S-Parameters

MODULE 2

INSTRUCTOR IN-CHARGE,
AMBAR BAJPAI, PHD
 The Scattering Matrix

 Admittance and Impedance matrices use the

quantities I (z), V (z), and Z (z) (or Y (z)).
 At “low” frequencies, we can completely
characterize a linear device or network using an
impedance matrix, which relates the currents and
voltages at each device terminal to the currents and
voltages at all other terminals.
 But, at microwave frequencies, it is difficult to
measure total currents and voltages!
 Scattering matrix- equivalent matrix for
transmission line activity expressed in terms of
V +(z), V −(z ), and Γ(z).
 Instead, we can measure the magnitude and phase
of each of the two transmission line waves V + (z )
and V - (z ) .
 In other words, we can determine the relationship
between the incident and reflected wave at each
device terminal to the incident and reflected waves at
all other terminals.
 These relationships are completely represented by
the scattering matrix. It completely describes
the behavior of a linear, multi-port device at a given
frequency ω , and a given line impedance Z0.
 Scattering Matrix

Formulation

➢ Scattering matrix is a square matrix

which gives all the combinations of
power relationships between the various
input and output ports of a microwave
junction
➢ The elements of the matrix are called
‘scattering (S) parameter (or) scattering
coefficients’

Transmission Line
 Scattering Matrix

Formulation

➢ Let the line be terminated in an impedance other

than the Z0, and all the remaining lines in an
impedance equal to Z0
o If ai be the incident wave at the junction
due to a source at the ith line, then it
divides itself among (n - 1) number of lines
as a1, a2, ….an
o There will be no reflections from 2nd to nth
any port as the incident waves are
absorbed since their ZL= Z0
o But there exists a mismatch at the 1st line,
hence, there will be a reflected wave b1 Transmission Line

going back into the junction

b1 = (reflection coefficient) a1 = S11.a1
 Scattering Matrix

Formulation

➢ Let all the (n - 1) lines be terminated in an

impedance other than Z0, i.e., ZL  Z0
o There will be reflections into the
junction from every line and hence,
the total contribution to the outward
travelling wave in the ith line is given
by,
bi = Si1. a1 + Si2.a2 + Si3.a3 + … + Sin.an

Transmission Line
 Scattering Matrix

Formulation
➢ For i = 1 to n, we have
b1 = S11.a1 + S12.a2 + S13.a3 + … + S1n.an
b2 = S21.a1 + S22.a2 + S23.a3 + … + S2n.an

bn = Sn1.a1 + Sn2.a2 + Sn3.a3 + … + Snn.an

➢ In matrix form

bi
____ Where aj is power input at jth port
Sij=
aj and bi is reflected power at ith port
 Scattering Parameters
17
▪ At high frequencies, Z, Y, h & ABCD parameters are difficult
(if not impossible) to measure.
o V and I are not uniquely defined
o Even if defined, V and I are extremely difficult
to measure (particularly I).
o Required open and short-circuit conditions are
often difficult to achieve.

▪ Scattering (S) parameters are often the best

representation for multi-port networks at high frequency.
 Scattering Parameters (cont.)
18

S-parameters are defined as assuming transmission lines are connected

to each port.

a1 a2
Z 01 ,  1 1 2 Z 02 ,  2
b1 b2
z1 z2
On each transmission Local coordinates
line:
Vi ( zi ) = Vi 0+ e − i zi + Vi 0−e + i zi = Vi + ( zi ) + Vi − ( zi )
Vi + ( zi ) Vi − ( zi )
I i ( zi ) = − i = 1, 2
Z 0i Z 0i
Incoming wave function  ai ( zi )  Vi ( zi ) +
Z 0i
Outgoing wave function  bi ( zi )  Vi ( zi )
−
Z 0i
 For a One-Port Network
19
L
V1− ( 0 ) Z 01
L =
V1+ ( 0 ) Z 01 a1
Z 01
b1
b1 ( 0 )
=  b1 ( 0 ) =  La1l(1 0 ) For a one-port
a1 ( 0 ) network, S11 is defined
= S11 a1 ( 0 ) to be the same as L.

= S11

Incoming wave function  ai ( zi )  Vi ( zi )

+
Z 0i
Outgoing wave function  bi ( zi )  Vi ( zi )
−
Z 0i
 For a Two-Port Network
20
a1 a2
Z 01 ,  1 1 2 Z 02 ,  2
b1 b2
z1 z2

b1 ( 0 ) = S11a1 ( 0 ) + S12a2 ( 0 )
Scattering
b2 ( 0 ) = S21a1 ( 0 ) + S22a2 ( 0 ) matrix

 b1 ( 0 )   S11 S12   a1 ( 0 ) 
 =     b =  S  a 
b2 ( 0 )   S21 S22   a2 ( 0 ) 
 Scattering Parameters
21

b1 ( 0 ) = S11a1 ( 0 ) + S12a2 ( 0 )
b2 ( 0 ) = S21a1 ( 0 ) + S22a2 ( 0 )
b1 ( 0 ) Output is
S11 = matched
a1 ( 0 ) a =0 input reflection coef.
2 w/ output matched
b1 ( 0 ) Input is
S12 = reverse transmission coef.
a2 ( 0 ) a = 0 matched
1 w/ input matched
b2 ( 0 ) Output is
S21 = forward transmission coef.
a1 ( 0 ) a =0 matched w/ output matched
2

b2 ( 0 ) Input is
S22 = matched
output reflection coef.
a2 ( 0 ) a = 0 w/ input matched
1
S-parameters are complex matrix that show Reflection/Transmission
characteristics (Amplitude/Phase) in frequency domain.
 Scattering Matrix (S-parameters)

o The scattering matrix, or (S-parameters),

characterizes the network by observing transmitted
& reflected power waves

o ai represents the square root of the power wave

injected into port i. V2 Vi
+
P=  P = ai =
R R
o bj represents the power wave coming out of port j. V −
=
j
S =
b
=
i Power measured at port i b j
ij
a j Power injected at port j R
 Total voltage V1 = V1+ + V1- for port 1

