648

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MTT-23,

NO.

8, AIJGWST975 1

(Special Issue on Microwave FiZters), vol. MTT-13, pp. 676-692, Sept. 1965. accurate calculat~on of uniform Sr., An [10] H. E. Stinehelfe\, microstrip transmwsion lines, IEEE am Tech. (Special Issue on Microwave Integrated W?WV: Czrcutts), hmy vol. MTT-16, pp. 439-444, July 1968. M. A. Earle and P. Benedek, Characteristic impedance of dielectric supported strip transmission line,) IEEE Trans. M~woTheorv Tech. (Corres~.), VO1. M77J-16, PP. 884-885) Oct. wave 1968. Calculation of coefficients of capacitance of [12] W. T. Weeks. rnulticoriducto; transmission lines in the presence o~ a dielectric inter face, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., vol. MTT-18, pp. 3543, Jan. 1970. and J. A. Weiss, Parameters of microstrip trans[13] T. G. Bryant [11]

..-.

[16]

mission lines and of coupled pairs of microstrip lines, IEEE

Trans. Microwave Theoru Tech. (1968 S?imp. Issue), VO1. MTT16, pp. 1021-1027, Dec. -1968. and K. Atsuki, Analysjs of thick-strip trans[14] E. Yamashita mission lines, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theary Tech. (Corresp.), vol. MTT-19, pp. 12w122, Jan. 1971. Fast parameters calculation of the dielec@ic[15] E. Costamagna, supported air-strip transmission line, IEEE Trans. -~*~0-

wave Theory Tech. (Lett.), vol. MTT-21, pp. 155156, Mar. 1973. A. Farrar and A. T. Adams, A potential theory method for covered microstrip, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. (Short Papers), vol. MTT-21, pp. 494-496, July 1973. [17] P. Silvester, TEM wave propertied of mlcrostrip transmission lines, Proc. Inst. EZec. Eng., vol. 115, pp. 43-48, Jan. 1968. and A. T. Adams, Characteristic impedance of [18] A. Farrar microstrip by the method of moments, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. (Corresp.), vol. MTT-18, pp. 6566, Jan. 1970. A network analogue method for computing [191 B. L. Lennartsson, the TEM characteristics of planm transmission lines, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., vol. MTT-20, pp. 586-591, Sept. 1972. [20] N; Levinson, The Wiener RMS (Root Mean Square) Error Criterim Filter Dewgn and Prediction. in Cambridge, Mass.: ~l&.TI8Press, 1964 (appendix: time series by N. Wiener), pp. [21] R. T. Gregory and D. L. Karney, Testing Computational Algorithms. pp. 134-142. IC technology [22] H. Sobol, Extending Microwaves, Mar. 20, 1967. A Collection New York: to microwave of Matrices for Wiley, 1969, equipments,

Calculation
ALISTAIR

of Microstrip
F. THOMSON

Discontinuity
GOPINATH,

Inductances

AND ANAND

MEMBER, IEEE

AbstractInductive equivalent formulation number and steps experiment. circuits and changes of numerical are method

compo-nents calculated results for by of calculation

of the

microstrip Galerkin discussed corners, are

discontinuity method. and The a large well with

agreement

with

experiment.

The magnetic

wall model

has

symmetric These

T junctions,

been used for triplate lines which are wide and homogeneous and have confined fields, but its extension to microstrip lines which parison are inhomogenous and much narrower is not completely in comjustified. and are open structures

are presented.

results

compare

INTRODUCTION

Quasi-static calculation of inductance by the moment method [7] has provided results which show reasonable agreement with experiment. However, the disadvantage of discontinuities in these circuits by Deenthis method by Farrar requirements for these three-dimensional and Adams [1] even for modest problems as shown store of some interest. is the very large computer discretization.

