The Smith Chart

CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ II
LIST OF SYMBOLS .................................................................................................................... III
THE SMITH CHART ..................................................................................................................... 4
I. HISTORY ................................................................................................................................ 4
II. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 6
III. SMITH CHART DERIVATION ......................................................................................... 7
IV. RULERS AROUND THE SMITH CHART ..................................................................... 15
V. SMITH CHART NUMERICALS ..................................................................................... 19
VI. IMPEDANCE MATCHING .............................................................................................. 32
VII. EXERCISE ........................................................................................................................ 47
VIII. APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................... 1
1. MATLAB related problems ................................................................................................. 1
2. Blank Smith Chart................................................................................................................ 6

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The Smith Chart

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Real circle i.e Resistance circle. .................................................................................. 11

Figure 2: Imaginary circle i.e. Reactance- circle. ...................................................................... 12
Figure 3: Smith Chart.................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 4: Properties of the Smith chart ...................................................................................... 14
Figure 5: Example for a set of rulers that can be found underneath the Smith chart ............. 15
Figure 6: Left part of the rulers depicted in Figure 5. ............................................................... 16
Figure 7: Right part of the rulers depicted in Figure 5 .............................................................. 17
Figure 8: Smith Chart (Output of Function file-1) ...................................................................... 2
Figure 9: Output of combination of Function file-2 and main file ............................................. 4

P a g e | II
The Smith Chart

LIST OF SYMBOLS

Γ = Reflection Coefficient

Γr = Real Part of Reflection Coefficient

Γi = Imaginary Part of Reflection Coefficient

ΓL = Reflection Coefficient at Load

𝜆 = Wavelength

Imax = Maximum Current

Imin = Minimum Current

R- Circle= Resistance Circle

Vmax = Maximum Voltage

Vmin = Minimum Voltage

X- Circle= Reactance Circle

𝑦𝑖𝑛 = Normalized Input Admittance

𝑦𝐿 = Normalized Load Admittance

YL= Load Admittance

Y0= Characteristic Admittance

𝑧𝑖𝑛 = Normalized Input Impedance

𝑧𝐿 = Normalized Load Impedance

ZL= Load Impedance

Z0 = Characteristic Impedance

P a g e | III
The Smith Chart

THE SMITH CHART

The Smith chart began its existence as a very useful graphical calculator for the analysis and
design of TLs. It was developed by Phillip H. Smith in the 1930s.

I. HISTORY
Phillip Hagar Smith was born in Lexington,
Massachusetts on April 29, 1905. He received the BSEE
degree from Tufts College (now Tufts University) in
1928, majoring in electrical communications.

In 1928, he joined the technical staff of Bell Telephone

Laboratories with the Radio Research Department,
Deal, NJ where he worked under J.C. Schelleng and E.J.
Sterba. In early days, Phil became involved in the design
and installation of directional antenna equipment for
commercial AM radio broadcasting. In 1929 he was
working in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, on an antenna
system which was designed to communicate by short
wave with Europe and South America. The antenna was
connected to the transmitter by a two-wire transmission
line. Perhaps the major reference at the time was J.A.
Fleming's 1911 telephone equation, which expressed the impedance characteristics of high
frequency transmission lines in terms of measurable effects of electro-magnetic waves
propagating thereon, i.e., the standing wave amplitude and the wave position.

In the reprint of an article entitled "Transmission Lines for Short-wave Radio Systems,"
presented at the IRE 20th anniversary convention in April 1932, there was a footnote, which read
"Disclosed to the writers by P. H. Smith, Bell Telephone Laboratories". The footnote referred to
a paragraph in the article, which began; "There is another effective way for transforming line
impedance by means of short line devices...." It was the first published report of work done by
Phil, work that ultimately led to the creation of the Smith Chart.

The entire assembly was then moved along the transmission line to determine the relative
magnitude and location of the maximum and minimum signals. From Fleming's equation, and in
an effort to simplify the solution of the transmission line problem, he developed his first
graphical solution in the form of a rectangular plot.

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The Smith Chart

Phil persisted in his work, the diagram gradually evolved through a series of steps. In 1936, he
developed a new chart which was a special polar coordinate form in which all values of
impedance components could be accommodated. Further, in early 1937 Phil suspected that a grid
made up of a system of orthogonal circles might be more practical. Curves of constant standing
wave ratio, constant attenuation and constant reflection coefficient were all circles coaxial with
the center of the diagram. The scales for these values, while not linear, were entirely satisfactory.
It was essentially the form still being used today.

Smith approached a number of technical magazines with regard to publication of the Chart, but
acceptance was slow. In January of 1939, after a delay of two years, the article was printed in
Electronics magazine.

The first edition of this book Electronic Applications of the Smith Chart in Waveguide, Circuit,
and Component Analysis, was published by McGraw-Hill in1969. He also authored an article on
the Smith Chart for The Encyclopedia of Electronics published by Reinhold Publishing
Company in 1962 and 35 papers on antennas and transmission lines. Phil has 20 U.S. patents in
the microwave field including the basic patent on the transmission line matching stub, the
Cloverleaf antenna, and the optimum power ratio coaxial transmission line.

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The Smith Chart

II. INTRODUCTION

 Smith Chart:

It is a graphical tool used to design and analyze the transmission line.

Computation of rectangular components or the magnitude and phase of an input

impedance or admittance, voltage, current and related transmission functions at all points
along a transmission line can be calculated.
 Complex voltage and current reflections coefficients
 Complex voltage and current transmission coefficients
 Power reflection and transmission coefficients
 Reflection Loss
 Return Loss
 Standing Wave Loss Factor
 SWR on the line.
 Maximum and minimum of voltage and current, and SWR
 Shape, position, and phase distribution along voltage and current standing waves.
 Identifying the type of load.
 Calculation of reflection co-efficient at a distance from the load.
 Calculation of transformed impedance at a distance from the load.
 Location of voltage maximum or minimum.
 It is used to calculate Г (Reflection Co-efficient) and SWR for a known ZL & ZO
or ZS & ZO.
 It is used for ZL/ZO or ZS/ZO (Normalized) Impedance for its calculation.
 It is a rectangular graph of ГR + ГI and contains two families of circles
𝑍
I. Constant R circle, where R= Real [𝑍𝐿]
0
𝑍
II. Constant X circle, where X= Imaginary [𝑍𝐿]
0

