S-parameter measurements yielding the characteristic matrices of MTLs
Date
1998
Authors
van der Merwe Jaco
Reader Howard Charles
Cloete Johannes Hendrik
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Journal ISSN
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Abstract
A frequency domain method is presented which yields accurate characteristic matrices of uniform multiconductor transmission lines (MTLs). It uses simple two-port network analyzer S-parameter measurements of a set of open-circuit and short-circuited MTL configurations. Transversely inhomogeneous MTLs can be characterized accurately in their quasi-TEM propagation regime. The technique was used to determine the inductance and capacitance matrices of a low loss three conductor ribbon cable above a ground plane. Comparisons with numerically and analytically obtained data are given. Measurements are found to be repeatable for lines of length l<λ/4. The λ/4 requirement is not found to be a restriction in the MHz regime and only plays a role as line end effects become significant at GHz frequencies. Obtained accuracy is significantly better than previously reported results.
Description
Keywords
Bandwidth, Electric losses, Electric network analyzers, Electromagnetic wave propagation, Characteristic matrices, Multiconductor transmission lines (MTL), Telecommunication lines
Citation
Proceedings of the South African Symposium on Communications and Signal Processing, COMSIG