HE

characterization circuits knowledge

of microstrip is currently

equivalent

tailed,

of the parameters

The alterna-

ables easy implementation of paper designs without tedious cut-and-try methods. While the published literature [l] [4] provides curves for the capacitive components of these circuits, little is available for their inductive components. The method of calculation suggested by Horton [5], [6] is not rigorous since the inductance calculation is based on charge estimates and the results obtained are not in

tive is to use a finite-element method as in the skin-effect formulation [8]. The results of discontinuity inductance from this method obtained previously were inaccurate as they were arrived at by subtracting two nearly equal numbers. Also the method was limited to finite-length strips and thus could not represent the actual situation in which the strips extend so far from the discontinuity y that they may be considered as semi-infinite. The present paper is an extension of this finite-element method which

Manuscript received November 19, 1974; revised March 27, 1975. The work of A. F. Thomson was supported by a Science Research Counril Studentship. The authors are with the School of Electronic and Engineering Sciepce, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Caerns., LL57, lUT, Wales, U. K.

overcomes these difficulties, and the results obtained for right-angled bends, step-width changes, and symmetrical T junctions are presented with in the form of curves. experiment [9] Comparison of the results shows reasonable

THOMSON

AND

GOPINATE

: MICROSTRIP

DISCONTINUITY

INDUCTANCES

649

agreement nately,

with

extrapolated with 0.020-in

low-frequency alumina

values,

valid

tuting

from

(1) and (3) into

(2) gives (4)

up to 5 GHz

substrate. are frequency

Unfortudepend-

these inductive

components

ent, and quasi-static calculation low-frequency values. However, rigorous method starting time-dependent and associated point program data solution, results

can provide only their in the absence of any it is hoped here provide for this work of discontinuities that the given a firm is cap% pro-

which

is the integro-differential concerned with

skin-effect microstrip of operation

equation. lines where

Since u is

we are only

very large and the frequency

is high, the first to give (5)

for designers. developed on a variety

term in (4) is small and may be neglected

The computer ble of providing

vided that these have Manhattan-t ype geometries. This limitation is due to a singularity in the Greens function which is easily integrable However, this limitation pense of computation while at the present The data presented perimentally experiments ation of the symmetric calculation geometries. FORMULATION The imply formulation the following: the current assumes OF PROBLEM quasi-static retardation are involved, conditions effects which is small can be only over a rectangular element. may be circumvented at the exbut was not considered worthexthe which trates is the high-frequency the conductors. of (5) gives v#=o i.e., the impressed potential satisfied condition This is equivalent to saying that the impressed

electric

time, time.

field in the strip conductor is balanced by the magnetically induced fields, and the ohmic drop is negligible. The curl of (5) gives

in this paper by

could be obtained Easter [9]. But

as demonstrated need to be carefully equivalent circuit a large T requires outlined

(6)

performed number

and the evaluof the the value y on the strip conductors. Thus the governing problem two equations were (7) Laplac es equations for this when zero flux pene-

of one example

of measurements.

Since such experimental of the inductive

data is never comprehensive, a low-frequency for a variety

The divergence

here provides

components

of discontinuity

equations

to be sollved

are (5) and (7) or, alternatively, solved implementation lengthy.

(61. The former in this

the size of the discontinuity

as it is inconvenient function

compared neglected;

to the wavelength; calculations

finite-element gration putationally

to use (6) because the intein (6) is comof the relaof (7) for d, and then from the following

on the strip has zero divergence. the presence

of the associated density

Greens

Since inductive

The solutions

of the dielectric substrate (provided it is nonmagnetic) may be disregarded, and only the discontinuity y structure and its image in the ground discontinuity semi-infinite The magnetic uniform vector lines. potential ~ due to the current denis given by (1) plane need be considered. The is assumed to be the junction of two or more

(5) for the current stripline structure tionships:

~ enable the inductance

to be obtained

sity ~ on any section of the line or discontinuity

and (9)

where the Greens

function

G is 1

METHOD For convenience, (z 2.)2]/2 field in the dis-

OF SOLUTION is assumed to be thin, and

the strip

G = 47r[(z From continuity

*O) +

(y ?Jo)+

Maxwells structure

equations, is

the electric

therefore the current density ~ is uniform across the thickness of the strip r. Thus ~ is a two-dimensional vector, and volume integrals become surface integrals Equation and surface ones become line integrals. (5) thu~~ becomes (lo)

(2)

jwpor where : G~

Gi] dS = V~

where @ is the scalar quires that

impressed

potential.

Ohms

law re-

J=UE where a is the conductivity of the strip structure.

