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By Gary Breed
Editorial Director
I
mpedance matching L2 C2
This tutorial describes is probably the most
methods for broadbanding engineering task in
matching networks using RF/microwave design. R1 C1 R2 R1 L1 R2
cascaded sections and This tutorial is intended
compensating reactance to demonstrate the first
steps from simple two-
and three-element networks that are designed C1 = Q / R1 L1 = R1/ Q
for a specific center frequency, to larger net- L2 = Q R2 C2 = 1/ (Q R2)
works that provide an acceptable match over a
wider bandwidth. These wider bandwidth net- Q = R1/ R2 1
works are important for modern communica- R1 > R2
tions systems that have operating bandwidths
that are much wider than older technologies Figure 1 The two basic L-network topolo-
using FM and BPSK modulation. Even at nar- gies and their design equations.
rower bandwidths, many digital modulation
formats require flat amplitude and linear
phase response, which can be achieved by large impedance transformations. Also note
using wideband matching networks, which that the equation for Q requires the shunt
have much smaller variation over a signals reactance to be located adjacent to the higher
occupied bandwidth. impedance.
Two L-network sections can be connected
Classic L, T and Pi Matching Networks back-to-back, as shown in Figure 2. The inter-
The simplest impedance transformation mediate impedance at the center of the net-
network is the L-network, which requires just work is virtual (no actual load is present) and
two reactive components. Like a filter, the L- is selected by the user, usually to achieve a
network can have a highpass or lowpass fre- particular value of Q. Back-to-back connection
quency response characteristic. Even if the requires this virtual impedance to be either
particular response is unimportant, it means
that two topologies are availablewhich is L1a L2b
70 20
Resistance (ohms) solid lines
70 20
(b) Parallel reactance (resonating) Figure 7 Impedance at RS port for the two matching
options of Fig. 6(a) (blue) and Fig. 6(b) (red), imple-
Figure 6 Two methods for cancelling the load reac- mented at f 0 = 850 MHz.
tance, combined with matching the resulting non-
reactive impedance to a 50-ohm system.
to replace components with non-optimum values.
Trading loss for bandwidthOften, a very low resis-
incorporated into the matching network affects band- tance or high reactance load, such as the gate of some
width. The finished network can save a component by power FET devices, can be more easily matched for wide
combining the series cancelling reactance with the adja- bandwidth by adding a series resistance to raise the effec-
cent matching component, but the resonating solution tive impedance. When the additional loss can be tolerat-
has a wider bandwidth. ed, this technique can greatly simplify broadband match-
In Fig. 6(a), note that the effective load is 5 ohms for ing network design.
the series cancelling method, but is 10 ohms for the res- Non-standard impedancesMany matching tasks
onating inductor method of Fig. 6(b). This reduces the involve interfacing between devices or circuits that are
magnitude of the impedance transformation by the L-net- both higher or lower than the typical 50-ohm system
work, which was previously shown to result in a wider impedance. Unless there is a need to test individual mod-
matching bandwidth. While this circuit has significant ules, or to separate the modules for isolation, matching
variation in impedance away from the center frequency, the actual impedances will result in the simplest or easi-
this has a much smaller effect on bandwidth than the est to implement network.
increased effective load impedance. Practical component valuesWith several options for
The results for this example, using a center frequency matching topologies, the choice between them will often
of 850 MHz, is shown in Figure 7, which is a comparison be based on the component values. The considerations
of the impedances at the source port for the two options of include loss (e.g., large inductors with relatively low Q),
Fig. 6. The smaller impedance deviation for the resonat- impractical component values, and high currents or volt-
ing solution of Fig. 6(b) is clearly illustrated. ages at the various points in the network.
Reactance of the loadThe magnitude of the load
Some Additional Considerations reactance and the slope of reactance change across the
This tutorial has presented some of the first steps in desired band must be accommodated in any broadband
the path from narrowband to broadband matching. There matching network design. This will affect the choice of
are many additional techniques that are involved in fur- topology and complexity of the network.
ther bandwidth improvement, as well as for implement-
ing matching networks with practical component values. References
Below are a few notes on some of those techniques, along 1. Chris Bowick, et al, RF Circuit Design, 2nd ed.,
with notes on other issues that arise practical matching Newnes imprint, Elsevier 2008, Chapter 4.
network design. 2. Les Besser, Rowan Gilmore, Practical RF Circuit
Transmission line equivalentsAll designs using Design for Modern Wireless Systems, Artech House 2003,
lumped elements may use transmission line elements, as Chapter 5.
well. The choice depends on the physical construction 3. Andrei Grebennikov, RF and Microwave Power
method, frequency of operation and, in some cases, is used Amplifier Design, McGraw-Hill 2005, Chapters 4 and 8.