IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends In Electronics Information Communication Technology, May 20-21, 2016, India
CPW to Microstrip Transition Using Different
CPW Ground Plane Structures
Beeresha R S, A M Khan, Manjunatha Reddy H V
Abstract: The multilayer circuits are suffers from passive
components effect to transit high frequency signal. The passive
components are capacitive and inductive reactance of the
planar integrated circuit. The part of overall circuit efficiency
depending on passivity of the components, interconnections
and its geometrical structure, which is helps to build low loss
multilayer integrated circuits (MIC). The aim of this paper is
to design coplanar wave guide (CPW) to microstrip line
transition structure with 1GHz to 75GHz operating frequency
band. The linear tapered transition method is used and
inspected with four different CPW ground plane structures are
conventional, stepped edge, sharp edge and linear curvature
edge.The linear curvature edged CPW ground plane structure
gives better transition efficiency, operating frequency band
and lower insertion loss compare to conventional, stepped edge
and sharp edge structures. The designed structures are
electromagnetic simulated using NI/AWR tool. The CPW to
microstrip line structure is compact in size and widely used for
RF/Microwave circuit component development.
Key Words: CPW, Microstrip line, EM Simulation,
Transition, MIC.
I. INTRODUCTION
The development of wireless communication system
with compact and low cost printed circuit board fabrication
have become ever more important. The miniaturization can
be achieved either by compressing the size of the individual
components, or by integrating different function within a
single component. The multilayer integrated circuit (MIC)
technology is widely used in ultra-wide band applications
like radar [1], wireless communication [2] and remote
sensing [3].
The multilayer integrated circuit (MIC) fabrication is
costlier to help for accurate characterization of passive
planar transmission lines [4]. The higher frequency signal
transition in MIC experience more from passive component
effect. To improvement of a transition efficiency of the
structure using suitable interconnecting method. The
microstrip to CPW a tapered linear impedance transition
structure has been implemented in numerous RF/Microwave
applications. The MICs are complex in miniature form,
giving rise to many complicated waveguide structures, and
thus complicating the theoretical analysis [5]. Therefore,
there is still demand for accurate and flexible computer
modeling techniques need for analysis and wide range of
practically used transition structures. The transmission line
thickness play a significant role in the propagation
characteristics of transmission lines in both MIC and thick
Beeresha R S, Research Scholar , Department of Electronics, Mangalore
University, Karnataka, India
A M Khan, Professor, Department of Electronics , Mangalore University,
Karnataka, India
Manjunatha Reddy H V, General Manager, ICON Design Automation Pvt.
Ltd Bengaluru, Karnataka India
978-1-5090-0774-5/16/$31.00 2016 IEEE
692
film technology [6]. The linear tapered discontinuity
occurred in transition structure geometry have receive for
attention and several full wave methods have been proposed
[7]-[10]. This can be achieved if microstrip line in loss less
condition and it gives limited bandwidth. The transition is
between the two different propagating modes like transit
electromagnetic (TEM) and Quasi TEM mode, it requires
both electromagnetic field and impedance matching to
obtain the desired bandwidth.
The multilayer transition structures can be designed
using vias and without vias. If using vias, it is difficult to
achieve broader bandwidth and complex to fabricate than
without vias. The transition using vias also gives much
negative impact on the electric performance of the transition
model [11]. The better and low loss transition structure is
designed without using vias [12]. A CPW consist of one
single line conductor and two ground strip along side of
single line. The space increases between CPW ground
planes then decreases the capacitance effect because it is
inversely proportional to each other. The construction of
microstrip line is simple and it is constructed without using
ground plane. The shape of the ground plane is changed it
effect in transition of signal by keeping other parameter as
constant.
The multilayered planar transmission lines coexist and
even combined to develop new RF/Microwave circuit
components [9]. The microwave integrated circuit requires
more flexibility to use in different mode transition structure.
The insertion loss is on important parameter to measure
efficiency of the circuit. We propose low loss transition
structures using tapering interconnect without using vias.
The four different structures are designed and
electromagnetic simulation is done. The observed result
shows that linear curvature CPW ground plane transition
structure with linear tapered method gives wider bandwidth
with lower insertion loss compared to the conventional,
stepped edge and sharp edge interconnection methods.
The paper is organized as follows; Section II presents
the design approach for CPW to microstrip line transition.
In section III the geometric description of the linear
discontinuity transition structure are present with different
ground strip shape in MIC. In section IV, the
electromagnetic simulated results of different structures are
compared and discussed with the help of observed results.
In section V we summarize the obtained results.
II. TRANSITION DESIGN
The applications of transition includes routing an RF
signal through transmission lines from the external circuits
or with in the multilayer circuits like monolithic microwave
integrated circuits (MMIC) [13]. The figure 1 shows block
diagram of two ports CPW to microstrip transition network.
At the input port A, the CPW acts as a feeder to microstrip
line through tapered interconnection. The microstrip line at
 IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends In Electronics Information Communication Technology, May 20-21, 2016, India

port B acts as driving signal applied from input port A. this
transition efficiency can be analyzed by changing the CPW
ground planes.
increase transition efficiency better at higher frequency
applications by adjusting CPW ground planes.
The linear tapered transition method, the taper width is same
as the CPW conductor strip. This interconnection does not
have any step discontinuity (W1=W1t) and transition is well
shown in figure 3.To analyze the transition efficiency of
these structure using scattering parameter technique.