(3) Substi-

thickness of the strip conductor; angular frequency; modified Greens function which includes

the ground

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plane images 1 i = 4T[(X ~)L + (y YO)Z]112 1 47r[(x h thickness XI))2 + (y yll)z + (2h)2]l/2

region uniform

bounded that strip

by

the

planes

PPt

and that

QQ, with

the

constraint

the solution

matches

of the inifinite The mag-

solution

at these bounding

planes.

netic vector potential due to the semi-infinite lines terminating at these planes PP1 and QQ also requires to be taken into consideration (12) and (11) in (11). gives the current distribution in Solving

of the substrate. @

Define

a new variable

the region bounded by PP and QQ in Fig. 1. The total inductance LT of this region, bounded by PP and QQ in Fig. 1, can then be obtained from (8) and (9), and the required tracting form discontinuity line y inductance L2.. Thus L. is obtained the inductance of uniform planes by subuniof the infinite MM the inductance from of a 21 length of equivalent

@ = 0/( jcw) and (10) becomes p, and furthermore, G,~ dS = V@ (11)

infinite L.,

semi-infinite line / and NN. Hence

().

line is assumed to be that discontinuity

up to the

reference

(7) becomes
172@ =

(12) over the whole diswhere L. L. LT at infiEquation nearly equal (13) gives L. from the subtraction of two numbers; hence the error in L. is approxi1 discontinuity plane AIM inductance long line; total inductance of PP of the section and QQ from between MM PP and reinductance and NN; per unit length between the reference infinitely

The problem

requires

to be solved

continuity y structure

including

the semi-infinite

lines, and

this becomes impractical without further However, the effects of the discontinuity rapidly Laplaces tion and perturbed from the junction how the far as can from the field equation noting from

modifications. fields diminish solving V@ is Thus transform~

of the uniform

be seen by discontinuity condition.

in each case by conformal uniform

QQ;
distance spectively. and NN,

some distance

the current

distributions

and inductances of equivalent

of the lines can be assumed to be that

nite uniform lines. Reference planes are defined at these positions and for a right-angled symmetrical bend discontinuity; distance and NN. these 1 from are PP and QQ as shown reference be solved in Fig. MM 1, the discontinuity need only planes

mately that of the absolute value of error LT, hence accuracy of L. becomes a problem. This is overcome using the excess-current [10]. The (charge) technique of Silvester current-density and Benedek distribuand
M&f

The equation

in the strip

uniform

infinite-line

tion ~m is assumed to exist from co up to MM, from NN onwards to co ; and in the discontinuity

I
sem

(me (1)
sect

I.mfin
ion

ta
1

Section

to NN a known current distribution ~d is defined to preserve continuity of current. Excess circulating current ~. is added in the entire region between PP and QQ so that
section 3

(s2)

(s3)

the known to satisfy tribution from

assumed current the governing of this

distributions

are redistributed and disis determined

(s1)

Iy I

equation.

The magnitude current

excess circulating of (11).

Tx-xsectmn 4

the solution

The gradient

of the impressed

Fig. 1. Plan view of a symmetric righ+sngle bend in microstrip showing the discontinuity reference planes MM and NN and
the boundary planes PP and QQ. Also of the structure in rectangular elements shown is the 81 to S5. subdivision

!t . Q sema.infmta line

(s4 )

potential V@ which is the right-hand side (RHS ) of this equation can be obtained by the solution of the Laplaces equation on the strip re@ons between PP and QQ with appropriate boundary conditions. Thus (11) becomes

(2)

section

(S5)

where ~d is the sum of ~d and ~. in this region is known. Now ~zm and ~Va can be obtained by solving

3, and V@ (11) and

THOIkON

AND

OOPINATH

: .MICROSTRIP

DISCONTINUITY

INDUCTANCES

651

(12)

for the uniform

infinite

line with

the same w/h valand h is the thick-

which A=po

simplifies
il

to
xl

ues, where w is the width

of the strip

nessof the substrate. Since these currents (~~~ and~,w) vary only with respect to Y and x, respectively, the integration with respect to xandy, respectively, can be performed analytically. We also note that ~~m extends from x = w to MM, and Jum extends from y = NN1 to co, thus (14) becomes

/ ffo

Gl~z.w dy +

PO /
Zo

Gz~Udx + M

G,~. dfi.
,!~T

(19) Hence the first term in (18) becomes

21

PO

/ %0

G2jUW d.

(15) is Now let

where the reference the line QQ, and the Greens

plane MM functions

is the line x = XO;NNt region are between PP

+ Po

G,~e dfl.~zm dS.

