They also need the expertise to find the useful data among the tons of results coming out. Designers have to be familiar with the multiple data inputs that need to be entered and the correct formats.

Computer simulations: Complex but simple to use, as such simulators are dedicated to differing design functions and not to impedance matching.

There are many ways to do impedance matching, including: The computational values are required to set up the type of structure and target component values.

In-situ RF lab measurements, along with tuning work, have to be considered for determining the proper final values. Above a few tens of megahertz, theoretical calculations and simulations are often insufficient. The matching task is required for a proper transfer of signal and energy from a 'source' to a 'load.'Īt high radio frequencies, the spurious elements (like wire inductances, interlayer capacitances, and conductor resistances) have a significant yet unpredictable impact on the matching network. Typically these include the antenna to the low-noise amplifier (LNA), power-amplifier output (RFOUT) to the antenna, and LNA/VCO output to mixer inputs.

One is the need to match the different impedances of the interconnected blocks. When dealing with the practical implementation of RF applications, there are always some nightmarish tasks. Tried and true, the Smith chart is still the basic tool for determining transmission-line impedances. A sample matching network of the MAX2472 is designed at 900MHz using graphical methods. Examples are shown plotting reflection coefficients, impedances and admittances. Tutorial on RF impedance matching using the Smith chart. The S-View supports the touchstone format, which has file extensions such as. S-View is a simple S-parameter viewer It allows you to plot the S-parameter data, which is used to characterize RF/Microwave components and systems.

Low Pass, High Pass, and Band Pass filter design.

Simulation of electronic circuits with component library and macro modeling.

QUCS supports Verilog-A compact model standardization for electronic circuit design and macro modeling. QUCS is free software under GPL (General Public License) available for all operating systems.

Quite Universal Circuit Simulator is another powerful tool to simulate basic electronic circuits and S-parameters. Full functions only available with the licensed version

How to read a smith chart