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The Smith Chart

III. SMITH CHART DERIVATION

Consider the reflection coefficient (lossless case),

𝑉0− 𝑗2𝛽𝑧
𝛤(𝑧) = 𝑒 = |𝛤|𝑒 𝑗2𝛽𝑧
𝑉0+

It is a complex number,

𝛤 = |𝛤|𝘓𝜃 = 𝛤𝑅 + 𝑗𝛤𝐼

Recall that 𝛤 can be expressed as 𝑍𝐿 , 𝑍0

𝑍𝐿 − 𝑍0
𝛤(𝑧) =
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑍0

Define normalized load impedance 𝓏𝐿

𝑍𝐿
𝓏𝐿 =
𝑍0

Thus,

𝓏𝐿 − 1
𝛤=
𝓏𝐿 + 1

Express 𝓏𝐿 as 𝛤,
1+ 𝛤 1 + 𝛤𝑅 + 𝑗𝛤𝐼
𝓏𝐿 = =
1− 𝛤 1 − 𝛤𝑅 − 𝑗𝛤𝐼

Rationalize,
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The Smith Chart

1 − 𝛤𝑅2 − 𝛤𝑅2 + 𝑗2𝛤𝐼

𝓏𝐿 =
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼2

The normalized load impedance is also a complex number,

𝓏𝐿 = 𝑅 + 𝑗𝑋

The 𝓏𝑅 is the normalized load resistance, while 𝓏𝐼 is the normalized load reactance, thus

1 − 𝛤𝑅2 − 𝛤𝐼2
𝑅=
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼2

2𝛤𝐼
𝑋=
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼2

This two equations are circle equations. The following will illustrate how to obtain the two circle
equations,

1 − 𝛤𝑅2 − 𝛤𝐼2
𝑅=
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼2

𝑅[(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼2 ] = 1 − 𝛤𝑅2 − 𝛤𝐼2

𝑅 − 2𝑅𝛤𝑅 + 𝑅𝛤𝑅2 + 𝑅𝛤𝐼2 = 1 − 𝛤𝑅2 − 𝛤𝐼2

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The Smith Chart

𝑅 − 1 − 2𝑅𝛤𝑅 + (1 + 𝑅 )𝛤𝑅2 + (1 + 𝑅)𝛤𝐼2 = 0

𝑅 −1 2𝑅𝛤𝑅
− + 𝛤𝑅2 + 𝛤𝐼2 = 0
1+ 𝑅 1+ 𝑅

2 2
𝑅 −1 𝑅 𝑅 2𝑅𝛤𝑅
−( ) + ( ) − + 𝛤𝑅2 + 𝛤𝐼2 = 0
1+ 𝑅 1+ 𝑅 1+ 𝑅 1+ 𝑅

2
−1 𝑅
2
+ (𝛤𝑅 − ) + 𝛤𝐼2 = 0
(1 + 𝑅) 1+ 𝑅

2 2
𝑅 2
1
(𝛤𝑅 − ) + 𝛤𝐼 = ( )
1+ 𝑅 1+ 𝑅

Above equation is known as constant 𝑹 circle equation.

𝑅 1
Circle with center ( 1+ 𝑅 , 0), radius (1+ 𝑅 )

2𝛤𝐼
𝑋 =
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼 2

2𝛤𝐼
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + 𝛤𝐼 2 =
𝑋

2𝛤𝐼 1 1
(𝛤𝑅 − 1)2 + 𝛤𝐼 2 − + 2 − 2 =0
𝑋 𝑋 𝑋

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The Smith Chart

1 2 1
(1 − 𝛤𝑅 )2 + (𝛤𝐼 − ) = 2
𝑋 𝑋

Above equation is known as constant 𝓏𝐼 circle equation

1 1
Circle with center ( 1, 𝑋 ) , radius ( 𝑋 )

 Properties of 𝑹 circle:

𝑅
1. Circle with center ( 1+ 𝑅 , 0).

1
2. Circle with radius (1+ 𝑅 ).

3. All circles pass through (1,0).

4. Range [0, ∞). i.e. (Resistance is always positive).

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The Smith Chart

Figure 1: Real circle i.e Resistance circle.

1. 𝑅 = 0 circle is the biggest possible 𝑅 circle and it is the boundary of the smith chart.

2. All circles which lie between 𝑅 =0 and 𝑅 =1 extend in all the four quadrants while circles
with 𝑅 >1 lie in the first and fourth quadrant.

3. All the 𝑅 circle are concurrent with center on a straight line and have common tangent
ГR=1 axis.

 Properties of 𝑿 circle:

1
1. Circle with center ( 1, ).
𝑋

1
2. Circle with radius ( 𝑋 ).

3. All circles pass through (1, 0).

4. Range (-∞, ∞).

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The Smith Chart

Figure 2: Imaginary circle i.e. 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆- circle.

1. The 𝑋 = 0 circle is the biggest possible 𝑋 circle and it is ГR axis.

2. All circles which lie between 𝑋 =0 and 𝑋 =1 extend in the first and second quadrant
while circle with 𝑋 >1 lie in the first quadrant.

3. All 𝑋 circle are concurrent and have common tangent ГR axis.

Common point between 𝑹 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑿 circle:

1. The center of the 𝑅 circles lie on the common tangent of 𝑋 circle and the center of 𝑋
circle lies on the common tangent of 𝑅 circle. Hence 𝑅 and 𝑋 form a pair of orthogonal
circles.

2. A horizontal movement on 𝑋 = 0 circle will lead to increase in the value of 𝑅 and a

clockwise movement on 𝑅 = 0 circle will lead to increase in the value of 𝑋.

Formation of Smith Chart is resultant of combination of R circle and X circle which is shown as
below.

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The Smith Chart

Figure 3: Smith Chart

 Important points in Smith Chart:

1. Open circuit with Γ=1, x→∞ , y = 0
2. Short circuit with Γ = −1, x = 0, y→∞
3. Matched load with Γ=0, x=1, y=1

They all are located on the real axis at the beginning, the end, and the centre of the circle
in above figure. The upper half of the chart is inductive, since it corresponds to the
positive imaginary part of the impedance. The lower half is capacitive as it is
corresponding to the negative imaginary part of the impedance.

The important properties of the Smith chart (see below Figure) can be summarized as follows:

1. It represents all passive impedances on a grid of constant r and x circles.

2. It contains the corresponding reflection coefficients in polar co-ordinates; the angle
being read on the peripheral scale and the magnitude being calculated using:

radius of circle on which point is located

Γ=
radius of the chart

3. The upper half of the diagram represents positive reactance values (inductive elements).
4. The lower half of the diagram represents negative reactance values (capacitive elements).

