Smith Chart

Graphical
tool for the analysis of a dissipation less line developed by P.H Smith-Bell Labs Constant ri circles and Xi circles gives basic smith chart The Smith Chart is a clever tool for analyzing tx. Lines The outside of the chart shows location on the line in wavelengths The combination of intersecting circles inside the chart allow us to locate the normalized impedance and then to find the impedance anywhere on the line

Real Impedance Axis

Smith Chart

Imaginary Impedance Axis

Smith Chart
Impedance divided by line impedance (50 Ohms) Z1 = 100 + j50 Z2 = 75 -j100 Z3 = j200 Z4 = 150 Z5 = infinity (an open circuit) Z6 = 0 (a short circuit) Z7 = 50 Z8 = 184 -j900 Then, normalize and plot. The points are plotted as follows: z1 = 2 + j z2 = 1.5 -j2 z3 = j4 z4 = 3 z5 = infinity z6 = 0 z7 = 1 z8 = 3.68 -j18S

Smith Chart
Thus, the first step in analyzing a transmission line is to locate the normalized load impedance on the chart Next, a circle is drawn that represents the reflection coefficient or SWR. The center of the circle is the center of the chart. The circle passes through the normalized load impedance Any point on the line is found on this circle. Rotate clockwise to move toward the generator (away from the load) The distance moved on the line is indicated on the outside of the chart in wavelengths

Toward Generator

Constant Reflection Coefficient Circle

Away From Generator

Scale in Wavelengths

Full Circle is One Half Wavelength Since Everything Repeats

K. A. Connor RPI ECSE Department

Smith Chart-References
http://www.sss-mag.com/smith.html http://www.educatorscorner.com/index.cgi?C ONTENT_ID=2482 to download applet http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes/index.mvp/id/742 http://www.amanogawa.com/index.html

 ri-real / horizontal/u-axis & Xi Imaginary or vertical/v-axis. Assumption-magnitude of u+jv is Kmax=1. All values of impedances can be plotted inside the outer circle of unit radius. For ZR = Zo, (1,0) act as the centre of the chart. To the extreme left of the chart, at load zero impedance or SC condition To the extreme right of the chart, ZL=infinity and hence OC or Infinite impedance.

Smith Chart-Properties

Contd.,
Outer rim scaled either degrees or wavelengths. An arrow is represented indicating direction of travel. The outer circle is called s scale which shows the electrical length of the line A complete revolution of 360 around the chart indicates a distance of /2 on the line. Clockwise movement-travel towards generator from load and vice versa. The distance 720 movement on the chart The periphery of the chart shows three scales used to calculate the distance from load or generator. The outer scale is used to find the distance from the generator in wavelengths along the line , the next scale for finding the distance from the load in wavelengths and the inner most scale to determine the angle of reflection co-efficient in degrees.

Contd.,
Used to measure both impedance and admittance. If it is used for impedance measurement, the inductive reactance is above real axis while the capacitive reactance is below the real axis. If the chart is used to measure admittance the condition reverses. Vmax occur at the point of maximum impedance. Hence Vmax occurs at the extreme right of the chart. Similarly Vmin occur at the point of minimum impedance. Hence Vmin occurs at the extreme left of the chart

Basic Chart

Smith Chart-Applications
Used to plot impedances and admittances Used to measure VSWR and reflection coefficient Used in Stub Matching Problems Used for impedance to admittance conversion and vice-versa Used to locate points of voltage maxima and minima

Single Stub Matching -Example

A Load of (50-j100) , is connected across a 50 line. Design a stub b/w the two at 30MHz using Smith Chart. Sol: 1. Locate the normalized load admittance point. YR/Go = Zo / ZR = 0.2+j0.4. Locate the point as A on the chart as normalized admittance.

2. With the centre of the smith chart as the centre of the circle and the distance from the centre to the point of normalized admittance as the radius, draw a constant S circle. This cuts the real axis at the right of the centre. This point indicates the value of VSWR before stub connection.

Contd.,
VSWR = 5.8 (check manually also) Locate the point B at the intersection of S circle and unity conductance circle. This is nearest to the load. Check for susceptance at that point. As norm.adm is 0.2+j0.4, check above the real axis. Here it is +2.0 (capacitive).This point gives the position of the stub. Extend A and B to the outer rim of the chart. s = 0.062 for A and 0.188 for B

Contd.,
Travelling from load to generator in CW, we get distance from the load. d = (0.188-0.062) As the Bs is capacitive, BL should be inductive. Locate C for -2.0 and extend to get s = 0.322 As the stub is SC, measuring distance from extreme right (s = 0.25), the length of the stub is L = 0.322-0.25 = 0.072

Location of Vmin
Find the normalized impedance. If Img. part is +ve, it indicates L. Hence upper part of real axis. Locate A. Draw S circle. It cuts at two points on the real axis. (B & C ex.) Right of the chart gives VSWR (B). Left of the chart(C) gives the location of Vmin. To get the distance, measure it from point A to C. From extreme right M to left N , the distance is 0.25 Distance from A to C = distance from A to M + M to N. Distance from A-M is 0.25- from A. Distance of nearest Vmin = 0.25+above.

Contd.,
Zmin occurs at /4 distance after Zmax. The input impedance will be maximum at a point where - 2s = 0 Problems on Single stub matching, Plotting of i/p and o/p impedance/admittance, Vmin location etc,