0
\$\begingroup\$

I'm trying to perform an AC analysis of a circuit that contains a piece of coax cable. The input voltage 'Vs' is a swept frequency (1MHz-150MHz) voltage source with constant amplitude. What I'm looking for is a method of calculating 'Vo' as a function of frequency.

I know all of the impedances, the segment of coax, and Vs. Normally, with no t-line segment involved, I would do a mesh analysis, solve for the mesh currents, and then solve for 'Vo' as i3*ZL.

What methods can be used when performing an ac analysis of a circuit with a segment of transmission line involved?

A bit more about the coax: VF=0.77, er=1.69, Vp=2.31E8 m/s

Thanks in advance. enter image description here AC circuit with T-Line segment

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Real coax has frequency dependent loss. Higher frequencies have higher losses. You may be able to find one that has negligible loss for such a short length at 150 MHz. But at least double-check it if you didn't already. \$\endgroup\$
    – user57037
    Mar 25, 2020 at 20:48

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

  1. Make a 2-port model of the transmission line. For mesh analysis, a Z-parameter model is probably most convenient. The Z-parameters of the transmission line will be different at each frequency.

    If you know how to calculate the S-parameters of the transmission line, Wikipedia gives formulas for converting S-parameters to Z-parameters.

  2. Solve the circuit using the 2-port representation of the transmission line.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ This is perfect. Thanks. This Wikipedia page gives the ABCD parameters for a transmission line, and also the conversion from ABCD parameters to Z parameters: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-port_network \$\endgroup\$
    – user16487
    Mar 26, 2020 at 15:13
  • \$\begingroup\$ @user16487, The S-parameters will be even simpler. If it's a lossless, well-matched line, the S-matrix will only have diagonal elements. \$\endgroup\$
    – The Photon
    Mar 26, 2020 at 15:21
0
\$\begingroup\$

If you have all component values numerical you can use a circuit simulator which knows transmission line. At least Micro-Cap knows it. You simply do the most basic AC analysis with it. Forget analyzers if yo must do theoretical calculations where component values are variables (=letters).

100 millimeters of coax line at 150 MHz or less can well be presented with one inductor and one capacitor (the total capacitance, inductance of the loop when one end is shorted. Then you can use any calculation method you have learned or any circuit analyzing program. 100 mm is so small part of the wavelength that this simplification causes neglible error. The problems start when 100 mm is more than 10% of the wavelength. There's no strict limit.

About Micro-Cap

Micro-Cap is very old product. It has been available since 1982. Users Andy Aka and The Photon revealed that it's not any more for sale and the owner has some time given it for free. Owner's website has now (Mar 2020) vanished but the Wayback Machine still remembers the download page http://www.spectrum-soft.com/download/download.shtm There versions 10...12 are declared to be free.

\$\endgroup\$
6
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Micro cap full blown version is now free. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Mar 25, 2020 at 20:16
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ Since the developer abandoned further work on Micro-Cap I believe he has made the full version free (as in beer). \$\endgroup\$
    – The Photon
    Mar 25, 2020 at 20:16
  • \$\begingroup\$ And just as tasty \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Mar 25, 2020 at 20:16
  • \$\begingroup\$ @The Photon Ohops! That's nice to know! But is there a way to get it from somewhere? I do not know if someone distributes it. \$\endgroup\$
    – user136077
    Mar 25, 2020 at 20:18
  • \$\begingroup\$ I think the website is still up. But I don't use it, just saw this news around a few months ago. \$\endgroup\$
    – The Photon
    Mar 25, 2020 at 20:38

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.