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The Smith Chart

4. The arc around the Smith chart corresponds to a movement of half a wavelength(𝜆⁄2);
any other movement across an arc between any two points can be read on the chart peri-
phery in terms of wavelengths.

5. The horizontal radius to the left of the centre corresponds to voltage minimum and
current maximum (Vmin, Imax).

6. The horizontal radius to the right of the centre corresponds to the standing wave ratio
(SWR), the voltage maximum and the current minimum (Vmax, Imin).

Figure 4: Properties of the Smith chart

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The Smith Chart

IV. RULERS AROUND THE SMITH CHART

Some Smith charts provide rulers at the bottom to determine other quantities besides the
reflection coefficient such as the return loss, the attenuation, the reflection loss etc. A short
instruction on how to use these rulers as well as a specific example for such a set of rulers is
given here.

 How to use the rulers:

First, one has to take the modulus (= distance between the centre of the Smith chart and the
point in the chart referring to the impedance in question) of the reflection coefficient of
impedance either with a conventional ruler or, better, using a compass. Then refer to the
coordinate denoted as CENTRE and go to the left or for the other part of the rulers to the
right (except for the lowest line which is marked ORIGIN at the left which is the reference
point of this ruler). The value in question can then be read from the corresponding scale.

 Example of a set of rulers

A commonly used set of rulers that can be found below the Smith chart is depicted in figure
shown below.

Figure 5: Example for a set of rulers that can be found underneath the Smith chart

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The Smith Chart

Further discussion, this ruler is split along the line marked centre, to a left (Fig. shown below)
and a right part (Fig. B.3) since they will be discussed separately for reasons of simplicity.

Figure 6: Left part of the rulers depicted in Figure 5.

The upper part of the first ruler in Figure 6 is marked SWR which refers to the Voltage Standing
Wave Ratio. The range of values is between one and infinity. One is for the matched case (centre
of the Smith chart), infinity is for total reflection (boundary of the SC). The upper part is in
linear scale, the lower part of this ruler is in dB, noted as dBS (dB referred to Standing Wave
Ratio). Example: SWR = 10 corresponds to 20 dBS, SWR = 100 corresponds to 40 dBS (voltage
ratios, not power ratios).

The second ruler upper part, marked as RTN.LOSS = return loss in dB. This indicates the
amount of reflected wave expressed in dB. Thus, in the centre of the Smith chart nothing is
reflected and the return loss is infinite. At the boundary we have full reflection, thus a return loss
of 0 dB.

The lower part of the scale denoted as RFL.COEFF. P = reflection coefficient in terms of
POWER (proportional |Γ|2). There is no reflected power for the matched case (centre of the
Smith chart), and a (normalized) reflected power = 1 at the boundary.

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The Smith Chart

Figure 7: Right part of the rulers depicted in Figure 5

The third ruler is marked as RFL.COEFF,E or I. With this, the modulus (= absolute value) of the
reflection coefficient can be determined in linear scale. Note that since we have the modulus we
can refer it both to voltage or current as we have omitted the sign, we just use the modulus.
Obviously in the centre the reflection coefficient is zero, while at the boundary it is one.

The fourth ruler is the voltage transmission coefficient. Note that the modulus of the voltage
(and current) transmission coefficient has a range from zero, i.e., short circuit, to +2 (open =
1+|Γ| with |Γ|=1). This ruler is only valid for Zload = real, i.e., the case of a step in characteristic
impedance of the coaxial line.

The upper part of the first ruler in above figure, denoted as ATTEN. in dB assumes that an
attenuator (that may be a lossy line) is measured which itself is terminated by an open or short
circuit (full reflection). Thus the wave travels twice through the attenuator (forward and
backward). The value of this attenuator can be between zero and some very high number
corresponding to the matched case. The lower scale of this ruler displays the same situation just
in terms of VSWR. Example: a 10 dB attenuator attenuates the reflected wave by 20 dB going
forth and back and we get a reflection coefficient of Γ = 0.1 (= 10% in voltage).

The upper part of the second ruler, denoted as RFL.LOSS in dB refers to the reflection loss. This
is the loss in the transmitted wave, not to be confused with the return loss referring to the
reflected wave. It displays the relation Pt = 1 − |Γ|2 in dB. Example: If |Γ| = 1/ 2 = 0.707, the
transmitted power is 50% and thus the loss is 50% = 3 dB.
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The Smith Chart

The third ruler (right), marked as TRANSM.COEFF.P refers to the transmitted power as a
function of mismatch and displays essentially the relation Pt = 1 − |Γ|2. Thus in the centre of the
Smith chart there is a full match and all the power is transmitted. At the boundary there is total
reflection and for a Γ value of 0.5, for example, 75% of the incident power is transmitted.

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The Smith Chart

V. SMITH CHART NUMERICALS

1. Locate Load Impedance 50 + j25 𝛀 on Smith Chart. Given Characteristic

Impedance of 50 𝛀. Also calculate VSWR and Reflection coefficient using Smith
Chart.

Sol. Given data:

𝑍𝐿 = 50 + j25 Ω

𝑍0 = 50 Ω

Step-1: Find out the normalized value of the given Load Impedance.

Normalized Load Impedance,

𝑍 50+𝑗25
𝑧𝐿(𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚) = 𝑍𝐿 = = 1 + j 0.5 (dimensionless)
0 50

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The Smith Chart

Step-2: Plot normalized Load Impedance (𝑧𝐿(𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚) ).

R = 1 circle

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The Smith Chart

Step-3: Calculating VSWR and Reflection coefficient (𝜌 𝑜𝑟 Γ): −

R = 1
𝜌 circle

𝜌=0.24
VSWR = 1.6
4

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The Smith Chart

2. Calculate Input Impedance for 0.1 𝛌 length line that has a Characteristic impedance
of 50 𝛀 terminated with a load impedance of 𝐙𝐋 = 5 + j 25 𝛀. Also calculate VSWR,
Reflection Coefficient and Reflection Coefficient.

Sol. Given data:

L= 0.1 λ
Z0 = 50 Ω
ZL = 5 + j 25 Ω

Step-1: Locate normalized Load impedance on Smith chart.

ZL 5 + j 25
zL (Normalized) = = = 0.1 + j 0.5 (dimensionless)
Z0 50

Step-2: Calculating Input impedance Zin at L = 0.1 λ

Since we want to move away from the load (i.e., toward the generator), read
0.074 λ on the wavelengths toward generator scale and add L = 0.1 λ to obtain
0.174 λ on the wavelengths toward generator scale.