Fig. 1: Block Diagram of CPW to Microstrip Transition

The CPW and microstrips are two main waveguide

structures used in higher frequency applications, because of
their compatibility with monolithic fabrication and solid-
state devices [14]. The following early find outs in which
gives the vertical transition of high series capacitive element
at low frequency and transition band is limited [12]. In this
paper design a linear discontinuity transition discontinuity
transition structure. The twin ground plane structure of
CPW is change in four different ways and examined the Fig. 2: Linear Tapered Transition Structure
transition efficiency with the help of electromagnetic LG1=LG2 =8.2mm, S =1.45mm, W1=W2= W1t = 0.78mm, WM1= WM2= W2t =
simulated results. 1.1mm, L1=11mm, L2= 14mm, LT = 3mm.
The scattering parameter (S-parameter) is used to
To develop the cost effective interconnection
analyze the insertion and return loss in designed structure.
technologies for packaging of single mm-wave chip bare
The insertion and return loss is linear throughout the band
dies sub-unit modules realizing standardized functions that
that implies that transition is good. In this case the passive
are compatible with high volume mass production. Several
component effect is less and gives better quality factor is
ceramic-based packages for a surface mount in the V-band
influence to transmit the signal efficiently between CPW to
have been proposed [15]-[17]. Moreover, vias were often
microstrip line. If the insertion and return losses are
considered unsuitable for vertical transitions in the mm-
nonlinear in pass band region means that passive
wave frequency range because of typical poor transmission
components affects to transit the signal from input port A to
characteristics [16]. The coupling slot, replacing vias, was
output port B shown in figure 1.
reported above Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) [16], [18].
However, its pass band is limited. In this work, design and
III. GEOMETRIC DESCRIPTION OF THE
simulate the transition bandwidth of 1GHz to 75GHz
STRUCTURE
without using vias.
The figure 3 shows linear tapered interconnection
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
between CPW to microstrip. The linear taper discontinuity
transition structure will gives better insertion and return loss
We performed electromagnetic field analysis of the structure
over specified operating band because width of taper
using a three dimensional FEM (finite-element method)
interconnection is same as the CPW conductor strip
electromagnetic simulator. We assume that cupper is a
(W2t=W2=0.78mm).
perfect conductor by neglecting the skin effect [19]. The
This structure is designed without using vias and it
accuracy of electromagnetic simulation is increased by
implies that less reactive capacitance effect but there is a
applying suitable boundary conditions for improve the
series resistance and inductance effect is considerably more.
irregular mesh structure. The analysis of the S-parameter of
The space between center conductor to neighbor ground
the transition is varied using vias in previous work [20]. It
plane (G11, G12, G21 and G22) is 1.45mm and increases the
gives more return loss and radiation to effect in MIC, the
space with decreasing the capacitance effect. The CPW
observed result shows decrease efficiency due to passive
conductor strip width is 0.78mm and increases with
component to transit the signal [21].In this proposed work is
increases the series inductance effect.
achieving the better accuracy without using the vias with
The figure 2 is a proposed structure of the microstrip
operating frequency from 1GHz to 75GHz.
to CPW transition. The 3D EM simulations were performed
In table 1 shows linear taper transition interconnection
with the NI/AWR tool. The RT/Duroid 6035HTC is used as
structures between CPW to microstrip. The stepped
substrate material, the transitions with dielectric constants of
discontinuity will lead abrupt transition of the electric and
3.6 and tangent loss is 0.0023. The height of the substrate is
magnetic fields. The linear transition structure will lead to a
0.508mm and cupper conductor material is used and its
smoother transition between CPW to microstrip line. This
thickness is 0.35mm. There are two important factors for the
method is analyzed using four different CPW ground plane
transition design like field matching and impedance
and other parameters are kept constant.
matching.
The CPW to microstrip transition structure operating
frequency range is from 1GHz to 75GHz. The transition
signal frequency is directly depends on the passive
components. For that reason impedance matching is helps to