(20)

SZ ST

y = yO; ST is the strip

and

(16) and
(?/0

where G, = [ (z Zo) + {(z XII) + {($ x,) (yo y) + + (2h)2}12

(x Zo) +

(y. 3/) ) /2

GZ = loge [

Y) + (Yo

{ (!/0 Y) +

Y)2 +

(ZO

~)+

(2h)2)/2

{(YO

Y)+

(ZO

Z) ) l

1
is to

and L_ll~ is the difference in inductance between a length 1 m long from the termination point of semi-infinite line and that of a length with so that 1 m long of infinite from RHS line. This term added to and subtracted it combines each other Also note that (20) : in the addition

(17) Note (15) that these Greens functions method, are obtained plane. for a

semi-iniinite

line and its image in ground is used to calculate manner.

Equation

first term of (20) to give lL,n. since ~zw and ~U~ are perpendicular

is solved by the Galerkin

and the solution the excess in-

for ~. in each region

ductance L. in the following From (13) L. = L. Express

LT

21Lm.

Thus A .~zm dS = I(lLm L_l/m)

in terms of ~ and ~ and hence

/ S2

Siilarly, simplifications are made for the tlhird (18). Thus the whole equation now becomes

term

in

Consider the first term on the RHS of this equation. (1) we have

From + I(lLm
L_l/2cJ + m //

G,j. dS.~VWdS S4 S!r

+/

~-~.dS S3 LT from
LCA~

(22)

and hence substituting L. = where

(22) into 2L112~

(13) gives (23)

652

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AUGUST

1975

12-LCAL

=H
PO ~,

~, G,],

d~~z.

dtl

AL?

ALI
w

1-

__

+ No / Although L. is still

/ G,jedSju. sb sT obtained

dS +1 Sa

~~. two

dfi
w

by subtracting

values, (a)
ALI ALZ

the numerical order as that two quantities,

error is much smaller of LGA~ and L112. thus V* = V*. +

since L. is of the same V@ as the sum of

The alternative

scheme is to define

V*. in an infinite

(24) uniform
AL , ALI + ALZ

where

V@a is the gradient (11 ) we have

obtained

, HII
w
W2

lime and V+. is the excess gradient Also from ~. which RHS

due to the discontinuity.

ALI ALI

(b)

Gi~dS=~

= _V@~ in (18).

_(V@m+ The

V@@)
T

ALZ I

is to be substituted of (13) becomes = V&~ZW (24),

second

term

of
(c)

2112L.

/ S2 from

dS (25),

! S4

V@UW~U_dS.

(25)

Substituting 1 L.=~ [/

and (18) in (13) gives V@..~. dS

Fig. 2. Equivalent circuits of three microstrip discontinnities with the positions of the reference planes. (a) Symmetric right-angled bend, strip w, wide. (b) Step-width change from strip w, width to wz width. (c) Symmetric T junction, straight arms WI wide; vertical, wz wide. Substrate thickness kept constant at h = 1. The inductances given in these circuits are plotted in Figs. 3-6.

m
w +
W2

ST V@..j.

dS +

/ sT

former using value term method given

method

the

term

L-ll,m

is calculated

previously

+ ~ sT Note that if the (apart Galerkin from method

V@.~ca dS is used with

(26]

a large number of Gaussian points to obtain the accurately, whereas in the latter method, V* must very J. dS accurately is (O. 1 percent) clear cut; to ensure that Thus the Jv+.. accurately determined.

be obtained

the trial functions,

functions

for ~. being identical of (15).

to the projection appear

to be used is not here the former corner, the tectilque

for the calculations for a symmetric discontinuities and require no

these terms

V@. ~m) have all been evaluated It would on first sight that no

was used throughout. is illustrated the extension to other

in the solution

Although right-angled further

the latter method would be better since it involves subtraction. However, it is easily shown that V@.. ~. dS = PO Gi~. dS.~=m dS HS2 ST

such as the T and step change are simple elaboration.

The method of numerical implementation is by the Galerkln method and is similar to that used by Gopinath and Silvester only difference nondivergent, tor action [8] and thus will not be included density here. The to be a vecis that ~ the current so that Vxw=l ~ requires

+ /Jo
is often negative, and

Gi~. dS. ~VW dS 2L_l,zml

s4 sT

and this is accomplished

by defining

potential

I sT

V+.. ~e dS +

I Sr

V*W . ~. dS =

I ST

~.~.dS

and hence V.?i = o is satisfied. Since ~ is a two-dimensional vector, need only have a z-directed component. ing equations are recast, replacing J, being zero, W Thus the preced(V X W.) and

is most often positive;

thus this method

also often involves

the subtraction of the two numbers. in the first method, where the result difference or sum of two numbers. Also in the latter method the ratio

