UNIT 5 – SMITH CHART

INTRODUCTION TO IMPEDANCE MATCHING

Impedance matching is designing source and load impedances to minimize signal reflection or
maximize power transfer.
 Why is impedance matching needed?
 Impedance mismatch can lead to signal reflection and inefficient power transfer. These
reflections cause destructive interference, leading to peaks and valleys in the voltage.
 Impedance matching is therefore important to obtain a desirable VSWR (voltage
standing wave ratio).
Matching networks are configurations used to match source and load impedances, and
impedance matching devices are the components that make up these networks.
Finding these component values can be done using computer simulations, manual
computations, or with tools such as the Smith chart.
Types of Impedance Matching Devices:
i. λ/4 wavelength line (Quarter Wave Transformer)
ii. λ/2 wavelength line
iii. λ/8 wavelength line
iv. Single stub matching
v. Double stub matching
Quarter-Wave Transformer (Matching)
How transmission lines are used for load matching and impedance measurements?

The input impedance of the lossless line is given as

Let us consider , the length of the shorted section of the transmission line is λ/4 wavelength

Problem : Design a transmission line segment that matches 300 Ω to 50 Ω at 10 GHz using a
quarter-wave match

Smith Chart
A smith chart is a polar graph of normalized impedance in the complex reflection coefficient
plane. Let Z = R + jX be the impedance at some location along a lossless line.

The applications of the smith chart are,

i. It is used to find the input impendence and input admittance of the line.
ii. Measurement of input impedance and load impedance
iii. Measurement of standing wave ratio (SWR)
iv. Measurement of reflection coefficient k in polar form
 v. Location of voltage minimum, maximumIn single stub matching to find the distance of
the stub from the load and the length of the stub

Key points of Smith chart

i. The center of the smith chart is 1+j0 ((This point accts as prime center of the smith
chart, as it indicates the matched line or smooth line whose reflection coefficient (K) is
zero )

ii. The intersection of R and X circle gives the value of the normalized impedance (R +jX),
𝑍
normalized impedance= any impedance divided by its characteristic impedance ( 𝑍𝑅 )
0
Smith chart Problems:
Problem 1:

Solution:
Given Data:
𝑍𝐿 = 60 + 𝑗40 Ω
𝑍0 = 50 Ω
𝑓 = 2𝑀𝐻𝑧, 𝑙 = 30𝑚 , 𝑢 = 0.6𝑐
Step 1: Normalized load impedance
𝒁𝑳 60 + 𝒋40 Ω
= = 1.2 + 𝒋0.8
𝒁0 50Ω
In the smith chart intersection of the resistance(R) circle = 1.2 and the reactance (+jX) circle =
+j 0.8 is plotted as normalized load impedance.
Step 2: Standing wave ratio (SWR)
𝑍
With ‘O’ as center and 𝑍𝐿 as radius draw a circle, this circle intersects the horizontal R axis at
0
two points. The point located to the right of the smith chart center gives the value of the
𝑉
standing wave ratio (SWR), i.e 𝑚𝑎𝑥 is referred as SWR.
𝑍0
SWR , S = 2.1

Step 3: Reflection Coefficient (K)

𝐾 = |𝐾| < ∅
𝑆−1
Magnitude of reflection coefficient, |𝐾| = 𝑆+1
2.1 − 1
|𝐾| = = 0.35
2.1 + 1

Angle of reflection coefficient , ∅ = 560

Step 4: Input Impedance

 To find the load location in the smith chart, draw a line joining the center ‘O’ with the load
𝑍
point 𝑍𝐿 and extend it to the outer rim of the circle, intersection of the this line with the
0
𝑍
outer circle gives indicates the location of load 𝑍𝐿.
0
𝑍
 As we are in the load point 𝑍𝐿 , to find the source move towards the generator (readings of
0
the outer scale of the outer circle to be considered), therefore load is located at 0.172λ
 Length of the transmission line is 30m. Convert 30m to wavelength, λ=
𝑈 0.6𝐶 0.6 𝑥 3𝑥 108
= = = 90𝑚
𝑓 𝑓 2 𝑥 106
90𝑚 = 1λ
∴ 30𝑚 = 0.333λ
The source is located at 0.172 λ + 0.333λ = 0.505λ
The maximum distance covered in smith chart is 0.5 λ, ∴ 0.505𝛌 − 0.5𝛌 = 0.005𝛌

Draw a line form the center to the 0.005 λ (outer scale of the outer circle  wavelength towards
generator). The intersection of this line with the SWR circle indicates the value of normalized
𝑍
input impedance ( 𝑍𝑆 ).
0

𝑍𝑆
= 0.47 + 𝑗0.035
𝑍0

∴ 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑍𝑆 = 𝑍0 (0.47 + 𝑗0.035) = 23.5 + 𝑗 1.75

Single Stub Matching Techniques:

A section of a transmission line having small length is called as a stub. Two types’ namely single stub and double
stub comprising of one or two stubs are in common use. A section of a two wire transmission line of small length
‘l’ is connected in parallel to the line to be matched at a distance d from the load as shown is known as a single
stub.

