q2: Calculation of the reflection coefficient Γ and verification of impedance matching :
The reflection coefficient Γ is given by:
��� − ��
Γ=
��� + ��
Subtituting the values :
50 − 50
Γ= =0
�� + ��
Since Γ = 0, it confirms perfect impedance matching, ensuring maximum power transfer with
no signal reflection.
Additionally, the characteristic impedance of the quarter wave transformer remains :

�� = ��Ω

This result validates that the quarter-wave transformer effectively matches the load to the
transmission line.

Part II: The quarter wave transformer analysis using ADS

Q3-A the schematic:
 B. Performing circuit analysis
 Insert the S-Param simulator.
 Then define the frequency range (0.1 GHz - 2 GHz, step of 0.01 GHz).

For the simulation we will use the S-parameters:

Q4: Sketch a plot of the S(1,1) versus frequency on the space below.
single point:

Linear:

The results show perfect impedance matching at 1 GHz, with ��� ≈ 0 (Γ = 0). The Smith
Chart confirms this by passing through the center, while the return loss plot shows a sharp
dip near -∞ dB at 1 GHz, indicating minimal reflection and maximum power transfer.
On the S(1,1) vs Frequency graph:

Q5: From the results above, does the quarter wave transformer able to resolve
the impedance mismatch problem between the Z0 and the load at 1 GHz? Why?
At 1 GHz, the Smith Chart shows that the reflection coefficient is near the center, indicating
effective impedance matching. The dB(S(1,1)) plot exhibits a deep dip at this frequency,
signifying high return loss, minimal reflection, and optimal power transfer. The quarter-wave
transformer is theoretically designed to resolve impedance mismatch at 1 GHz, and the results
support this expectation. However, confirmation requires verifying the actual S(1,1) value
from simulation or measurement data.

If ∣S(1,1)∣ is close to 0 at 1 GHz, it confirms successful impedance matching and optimal

system performance.

Using empirical formulas to calculate the width of microstrip lines :

We will now change the ideal (electrical) transmission lines to real transmission lines to
implement the quarter wave transformer designed earlier. The substrate material we are using
for this simulation has the following properties (εr=10.2, and H= 0.635 mm), the empirical
formulas for e and W are given by:

 8 exp( A) W
 2
W  exp( 2 A)  2 H W
 2
H 2    0.61  H
 B  1  Ln(2 B  1)  r  Ln( B  1)  0.34  
 
 2 r   r  
 Z 0  r  1 1/ 2  r  1 0 . 11
A ( )  ( 0 . 23  )
60 2 r 1 r
377 
B 1/ 2
2 Z 0 r

 r 1  r 1 1
e   
2 2 12 H
1
W
Q6 :The substrate material we are using for this simulation has the following properties
(εr=10.2, and H= 0.635 mm), and for now using the above equations calculate the width :

Z0  50 W/H=0.92 W=0.59 mm

Z0  20 W/H=4.11 W=2.61 mm

Z0  8 W/H=12.74 W=8.09mm

Q7: Effective Dielectric Constant Calculation Results:

�� +1 �� −1 1
We have : �� = 2
+ 2
×
12 �
1+
�

�0 = 50٠� = 0,59 �� H= 0.635 mm �� = 6,83

�0 = 20٠� = 2,61 �� H= 0.635 mm �� = 7.92

�0 = 8٠� = 8,09�� H= 0.635 mm �� = 8,9

8: Calculate the electrical length of the quarter wave transformer.

� �
We have �=4 ��
= 4� ��
with F=1 GH

�0 = 50 � = 28,69��

�0 = 20٠� = 26,65 ��

�0 = 8 ٠� = 25,14 ��
To summarize the procedure for using ADS (Advanced Design System) LineCalc tool to
calculate the width and length of a microstrip line, here’s a step-by-step overview:

Q9: Using the Linecalc tool presented in ADS calculate the width of the
microstrip lines.

�0 = 50 � = 29.28��

�0 = 20٠� = 26,73 ��

�0 = 8 ٠� = 25,08 ��

Z0  50 W/H=0.88 W=0.56 mm

 Z0  20 W/H=4.07 W=2.59 mm

Z0  8 W/H=12.62 W=8.02 mm

 that the theoretical values are closer to the ADS values.

Q10: Sketch a plot of the S(1,1) versus frequency on the space below: