Week 03
Reflection Coefficient and VSWR
I revisit transmission lines through Wilkinson and branch-line networks using my assignments, Cadence circuits, and S-parameter figures.
What I connect in this unit
A load mismatch reflects part of the incident wave, with reflection-coefficient magnitude and phase describing that ratio. Return loss expresses its magnitude in decibels, whereas VSWR uses the line's maximum-to-minimum voltage ratio.
Concept map
- Load mismatch
- Reflection coefficient
- Return loss
- Voltage standing-wave ratio
Technical anchor
Compute ΓL=(ZL-Z0)/(ZL+Z0), RL=-20log10|ΓL|, and VSWR=(1+|ΓL|)/(1-|ΓL|) together. For ZL=Z0, Γ=0, return loss tends to infinity, and VSWR equals one.
How I review it
Test open, short, and matched loads to verify signs and limits, and note which position and phase information is lost when complex Γ is reduced to magnitude alone.
Connection to the full course
Unit 3 of 12. Unit numbers arrange the saved assignments and circuits by concept flow rather than attendance weeks.