There are two design parameters for single stub matching:

 The location of the stub with reference to the load dstub
 The length of the stub line Lstub

The transmission line realizing the stub is normally terminated by a short or by an open circuit.
For proper impedance match:

In order to complete the design, we have to find an appropriate location for the stub. Note that the input admittance
of a stub is always imaginary (inductance if negative, or capacitance if positive)
Ystub = jBstub

A stub should be placed at a location where the line admittance has real part equal to Y0

Y (dstub ) = Y0 + jB(dstub )

For matching, we need to have

Bstub = −B(dstub )

Depending on the length of the transmission line, there may be a number of possible locations where a stub can
be inserted for impedance matching. It is very convenient to analyze the possible solutions on a Smith chart.

In many cases it is also convenient to select the same characteristic impedance used for the main line, although
this is not necessary. The choice of open or shorted stub may depend in practice on a number of factors. A short
circuited stub is less prone to leakage of electromagnetic radiation and is somewhat easier to realize. On the other
hand, an open circuited stub may be more practical for certain types of transmission lines, for example microstrips
where one would have to drill the insulating substrate to short circuit the two conductors of the line.

Problem: 2 (Single Stub Matching)

i. Find normalized admittance

ii. Find standing wave ratio
iii. Distance of the stub from the load
iv. Required stub admittance
v. Length of the stub
Solution:
Given Data :
Load impedance 𝑍𝐿 = 40 + j30Ω
𝑍0 = 100 Ω
Stub – shorted stub

Step :1 Find normalized admittance

𝒁𝑳 40 + 𝒋30 Ω
= = 0.4 + 𝒋0.3
𝒁0 100Ω
Find the normalized load admittance knowing that λ/4 wavelength line acts as impedance inverter.

𝒁 𝒀
Travel 0.25 λ from 𝒁𝑳 to find 𝑮𝑳 = 1.6 − 𝒋1.2
0 0
1 100 100 40−𝑗30 4000−𝑗3000
or 𝑦𝑙 = 𝒁𝑳 = 40+j 30 = 𝑥 = = 1.6 − 𝑗1.2
⁄𝒁 40+j 30 40−𝑗30 1600+900
0

∴ 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑦𝑙 = 1.6 − 𝑗1.2

Step 2: Find Standing wave ratio
With ‘O’ as center and yL=1.6-j1.2 as radius draw a circle. The intersection point on the right of the centre
indicates SWR (S) = 2.7
𝑆 = 2.7

Step 3: Distance of the stub from the load

𝑌𝑠
 The locus of points for the location of the stub is = 1 circle , , trace this circle in the smith chart. This
𝐺0
𝑌𝑠
= 1 circle intersects with the SWR ( S=2.7) circle at two points , the point ‘B’ is located near to the
𝐺0
load point when we move towards the generator and at this point the stub is located. As the stub is always
located at the point of minimum voltage (Vmin) and this point always occurs near to the load point.
 The distance between this point and the load location give the distance of the stub. Load is located at 0.304λ
and the stub is located at 0.326λ.
Distance of the stub, dstub = 0.326 – 0.304 = 0.032λ
Step 4: Required stub admittance

The susceptance of the line at point ‘B’ is – j 1.04

𝐵𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 = −𝑗 1.04 ( 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒)

For impedance matching, introduce a stub whose value is +j 1.04

𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑏 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝐵𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑏 = +𝑗 1.04 ( 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒)

Step 5: Length of the stub
Introduce a shorted stub with 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 value of +j1.04. Draw an arc from 𝐵𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑏 = +𝑗 1.04 to the outer
circle. The distance between the short circuited end (point C) to point D indicates the length of the stub.
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑏, 𝐿𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑏 = 0.25 + 0.128 = 0.378𝜆
Problem: 3 (Single Stub Matching)

A 50 ohms transmission line is connected to a cellular phone antenna with load impedance ZL
= 25-j50 ohms. Use Smith chart to find the position and the length of a shunt short-circuit
stub required to match the 50 ohms line. Use Smith Chart.
Solution:
(source link : 3065_Single_stub_Matching_2006.pdf ([Link]))

Problem: 4 (Single Stub Matching)

Problem: 5
The air-filled two-wire line has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and is terminated with load
impedance of 5 + j25 Ω. The length of the line is 0.1λ. Find
i. The standing wave ratio
ii. Reflection coefficient
iii. Input impedance
Problem: 6
The air-filled two-wire line has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and is operated at f = 3
GHz. The load is ZL =100 + j40Ω. Find the VSWR and the line impedance at 2.5 cm.
References:
1. Matthew Sadiku,” Elements of Electromagnetics”, 7th edition, Oxford University
Press.
2. John. D. Ryder, “Networks, Lines and Fields”, 2nd edition, Prentice-Hall electrical
engineering series.

Material prepared by
Dr. Maria Jossy A
Associate Professor, Dept. of ECE