This is also the case L. is obtained as the of magnitude of V@

~ by

to I is important since terms are divided by 12, and thus any error will appear in the results. However, in the former method, all terms involve the product of two currents, and thus any error in magnitude cancels out. In the

~. by (V X W.e) in the numerical solution. In this case, it was necessary only to ensure continuity of normal component of current between elements. or potential W at common boundaries This was implemented using the gen-

THOMSON

AND

GOPINATH

: MICROSTRIP

DISCONTINUITY

INDUCTANCES

653

0 6r

05

03 -

11
.

experimental expemmental

bars # results

//
calculated results / /

02 -

02 -

d~ 1:0

1
05

,
20

-01 -

-02 %

Pi /

Fig. 3. Normalized AL/(Lab) plotted

inductance of a symmetric for different w/h ratios.

right-angled

bend

Comparison is with

experimental results from Easter [9].

0.>
calculated result for w, h: O 5

//
calculated result forwlh, 10

/
O

I
0.

experimental

bar

for

wlh.1

d z aj1= c

0.(

1.0
Fig. 4. Normalized inductance for w,/h = 0.5 and 1.0 for for one value me marked.

1
20 s
h

1
4.0

3.0

for step-width different w*/h.

change ~/(L_A) Experimental results

erdized ously [8].

matrix

inverse

tectilque

also

discussed

previ-

method

of images

program the method

[11].

Althougll~

this

test

is

RESULTS Preliminary

AND

DISCUSSION to check the inductlines segmented in the These results were in from Silvesters

essentially trivial, are checked.

and the program

operation

tests were performed infinite values.

ante of straight uniform center for cliff erent w/h excellent agreement with

Subsequently, a large number of runs were performed on the step-width change, symmetric right-angled bend, and symmetric T junction, for a number of different w/h. These results compared favorably with experimental resuits due to Easter [9] as shown in Figs. 26. It is apparent

those obtained

654

123EETRANsACTIONS

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AUGUST

1975

w2/h

oh

05

10

15

20

-o

-01 -

\ \ \ \

-o

Z8 a-i

F
\, \.
\. \

\x \ \ \ \ \ \

-o.2-

i ~: 12
-o

w#7=10
expermwnt exp.mnwntaf calculated A bars results result$

\
Y

-03-

\
\ \

. ._w+. \
\ \ \ \ % W,/h= . . W*.1O v+@

o 5

-o

VOQ,21 results

15 20

(a)

w2/h

-c
(a)
-01

05

10

15

2 o

-C32

\ \ I \ \

07 t

\
0s

1. \

09

1
I

y/hz10

\
\ bars r.zsultz results ~,

\,
\ \ \ ?

-09

uxper!mmtal experummtal calculated

3o

. .

vogd

resu n~
(b)

-11

w,lh wl/h

= 20 = 1 5 1 0

\x

. . ..__

\.\
\. \. \. \ \. \%

~1 /~=

- . -

W,h=

0 5

-1.2 L

Fig. 5.. (a) Normalized inductance of the straight arm of the T junction AL1/(Lov,h) for w,/h = 1.0 for different wt/h. Comarisen is with the experimental results of Easter [9] and calcu~ated due to Vogel [12]. (b) Normalized inductance of the vertical leg of the T, &Lt/(L~wjh) for w,/h = 1.0 for different wt/h. Corparison is with experiment [9] and Vogel [12].

(b) Fig. 6. (a) Normalized inductance of the straight arm of the T, AL1/(L_,h) for w,/h = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 for different wz/h. n(b)Normalizwf inductance of the vertical leg of the T, AL/(L_&) for W, /h = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 for different w2./h.

that

the

agreement

worsens

when

the

experimental

un-

straight

arms

of the T are within

a few percent

of the

ducta,nce values m-e highly frequency dependent, the estimate falling outside the experimental error range. It is expected that the results for st~p-width changes and the

actual values. For the bend and the vertical leg of the T, the results are somewhat worse and the reason for thk are not determined. Fig. 5(a) and (b) shows comparison ~f

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NO. 8, AUGUST

1975

655

our calculation agreement periment with tith

with those of Vogel [12], the experimental these negative

and obtains Note

better ex[3] [4]

results.

that

shows that

line lengths

decrease

increasing

frequency. CONCLUSION
[5]