A radial line from the center of the chart intersects the constant reflection
coefficient magnitude circle at point (0.38, j 1.88) which is obtained normalized
Input impedance zin (normalized) = 0.38 + j 1.88.

Hence, Input Impedance,

Zin = Z0 . zin (normalized) = 50(0.38 + j 1.88) = 19 + j 94 Ω

Step-3: Calculating VSWR:

VSWR = 13 on the horizontal line to the right of the chart's center.

Step-4: Calculating Reflection Coefficient (𝜌 𝑜𝑟 Γ): −

From the Axial scale below the chart, find 𝜌 = |𝞒| = 0.855.
From the angle of reflection coefficient scale on the perimeter of the chart, find
the angle of 𝜞𝑳 = 126.5° .
Hence 𝜞𝑳 = 0.855 𝑒 j 126.5°

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The Smith Chart

Step-5: Calculating at 𝞒 at L= 0.1 λ from the load.

Note that |𝞒| = |𝜞𝑳 | = 0.855. Read the angle of the Reflection coefficient from
the angle of reflection coefficient scale on the axial scale of the Smith Chart as
55.0°.

Hence, 𝞒 = 0.855 𝑒 j 55°

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The Smith Chart

3. Ten watts of microwave RF power is applied to a lossless transmission line, of which

2.8 W is reflected from the mismatched load. Calculate the reflection coefficient.

Sol. Given data:

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 2.8 W
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 10 W

Calculating Reflection coefficient (𝛤𝑝𝑤𝑟 )

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 2.8 𝑊
𝛤𝑝𝑤𝑟 = = = 0.28W
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 10 𝑊

1+ 𝛤
VSWR =
1− 𝛤

1+ √𝛤𝑝𝑤𝑟
VSWR = 1−
√𝛤𝑝𝑤𝑟

1+ √0.28
VSWR = 1−
√0.28

1+ 0.529
VSWR = 1− 0.529

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The Smith Chart
1.529
VSWR =
0.471

VSWR = 3.25

𝑉𝑆𝑊𝑅𝑑𝐵 = 20 log (VSWR)

𝑉𝑆𝑊𝑅𝑑𝐵 = 20 log (3.25)

𝑉𝑆𝑊𝑅𝑑𝐵 = 10.2 dB

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The Smith Chart

4. Calculate Input Impedance for 0.25 𝛌 length line that has a Characteristic
impedance of 1.0 𝛀 terminated with a load impedance of 𝐙𝐋 = 0.2 - j 0.2 𝛀. How far
from the load is the first voltage minimum and the first current minimum?

Sol. Given data:

L= 0.25 λ
Z0 = 1.0 Ω
ZL = 0.2 - j 0.2Ω

Step-1: Locate normalized Load impedance on Smith chart.

ZL 0.2− j 0.2
zL (Normalized) = = = 0.2 - j 0.2 (dimensionless)
Z0 1

λ
Step-2: Calculating Input impedance Zin at L = 4 = 0.25 λ

From the chart, read 0.467 λ from the wavelengths toward generator scale add
0.25 λ to obtain 0.717 λ on the wavelengths toward generator scale. This is not on
the chart, but since it repeats every half wavelength, it is the same as 0.717 λ –
0.500 λ = 0.217 λ. Drawing a radial line from the center of the chart, we find an
intersection with the constant reflection coefficient magnitude circle at
zin (normalized) = Z = 2.5 + j2.5.

Hence, Input Impedance,

Zin = Z0 . zin (normalized) = 1(2.5 + j 2.5) = 2.5 + j 2.5 Ω

Step-3: Calculating VSWR:

From the intersection of the constant reflection coefficient circle with the right
hand side of the horizontal axis, read VSWR = 𝑧𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 5.3

Step-4: Calculating the distance of the first voltage minimum and first current minimum
from the load

The voltage minimum occurs at 𝑧𝑚𝑖𝑛 which is at a distance of 0.500 λ –0.467 λ =

0.033 λ from the load. Or read this distance directly on the wavelengths toward
load scale.

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The Smith Chart

The current minimum occurs at 𝑧𝑚𝑎𝑥 which is a quarter of a wavelength farther

down the line or at 0.033 λ + 0.25 λ = 0.283 λ from the load.

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The Smith Chart

5. An air-filled 50 𝛀 coaxial line has a loaded VSWR of 3.3 at a frequency of 3 GHz.

Replacing the load with a short causes the voltage minimum to move 1.0 cm towards
the generator. What is the normalized load impedance?

Sol. Given data:

Z0 = 50 Ω
VSWR = 3.3
d = 1.0 cm

Step-1: Calculating wavelength (λ) for an air filled line,

c 3∗1010 𝑐𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
λ = = = 10 cm
f 3∗109 𝐻𝑧

Step-2: Locate normalized Load Impedance.

With the VSWR located at 𝑧𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3.3, draw the circle of constant reflection
coefficient magnitude. We know that the voltage minimum must be at the
intersection of the constant reflection coefficient circle and the horizontal axis on
the left hand side of the chart between z = 0 and z = 1.0, (i.e., at 𝑧𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.3).
With this information, we have thus established a correspondence between a
location on the line and a point on the chart.
1.0 𝑐𝑚
Now, move from this minimum voltage point on the chart 10.0 𝑐𝑚= 0.1 λ toward
the generator to the location where the voltage minimum was measured in the
shorted line measurement. Since it was obtained from a shorted line
measurement, the location of this point must be an integral number of half-
wavelengths from the load (and hence must have the same line impedance as at
P a g e | 28
The Smith Chart

the load). The normalized impedance here is therefore 𝑧𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = 0.44 + j

0.63.

For a line with a 50 Ω characteristic impedance, the load impedance is thus, 𝑍𝐿 =

𝑍0 . 𝑧𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = 50 (0.44 + j 0.63) = 22 + j 31.5 Ω

Page | 29
The Smith Chart

6. A slotted line measurement yields the following parameter values:

(a) Voltage minima at 9.2 cm and 12.4 cm measured away from the load with the
line terminated in a short.
(b) VSWR = 5.1 with the line terminated in the unknown load; a voltage minimum
is located 11.6 cm measured away from the load.
What is the normalized line impedance?

Sol. Given data:

VSWR = 5.1
Distance of 𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛 from load = 11.6 cm

Step-1: Calculating wavelength (λ) from the voltage minima on the shorted line,

λ
= 12.4 cm – 9.2 cm = 3.2 cm
2

λ = 6.4 cm

Step-2: Calculating shift in voltage minimum when the load impedance is replaced by a
short.

