Matching with Smith SW &Microstrip Matching with Optenni SW

Impedance Matching with Smith Software

The term “impedance matching” is rather straightforward. It’s simply defined as the process of making one impedance look like another. Frequently, it becomes necessary to match a load impedance to the source or internal impedance of a driving source. A wide variety of components and circuits can be used for impedance matching. In this course, with the help of Smith Software from Prof. Fritz Dellsperger (at Bern University of Applied Sciences), we will explain how to match the impedance by using RLC elements, Transmission like, open/short stub to any wanted value.

This course is suitable for every Engineer who wants to work as RF/Hardware Engineer. Smith Software contains Smith Chart, which facilate the process for impedance matching for us. Smith chart contains below capabilities in the software. 

• Matching ladder networks with capacitors, inductors, resistors, serie and parallel RLC, transformers, serie lines and open or shorted stubs

• Free settable normalisation impedance for the Smith chart

• Circles and contours for stability, noise figure, gain, VSWR and Q

• Edit element values after insertion

• Tune element values using sliders (Tuning Cockpit)

• Sweep versus frequency or datapoints

• Serial transmission line with loss

• Export datapoint and circle info to ASCII-file for post-processing in spreadsheets or math software

• Import datapoints from S-parameter files (Touchstone, CITI, EZNEC)

• Undo- und Redo-Function

• Save and load designs (licensed version only)

• Save netlist (licensed version only)

• Print Smith-Chart, schematic, datapoints, circle info and S-Plot graphs

• Copy to clipboard for documentation purposes

• Settings for color and line widths for all graphs

Commercial licenses of Smith software with full capabilities are priced to US$ 120.

Licenses for universities, students and Ham’s with callsign are priced to US$ 80.

Microstrip Matching with Optenni SW

Microstrip is a popular transmission line technology in RF and microwave design due to low cost, low dispersion, easy integration with other circuitry, power handling, and availability of good models for design purposes. Microstrips are also popular in matching circuit design, especially when discrete components are less attractive due to frequency, power or cost. This course describes how Optenni Lab is used for microstrip matching circuit synthesis.