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 IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends In Electronics Information Communication Technology, May 20-21, 2016, India
TABLE 3: LINEAR TAPERED TRANSITION STRUCTURES (LOSS VERSUS FREQUENCY)
Name of the Layout Design 3D EM Simulated Mesh Structure
Structure
1. Convectional
Structure
Fig3.a
2. Sharp Edge
Ground plane
Structure
Fig4.a
3. Stepped Ground
Plane Structure
Fig 5.a
4. Linear curvature
Ground Plane
Structure
Fig 6.a
The figure 3.a shows conventional transition
structure, it is use to improve the performance of a transition
and simple module up to W-band [22]-[29] and to develop
integrated rectangular waveguides [30]. The figure 3.b and
3.c shows the 3D mess structure and simulated graph of
insertion and return loss of the transition model
respectively. The observed result reveals that insertion loss
is nearly zero up to 20GHz and non-linear return loss due to
passive components and impedance mismatch, it is not
better to use in signal transition band. The insertion loss is
going to increases linearly after 20GHz to 60GHz and then
after (60GHz to 75GHz) that increases insertion loss more
because of the frequency increases it effect to transit the
signal at higher frequency applications.
The conventional structure has some limitations (area,
band width) to transit the signal and occupy more space in
PCB. For that region we design in different shape of CPW
ground planes to achieve higher band with low insertion
loss.
The sharp edge structure gives better insertion loss and
occupies less space than conventional structure. The sharp
edge layout structure is show in figure 4.a. The
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Observed Results of IL and RL
Fig3.b Fig3.c
Fig4.b Fig4.c
Fig 5.b Fig 5.c
Fig 6.b Fig 6.c
electromagnetic simulated mess structure shows in figure
4.b and plotted graph of loss versus frequency, in figure 4.c.
The insertion loss is near zero up to 20GHz and insertion
loss is non-linear, this not suitable band to transit the signal
because of passive component effect. The structure
bandwidth after 20GHz to 75GHz, the insertion loss is
going to increase linearly with respect to frequency
component. The sharp edges of the CPW ground planes
affect to increases insertion loss to transit signal at higher
frequency signal (60GHz to 75GHz).
The transition is good but it suffers more insertion loss
and electromagnetic interference effect at the edges of the
ground planes. The electric and magnetic field at the edges
due to that transition efficiency is low and hard to fabricate.
The stepped ground plane structure shown in figure
5.a, in this structure each CPW ground planes are design in
three steps. The advantage of this structure helps avoid
electromagnetic interference effect because there is no long
sharp edge on ground plane and fewer complexes to
fabricate. The number of steps are depends on operating
frequency band and size of the transition structure. The
 IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends In Electronics Information Communication Technology, May 20-21, 2016, India
stepped transition will increase complexity to match the
transition impedance.
The figure 5.b shows the electromagnetic simulated
mess structure of stepped edge CPW ground plane structure
in the transition model. The figure 5.c shows the plotted
graph of insertion and return loss of the transition model.
The observed result from the graph shows that insertion loss
is increases rapidly after 20GHz compared with previous
conventional and sharp edge structure. The region is that
impedance mismatch between edges to edges and increases
the passive component effect to increases the insertion loss
after the specified frequency band. The obtained result
analysis shows that this structure is better to use 20GHz to
40GHz bandwidth range.
The linear curvature ground plane layout structure as
shown in figure 6.a and 3D electromagnetic simulated mess
structure in 6.b.The ground plane is linear curvature
structure show that the impedance matching is easier
because of linear changing impedance with angle of
changing ground plane structure is match well. The passive
component affect is less with respect to operating frequency
and low insertion loss. The mess structure in figure 5.b
shows that linear mess at the edges of ground plane
structure helps to reduce electromagnetic interference effect.
This is novel structure to gives lower insertion loss, good
impedance matching, better transition band (1GHz to
75GHz) and avoid electromagnetic interference effect
compare to other structures are conventional, sharp edge
and stepped edge structure.
Insertion Loss of Linear Transition Structures
0
-2
-4
DB(|S(2,1)|)
Taper CPW TO M1
DB(|S(2,1)|)
Taper CPW TO M2
-6 DB(|S(2,1)|)
Taper CPW TO M3
DB(|S(2,1)|)
Taper CPW TO M4
-8
1 21 41 61
Frequency (GHz)
Fig. 7: Insertion Loss Versus Frequency Transition Structure
The figure 7 shows the insertion loss versus operating
frequency of the linear transition structures are
conventional, sharp edge, stepped edge and linear curvature
edges of the CPW ground plane. The transition is linear
from CPW to microstrip line. This transition analysis helps
to select the suitable structure based on the bandwidth of
RF/Microwave applications. The analysis implies that novel
CPW linear curvature ground plane structure will
introduced linearity in transition band. The ground planes of
CPW analysis helps to improve the transition efficiency
from CPW to microstrip from L (1GHz) band to V (75GHz)
band.
V. CONCLUSION
The linear tapered transition structure is designed with
four different CPW ground structures. The design is
simulate using NI/AWR tool. The observed results reflects
that the linear tapered transition structure gives better
insertion loss with linear changes in both insertion and
return loss. The analysis of the obtained results shows that
ground plane of CPW effect for transition of the high
frequency signal. The linear curvature CPW ground plane to
microstrip line transition using taper interconnection
structure. This is novel structure to gives lower insertion
loss, good impedance matching, better transition band and
avoid electromagnetic interference effect compare to other
structures are conventional, sharp edge and stepped edge
structure. This work can be implemented from L band
(1GHz) to V (75GHz) band components development for
RF/Microwave applications.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thank ICON design
Automation Pvt Ltd Bangalore, for their assistance and
guidance to carrying this work.
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