12.4 𝑐𝑚 – 11.6 𝑐𝑚
Shift in voltage minima = 6.4 𝑐𝑚⁄ = 0.125 λ towards the generator.
λ

Step-3: Plot given VSWR = 5.1

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The Smith Chart

From the center of the Smith Chart with a radius of point 5.1 on the horizontal
axis on the right plane of chart make a VSWR circle.

Step-4: Obtain the normalized Load impedance.

Now, from the voltage minimum opposite 𝑧𝑚𝑎𝑥 , move 0.125 λ toward the
generator to find a position an integral number of half-wavelengths from the load.
The impedance there is the same as that of the load, 𝑧𝐿 = 0.38 +j 0.93.

Page | 31
The Smith Chart

VI. IMPEDANCE MATCHING

 Impedance Matching – Why?

1. Impedance matching is needed to provide maximum power transfer between the source
or RF energy and its load. This is especially important if you deal with low amplitude
signals. Imagine a radio or TV antenna. To get a good reception every bit of this signal
needs to be used and the designer can not afford any signal loss – a perfect match is
desired. So the first reason for matching is just power efficiency.

2. The second reason is device protection – If RF circuit is not matched we get reflected
power. This reflected power builds standing waves on the transmission line between the
source and load. Depending on the phase between the forward and reflected both waves
can either subtract or add. Because of that on the line we can get places where the voltage
is the sum of both voltages or eventually places where the voltage equals zero (maximum
current). If the standing wave is positioned in such a way on the transmission line so that
the maximum voltage or current is applied to the power FET’s they can be destroyed.

 Impedance matching – Definition

What do we mean by impedance matching?

– For DC it is well known theorem that maximum power transfer can be achieved if source
resistance is equal to the load resistance.

– For RF we consider impedances. The condition for impedance matching is that real part of
the impedance should be equal to the real part of the load and reactance's should be equal and
opposite in character. For example if our source impedance is R + jX to achieve matching
our load should be R – jX.

If we assume that we have a chamber with capacitive discharge the impedance in general
will be R – jX. Generator typical output impedance is 50 Ohms. Then the matching network
has to make 50 = Rl and jX = 0.

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The Smith Chart

Impedance Matching Technique

Active (Bias) Passive

Common
Base/Common Series Shunt
Collector Amplifier

λ/4 Quarter
Wave Stub Matching
Transformer

 Series λ/4 Quarter Wave Transformer

The input impedance of the right-hand transmission line is given as

𝑅𝐿 + 𝑗𝑍1 tan 𝛽1 𝑙
𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑍1 … … … … … … … … … … (1)
𝑍1 + 𝑗 𝑅𝐿 tan 𝛽1 𝑙

Page | 33
The Smith Chart

𝜆
Now imagine that we have a special length 𝑙 = of transmission line, as indicated in the
4
figure above. At this frequency and physical length, the electrical length of the
transmission line is

2𝜋 𝜆1
𝛽1 𝑙 = rad … … … … … … … … … … (2)
𝜆1 4

𝜆
Consequently, for a -length transmission lines, tan 𝛽1 𝑙 → ∞. Using this result in (1)
4
gives

𝑍1 2
𝑍𝑖𝑛 = … … … … … … … … … … (3)
𝑅𝐿

𝜆
This result is an interesting characteristic of transmission lines that are exactly 4 long. We
𝜆
can harness this characteristic to design a matching network using a -length sections of
4
transmission lines.

Note that we can adjust Z in (3) so that 𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑍0 . In particular, from (3) with 𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑍0
1
we find

𝑍1 = √𝑍0 𝑅𝐿 … … … … … … … … … … (4)
𝜆
In other words, a section of transmission line with this particular characteristic
4
impedance will present a perfect match (Γ -hand
transmission line) in the figure above.

This type of matching network is called a quarter-wave transformer (QWT). Through

the impedance transforming properties of transmission lines, the QWT presents matched
impedance at its input by appropriately transforming the load impedance.

This is accomplished only because we have used a very special characteristic impedance
𝑍1 , as specified in (4).

Three disadvantages of QWTs are mentioned below:

1. A transmission line must be placed between the load and the feed line.

2. A special characteristic impedance for the QWT is required, which depends both on
the load resistance and the characteristic impedance of the feed line.

3. QWTs work perfectly only for one load at one frequency. (Actually, it produces some
Page | 34
The Smith Chart

bandwidth of “acceptable” VSWR on the transmission line, as do all real-life matching

networks.)

 Real Loads for QWTs

Ideally, a matching network should not consume (much) power. In (4) we can deduce that if
instead of 𝑅𝐿 we had a complex load, then the QWT would need to be a lossy transmission
line in order to provide a match. So, QWTs work better with resistive loads.

However, if the load were complex, we could insert a section of transmission line to
transform this impedance to a real quantity (is this possible?), and then attach the QWT. But,
again, this would work perfectly for only one load at one frequency.

Page | 35
The Smith Chart

7. Calculate the load admittance for given 𝐙𝐋 = 50 + j 25 𝛀.

Sol. Zin = 50 (0.8 - j 0.4) Ω = 40 – j 20 Ω

YL = 0.02 (0.8 - j 0.4) Ω−1 = 0.016- j 0.008 Ω

Page | 36
The Smith Chart

 Single Shunt Stub matching

Steps to Solve a Single Shunt Stub Matching Problem:

Goal: Design a single-stub matching network such that

𝑌𝐼𝑁 = 𝑌𝑆𝑇𝑈𝐵 + 𝑌𝐴 = 𝑌0

1. Convert the load to a normalized admittance

𝑦𝐿 = 𝑔 + 𝑗𝑏

2. Transform 𝑦𝐿 along constant Γ towards generator until 𝑦𝐴 = 1+ 𝑗𝑏𝐴

This matches the network’s conductance to that of the transmission line and
determines 𝑑𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑏 .

3. Find 𝑦𝐴 = + 𝑗𝑏𝐴 on Smith Chart

4. Transform 𝑦𝑆𝑇𝑈𝐵 along constant Γ towards load until we reach 𝑃𝑆𝐶 (for short-circuit
stub) or 𝑃𝑂𝐶 (for open-circuit stub)

This cancels susceptance from (2) and determines 𝐿𝑆𝑇𝑈𝐵 .

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The Smith Chart

Page | 38
The Smith Chart

Page | 39
The Smith Chart

Page | 40
The Smith Chart

8. Use a single parallel stub tuner to match the below given line to its normalized load.
Use a shorted stub and find its distance from the load 𝒍𝟏 , and its length 𝒍𝟐 .