A method

of calculating

quasi-static

microstrip

discon-

[6]

ti&ity inductance has been outlined. The computer program written for these calculations has given results which compare favorably with experiment. Curves for some widely used discontinuities have been provided. ACKNOWLEDGM13NT The authors cussions during wish to thank B. Easter for valuable dis-

[7]

[8]

[9]

the course of this work. REFERENCES

[10]
[11] [12]

[1]

and A. T. Adam:, cOmpUtfitiOh of lumped microstrip capacitances by matrix methodsRectangular sections and end effects, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. (Gorresp.), vol. MTT-19, pp. 495-496, May 1971. [2] , Matrix method for microstrip three-dimensional prob-

A. Farrar

lems, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theiny Tech., vol. MlT-20, pp. 497-504, Aug. 1972. D. S. James and S. H. Ike. Miwostri~ . end effects. Eka!ron. Lett., vol. 8, pp. 46-47, 1972. I. Wolff, Statischie IGipazitaten von Rechteckigen und KreisArch. Eklc. fprmigen MikrostripScheibeukcmdiensatorem, ~bertragung., vol. 27, pp. 44-47, 1973. R. Horton, Electrical characterization of a right-angled bend in microstrip line, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech, (Short Papers), vol. MTT-21? pp. 427-429, June 1973. , Electrical representation of an abrupt impedance step in microstrip line, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. (Short Papers), vol. MTT-21, pp. 562-564, Aug 1973. A. Gopinath and B. Easter, Moment method of calculating discontinuity inductance of microstrip righi%angled bends, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. (Short Papers), vol. MTT-22, pp. 880-883, Oct. 1974. A. Gopinath and P. Silvester, Calculation oj inductance of finite-lenxth striws and its variation with freauenrw. IEEE Trans. Microwa~e Theory Tech., vol. hITi-2i, pp~ 380-386, June 1!373. B. Easter, An equivalent, circuit of some microstrip discontinuities, this issue, pp. 655-660. P. Silvester and P. Benedek, Equivalent capacitances of microstrip open circuits, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech:, vol. MTT-20, pp. 511-516, Aug. 1972. ,P. Sdvester, TEM wave properties of microstrip transmission lines, Proc. Inst. Elec. Eng., vol. 115, pp. 43-48, Jan. 1968. R. W. Vogel, Effects of the T-junction discontinuities on the design of microst,rip directional couplers, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. (Short Papers), vol. MTT-2 II, pp. 145146, Mar. 1973.

The Equivalent Circuit of Some Microstrip

BRIAN EASTER

Discontir)uities

Absthzc+rhe structures is described. cent wave ment model. with

experimental interest, static Some results

characterization including theory while than and with from

of some T derived data the

microstrip junctions, from replanetheory agreeuniform

of common

synunetricaf

equivalent circuit data fall broadiy into two categories. First, there is a growing body of information [1]--[4] on the quasi-static In due capacitance more recently course this of microstrip structures, provide but, planesupplemented [5]-[7]. accurate by studies approach of the inductance should of interest,

are compared that data

three-dimensiotial further the

uniform better

It is concluded improvement, measured

the three-dimensional in much the two-dimensional

requires plane-wave

it is generally

quasi-static

data on all structures of dynamic from

model.

of course, with source of data I. INTRODUCTION

no indication derives

effects. A second

the use of a uniform

on the properties of uniform rnicrostrip trast, the circuit designer is often without formation comprised on the discontinuity and in typical practical circuits.

HERE

IS NOW

available

a substantial

body

of data

lines. In conadequate in-

wave parallel plate model of the microstrip cross section as described by Vogel [14] and others, following the method applied by Oliner [8] to symmetrical (( l.rihas the great advautage plate ) strip lines: This approach of reducing the problem to two-dimensional complexity. Closed-form expressions are available in classical texts [9] for several quasi-static elements, and i!ome studies [10], [11] have directly tackled the dynamic situation. In addition, reference to Babinet equivalence enables the use of rectangular waveguide data. Against these advantages, there remains the difficulty of any estimation of the error associated with the use of the uniform plane-wave model. It can be noted that not only is the proportion of fringe

junction structures Presently available

Manuscript received November 19, 1974; revised March 27, 1975. This work was carried out as a part of a study supported by the United Kingdom Scien6e Research Council. The author is with the School of Electronic Engineering Science, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Caerns., LL57 lUT, Wales, U. K.