Sol. Given data:

𝑧𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = 0.3 + j 0.5

Step-1: Locate normalized Load Impedance on Smith Chart.

𝑧𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = 0.3 + j 0.5 (dimensionless)

Step-2: Locate load impedance 𝑌𝐿 .

To match the line, the parallel combination of the load and stub line sections must
present a unit (normalized) admittance at the junction point, i.e.
𝑦1 + 𝑦2 = 1.0.

Since the stub section is lossless, its input admittance must be purely susceptive,
i.e. of the form 𝑦2 = j b, and hence the input admittance of the loaded section
must have the form 𝑦1 = 1.0 - j b. The locus of 𝑦1 is thus the unit conductance
circle.

The unknown susceptive part of 𝑌1 is determined by moving from the point on the
chart corresponding to 𝑌𝐿 toward the generator until the intersection with the unit
conductance circle is reached, yielding 𝑦1 = 1.0 + j 1.56 and thus 𝑦2 = - j 1.56.

Step-3: Calculating electrical length 𝑙1 and 𝑙2

The electrical distance moved between the points 𝑦𝐿 and 𝑦1 is 𝑙1 = 0.350 𝜆, the
sum of 0.172 𝜆 measured on the wavelengths toward load scale and 0.178 𝜆
measured on the wavelengths toward generator scale.

To find 𝑙2 , locate 𝑦2 = -j 1.56 and move toward the load to the infinite admittance
point on the chart corresponding to a shorted stub. The shorted stub length is
Page | 41
The Smith Chart

therefore 𝑙2 = 0.250 𝜆 – 0.159 𝜆 = 0.091 𝜆, where both the distances are

measured on the wavelengths toward load scale.

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The Smith Chart

9. A 50 Ω lossless transmission line is connected to a load impedance 𝒁𝑳 = 35 - j 47.5 Ω.

Find the position d and length l of a short-circuit stub required to match the load at
a frequency of 200 MHz. Assume that the transmission line is a coaxial line filled
with a dielectric material for which 𝜺𝒓 = 9.

Sol. Given data:

𝑍𝐿 = 35 - j 47.5 Ω
𝑍0 = 50 Ω

Step-1: Locate normalized Load Impedance on Smith Chart.

𝑍𝐿
𝑍𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = = 0.7 - j 0.95 (dimensionless)
𝑍0

Enter 𝑍𝐿 at point 𝑃1

Step-2: Draw a |𝛤| circle centred at O with radius 𝑂𝑃1

Step-3: Draw straight line from 𝑃1 through O to point 𝑃2 ′ on the perimeter, intersecting
the |𝛤| circle at 𝑃2 , which represents 𝑌𝐿 . Note 0.109 at 𝑃2 ′ on the wavelengths
toward generator scale.

Step-4: Note the two points of intersection of the |𝛤| circle with g = 1 circle.
At 𝑃3 : 𝑦𝐵1 = 1 + j 1.2 = 1 + j 𝑏𝐵1
At 𝑃4 : 𝑦𝐵2 = 1 – j 1.2 = 1 + j 𝑏𝐵2

Step-5: Solutions for the position of the Stub:

For 𝑃3 (from 𝑃2 ′ to 𝑃3 ′) 𝑑1 = (0.168 – 0.109) 𝜆 = 0.059 𝜆
For 𝑃4 (from 𝑃2 ′ to 𝑃4 ′) 𝑑2 = (0.332 – 0.109) 𝜆 = 0.223 𝜆

Step-6: Solutions for the length of the short circuited stub to provide 𝑦𝑠 = - j 𝑏𝐵

For 𝑃3 , 𝑦𝑠 = - j 𝑏𝐵1 = - j 1.2 (from 𝑃𝑆𝐶 to 𝑃3 "): 𝑙1 = (0.361 – 0.250) 𝜆 = 0.111 𝜆

For 𝑃4 , 𝑦𝑠 = - j 𝑏𝐵2 = j 1.2 (from 𝑃𝑆𝐶 to 𝑃4 "): 𝑙2 = (0.139 + 0.250) 𝜆 = 0.389 𝜆

Step-7: Computing the physical lengths of the transmission line

1⁄ 𝑐
𝑢𝑝 ⁄ 𝜖
√𝜇𝜖 √ 𝑟
𝜆= = = = 0.5 m
𝑓 𝑓 𝑓

Thus:
𝑑1 = 0.059 𝜆 = 29.5 mm 𝑙1 = 0.111 𝜆 = 55.5 mm
𝑑2 = 0.223 𝜆 = 111.5 mm 𝑙2 = 0.389 𝜆 = 194.5 mm

Page | 43
The Smith Chart

Page | 44
The Smith Chart

10. Using the Smith Chart, design a shorted shunt, single-stub tuner to match the load
𝒁𝑳 = 35 - j 47.5 Ω to a transmission line with characteristic impedance 𝒁𝟎 = 50 Ω.

Sol. Given data:

𝑍𝐿 = 35 - j 47.5 Ω
𝑍0 = 50 Ω

Step-1: Locate normalized Load Impedance and normalized load admittance on Smith
Chart.
𝑍𝐿
𝑍𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = = 0.7 - j 0.95 (dimensionless)
𝑍0

𝑌𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) = 0.50 +j 0.68 (dimensionless)

Step-2: Draw a constant VSWR circle using a compass.

Step-3: Draw the line segment from the origin to 𝑌𝐿 (𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑) . Rotate this vector
towards the source until it intersects the unit conductance circle. Along this circle
Re[y(z)] = 1.

This is really the intersection of the constant VSWR circle for this load with the
unit conductance circle.

There will be two solutions. Both of these give 𝑦1′ = 1 + j 𝑏1

(1) 𝑦1′ = 1 -j 1.2

(2) 𝑦1′ = 1 – j 1.2

Step-4: Solutions for the position of the Stub:

(1) 𝑑 = (0.168 – 0.109) 𝜆 = 0.059 𝜆
(2) 𝑑 = (0.332 – 0.109) 𝜆 = 0.223 𝜆

Step-5: Solutions for the length of the short circuited stub to provide 𝑦𝑠 = - j 𝑏𝐵

(1) 𝑦𝑠 = - j 𝑏1 = - j 1.2 𝑙𝑠 = (0.361 – 0.250) 𝜆 = 0.111 𝜆

(2) 𝑦𝑠 = - j 𝑏2 = j 1.2 𝑙𝑠 = (0.139 + 0.250) 𝜆 = 0.389 𝜆

Step-7: Computing the physical lengths of the transmission line

1⁄ 𝑐
𝑢𝑝 ⁄ 𝜖
√𝜇𝜖 √ 𝑟
𝜆= = = = 0.5 m
𝑓 𝑓 𝑓

Thus:
(1) 𝑑 = 0.059 𝜆 = 29.5 mm 𝑙𝑠 = 0.111 𝜆 = 55.5 mm
(2) 𝑑 = 0.223 𝜆 = 111.5 mm 𝑙𝑠 = 0.389 𝜆 = 194.5 mm

Page | 45
The Smith Chart

The Stub lengths can be determined directly from the Smith Chart. Consider the shorted stub

Page | 46
The Smith Chart

VII. EXERCISE

1. Plot the following impedances on to the Smith Chart.

Load Impedance Characteristic Impedance Normalized Impedance

Z (𝛀) 𝒁𝟎 (𝛀) 𝒁(𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅)
𝑍1 = 100 + j 50 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍1 = 2 + j
𝑍2 = 75 - j 100 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍2 = 1.5 - j 2
𝑍3 = j 200 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍3 = j 4
𝑍4 = 150 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍4 = 3
𝑍5 = ∞ 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍5 = ∞
𝑍6 = 0 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍6 = 0
𝑍7 = 50 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍7 = 1
𝑍8 = 184 – j 900 𝑍0 = 50 𝑍8 = 3.68 – j 18

Sol.

Page | 47
The Smith Chart

2. The line shown is 3/8 𝝀 long and its normalized input impedance is Z = j 2.5.
(a) What is the normalized receiving or load end impedance, 𝐙𝐋(𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝) ?
(b) What is the distance from the load to the first voltage minimum?
(c) What length of open-circuited line could be used to replace 𝐙𝐋 ?

Sol. (a) ZL(norm) = -j 0.425.

(b) The distance from the load to the first voltage minimum = 0.064 𝜆
(c) Length of line = 0.186 𝜆

Page | 48
The Smith Chart

3. A slotted line measurement on an air filled TEM line yields a VSWR of 1.6 at a
frequency of 1 GHz. When the load is replaced by a short, the voltage minimum
moves 3 cm towards the load. Find the normalized load impedance.

Sol.

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The Smith Chart

4. The air-filled two- wire line has a characteristic impedance of 50 𝛀 and is operated
at a frequency of 3 GHz. The load impedance is 𝐙𝑳 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 + 𝒋𝟒𝟎 𝛀

Sol.

Page | 50
The Smith Chart

5. A 70-W high-frequency lossless line is used at a frequency where l = 80 cm with a

load at x = 0 of (140 + j 91) W. Use the Smith chart to find the following:𝚪𝑳 , VSWR,
distance to the first voltage maximum from the load, distance to the first voltage
minimum from the load, the impedance at 𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 , the impedance at 𝑽𝒎𝒊𝒏 , the input
impedance for a section of line that is 54 cm long, and the input admittance.

Sol. Γ𝐿 = 0.5/29°
Z𝐿(𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑) = 2 + j 1.3 Ω
VSWR = 3.0
d𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.04 𝜆
d𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.29 𝜆
Z𝑖𝑛_𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 210 Ω
Z𝑖𝑛_𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 23.30 Ω
Z𝑖𝑛 = 39.2 – j 49.7 Ω
Y𝑖𝑛 = 9.71 – j 12.4 mS

Page | 51
The Smith Chart

6. A 50 Ω transmission line is connected to a cellular phone antenna with load

impedance 𝒁𝑳 = 25 - j 50 Ω. Find the position and the length of a shunt short circuit
stub required to match the 50 Ω transmission line.

Sol.

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The Smith Chart

 Normalized Impedance

7. The transmission line of characteristic impedance 𝑍0 is terminated in load impedance, 𝑍𝐿 .

If the characteristic impedance is 𝑍0 = 50 ohm and the load impedance is 𝑍𝐿 = 100 + j

100 ohm.

Sol. the normalized load impedance is-

𝑍𝐿 100 + 𝑗100
𝑧𝐿 = = = 2 + 𝑗2 (𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠)
𝑍0 50

Now enter this on the Smith Chart as shown in below.

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The Smith Chart

Page | 54
The Smith Chart

 VSWR circle

8. To construct the VSWR circle for a lossless line, place the compass center at the
center of the Smith Chart (𝑍𝐿 = 𝑍0 , or Γ𝐿 = 0) and construct a circle through 𝑧𝐿 .

To read off the VSWR on the line, note the intercept of the VSWR circle with the right
half zero reactance line (it is the horizontal line that bisects the top and bottom of the
chart).

For the previous example, where we read off the VSWR as

VSWR 4.3

Let’s check this against the calculated VSWR. First, compute the reflection coefficient.

𝑍𝐿 − 𝑍0 (100 + 𝑗100) − 50
Γ= = = 2 + 𝑗2 (𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠)
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑍0 (100 + 𝑗100) + 50

Taking the magnitude we find |Γ| = 0.62. Then the VSWR is

1 + |Γ|
𝑉𝑆𝑊𝑅 = = 4.256
1 − |Γ|

This tells us that the graphically obtained value (VSWR = 4.3) is accurate to
about one significant figure.

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The Smith Chart

Page | 56
The Smith Chart

 Load Admittance

9. The load admittance is the reciprocal of the load impedance.

1
𝑌𝐿 =
𝑍𝐿

For the previous example, we find

1
𝑌𝐿 = = 0.005 − 𝑗0.005 (𝑆𝑖𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠)
100 + 𝑗100

Normalized Load Admittance:

The normalized load admittance is the reciprocal of the normalized load impedance, which can
be expressed as

1
𝑌𝐿 100 + 𝑗100
𝑌𝐿 = = = 0.25 − 𝑗0.25 (𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠)
𝑌0 1
500

We can find this more easily by noting that 𝑦𝐿 is on the constant VSWR circle at a
point diametrically opposed from 𝑧𝐿 . This is shown in above Figure.

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The Smith Chart

Page | 58
The Smith Chart

 Input Impedance

10. The input impedance to the line of characteristic impedance, 𝑍0 , a length R from the
load, 𝑍𝐿 , is found via the equation.

2𝜋
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑗𝑍0 tan( 𝑙)
𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑍0 𝜆
2𝜋
𝑍𝑂 + 𝑗𝑍𝐿 tan( 𝑙)
𝜆

Where 𝜆 is the wavelength on the transmission line.

Consider the following example with 𝑍𝐿 = 100 + 𝑗100 𝑜ℎ𝑚.

𝜋
(100 + 𝑗100) + 𝑗100 tan( 4) 1 + 𝑗2
𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 100 𝜋 = 100 = 200 − 𝑗100 𝑜ℎ𝑚
100 + 𝑗(100 + 100) tan( 4) 𝑗

Now consider this process on the Smith Chart.

1. Enter the normalized load impedance, 𝑧𝐿 = 1 + 𝑗1

2. Construct the constant VSWR circle.
3. Travel clockwise (transform towards the generator) on the circle by a distance equivalent
to the line length, starting at 𝑧𝐿 . Remember the distance on the Smith Chart is in terms of
wavelength. Specifically, wavelength on the transmission line, which is not necessarily
𝜆
the free space wavelength. One full revolution is 2. The outer scale is calibrated in
wavelengths.
4. Read off 𝑧𝑖𝑛 . In this case, 𝑧𝑖𝑛 = 2 − 𝑗1.
5. Compute 𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑧𝑖𝑛 ∗ 𝑍0 = (2 − 𝑗1) ∗ 100 = 200 − 𝑗100 𝑜ℎ𝑚.

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 Input Admittance

11. Use the Smith Chart to find the input admittance. Consider the example above.

1. Enter the normalized load admittance on the VSWR circle. This is accomplished by
entering the normalized load impedance, drawing the VSWR circle and marking the point
diametrically opposed.

2. Travel clockwise (towards the generator) from 𝑦𝐿 on the VSWR circle by a

distance equivalent to the line length.
3. Read off 𝑦𝑖𝑛 = 0.44 + 𝑗0.2
(0.44+𝑗0.2)
4. Find 𝑌𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑖𝑛 ∗ 𝑌0 = = 0.004 + 𝑗0.002 𝑆𝑒𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠
100

Let’s compare the result from the Smith Chart on the next page to the analytical result.
From the example above we found 𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 200 − 𝑗100 𝑜ℎ𝑚.

1 1
𝑌𝑖𝑛 = = = 0.004 − 𝑗0.002 𝑆𝑖𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠
𝑍𝑖𝑛 200 − 𝑗100

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12. Consider a load impedance, 𝑍𝐿 = 100 − 𝑗25 𝑜ℎ𝑚, connected to a transmission line of
3
characteristic impedance 𝑍0 = 50 𝑜ℎ𝑚 . The line is 𝑙 = 8 𝜆 long.

Find the following quantities using the Smith Chart on the next page.
a) 𝑧𝐿 = ______________

b) VSWR = ______________

c) 𝑦𝐿 = ______________

d) 𝑧𝑖𝑛 = ______________

e) 𝑍𝑖𝑛 = ______________

f) 𝑦𝑖𝑛 = ______________

g) 𝑌𝑖𝑛 = ______________

h) Check the answer in part e) using the analytical result.

2𝜋
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑗𝑍0 tan( 𝑙)
𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑍0 𝜆
2𝜋
𝑍𝑂 + 𝑗𝑍𝐿 tan( 𝑙)
𝜆

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13. Consider a load impedance, 𝑍𝐿 = 0 − 𝑗0 𝑜ℎ𝑚, connected to a transmission line of

1
characteristic impedance 𝑍𝑜 = 50 𝑜ℎ𝑚 . The line is 𝑙 = 4 𝜆 long.

Find the following quantities using the Smith Chart on the next page.
a) 𝑧𝐿 = ______________

b) VSWR = ______________

c) 𝑦𝐿 = ______________

d) 𝑧𝑖𝑛 = ______________

e) 𝑍𝑖𝑛 = ______________

f) 𝑦𝑖𝑛 = ______________

g) 𝑌𝑖𝑛 = ______________

h) Check the answer in part e) using the analytical result.

2𝜋
𝑍𝐿 + 𝑗𝑍0 tan( 𝑙)
𝑍𝑖𝑛 = 𝑍0 𝜆
2𝜋
𝑍𝑂 + 𝑗𝑍𝐿 tan( 𝑙)
𝜆

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VIII. APPENDIX

1. MATLAB related problems

Function File 1: (Draw SMITH CHART)

function draw_smith_chart

% Draw outer circle

t = linspace(0, 2*pi, 100);
x = cos(t);
y = sin(t);
plot(x, y, 'linewidth', 3); axis equal;

% Place title and remove ticks from axes

title(' Smith Chart ')
set(gca,'xticklabel',{[]});
set(gca,'yticklabel',{[]});
hold on

% Draw circles along horizontal axis

k = [.25 .5 .75];
for i = 1 : length(k)
x(i,:) = k(i) + (1 - k(i)) * cos(t);
y(i,:) = (1 - k(i)) * sin(t);
plot(x(i,:), y(i,:), 'k')
end

% Draw partial circles along vertical axis

kt = [2.5 pi 3.79 4.22];
k = [.5 1 2 4];
for i = 1 : length(kt)

t = linspace(kt(i), 1.5*pi, 50);

a(i,:) = 1 + k(i) * cos(t);
b(i,:) = k(i) + k(i) * sin(t);
plot(a(i,:), b(i,:),'k:', a(i,:), -b(i,:),'k:' )
end

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The Smith Chart

Figure 8: Smith Chart (Output of Function file-1)

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Function File 2: (Calculations)

function [m, thd, SWR, rloss] = smith_ch_calc(Z0, Zl)

% Draw appropriate chart

draw_smith_chart

% Normalize given impedance

zl = Zl/Z0;

% Calculate reflection, magnitude and angle

g = (zl - 1)/(zl + 1);
m = abs(g);
th = angle(g);

% Plot appropriate point

polar(th, m, 'r*')

% Change radians to degrees

thd = th * 180/pi;

% Calculate VSWR and return loss.

% We can add epsilon to magnitude, to avoid div by 0 or log(0)
SWR = (1 + m)/(1 - m + eps);
rloss = -20 * log10(m + eps);

Main File:

clear all; clc; close all;

format compact
[m1, d1, VSWR1, Rloss1] = smith_ch_calc(50, 50)
[m2, d2, VSWR2, Rloss2] = smith_ch_calc(50, 100 + 50j)
[m3, d3, VSWR3, Rloss3] = smith_ch_calc(50, 30 - j*47)

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Figure 9: Output of combination of Function file-2 and main file

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MATLAB Output:

m1 =

d1 =

VSWR1 =

1.0000

Rloss1 =

313.0712

m2 =

0.4472

d2 =

26.5651

VSWR2 =

2.6180

Rloss2 =

6.9897

m3 =

0.5505

d3 =

-82.6171

VSWR3 =

3.4494

Rloss3 =5.1848

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The Smith Chart

2. Blank Smith Chart

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