 Total voltage V2 = V2+ + V2- for port 2

1 2 2
 Net power P = P (Input) – P(Reflected) = 𝑎 − 𝑏
2

 In general, incident and reflected waves both having amplitude and

phase, therefore S-parameters are complex numbers.
 Scattering Matrix

Properties of a Scattering Matrix

➢ [S] is always a square matrix of order n x n, where n – number of ports

➢ [S] is a symmetric matrix. i.e., Sij = Sji
➢ [S] is a unitary matrix i.e., [S].[S]* = [I], where I - Identity matrix
➢ The sum of the products of each term of any row (or column) multiplied by the
complex conjugate of corresponding terms of any other row (or column) is zero. It is
given as
n

S
i =1
ik .Sij * = 0 for k = j = 1, 2, 3...n
➢ If any of the terminal or reference planes (say kth port) are moved away from the
junction by an electric distance k Lk, each of the coefficients sij involving k will be
multiplied by the factor exp (-jkLk)
 Reciprocal Networks:

 For a two-port network it is said to be reciprocal if

the voltage appearing at port 2 due to a current
applied at port 1 is the same as the voltage appearing
at port 1 when the same current is applied to port 2.
Exchanging voltage and current results in an
equivalent definition of reciprocity. In general, it will
not be reciprocal if it contains active components
such as generators.
 Symmetrical Networks: A network is symmetrical if
its input impedance is equal to its output impedance.
 Lossless Networks: A lossy passive network is one in
which the sum of the incident powers at all ports is
greater than the sum of the reflected powers at all ports.
It therefore dissipates power. S matrix for a lossless
network is unitary.
 Matched Networks: The reflection coefficient of each
port is zero— “no signal ” will be come out of a port if a
signal is incident on that port (but only that port!).
 Vi- = Sii Vi+ = 0 for all i
 PROPERTIES OF S-PARAMETER

 Zero diagonal element for perfect matched network.

 (For an ideal N-port network with matched
terminations Sii=0, since there is no reflection from
any)
 Symmetry of [s] for a reciprocal network.
S-MatrixProperties
 Proof: Symmetry Property

 A reciprocal device has the same transmission

characteristics in either direction of a pair of ports
and is characterized by a symmetric scattering
matrix -
SYMMETREY OF [S] FOR A RECIPROCAL
NETWORK
SYMMETREY OF [S] FOR A RECIPROCAL
NETWORK
SYMMETREY OF [S] FOR A RECIPROCAL
NETWORK

This indicates that Scattering matrix [S] is SYMMETRICAL

Unitary property for a lossless junction
Unitary property for a lossless junction
 Losses in microwave circuits
𝑃0 1 1
 Insertion loss (dB) = 10 log = 20 log = 20 log
𝑃𝑖 𝑆21 𝑆12

𝑃𝑖
 Return loss(dB) = 10 log = 20 log 1/|s11| = 20 log 1/|Γ|
𝑃𝑟

𝑃𝑖 −𝑃𝑟
 Transmission loss or attenuation (dB) = 10 log
𝑃𝑜

1−|𝑆11|2
 = 20 log 𝑆 2
12

𝑃𝑖
 Reflection loss (dB) = 10 log = 10 log 1/1-|s11|2
𝑃𝑖 −𝑃𝑟
 Advantages/Disadvantages of S-parameters

Advantages:
 Ease of measurement
 Much easier to measure power at high frequencies than open/short
current and voltage
 S-parameters can be used to extract the transmission line
parameters
n parameters and n Unknowns
Disadvantages:
 Most digital circuit operate using voltage thresholds. This
suggest that analysis should ultimately be related to the time
domain.
 Many silicon loads are non-linear which make the job of
converting s-parameters back into time domain non-trivial.
 Conversion between time and frequency domain introduces
errors
38
 Cascading S parameter
3 cascaded s parameter
a11 a2 b1 blocks b2 a1 a13
1 2 2 3
s111 s121 s113 s123
s211 s221 s213 s223
s112 s122
 s11 s12 
 
b11 b21 a12 s212 s222
a22 b13  s21 s22  b13

 While it is possible to cascade s-parameters, it gets

messy.
 Graphically we just flip every other matrix.
 Mathematically there is a better way… ABCD
parameters
 We will analyzed this later with signal flow graphs

40
 ABCD Parameters

 The transmission matrix describes the network in

terms of both voltage and current waves
I2
V1 = AV2 + BI 2
I1
I1 = CV2 + DI 2
V1 2-port V2
Network
V1 A B V2
=
✓The coefficients can be defined I1 C D I 2
using superposition

V1 V1 I1 I1
A= B= C= D=
V2 I 2 =0
I 2 V =0 V2 I 2 =0
I2 V2 = 0
2

41
 Transmission (ABCD) Matrix
 Since the ABCD matrix represents the ports in terms of
currents and voltages, it is well
42
suited for cascading
elements I I3
I1 2

A B A B
V1 V2 V3
C D1 C D2

✓The matrices can be cascaded by multiplication

V1 A B V2
= 
I1 C D 1 I 2 V1 A B A B V3
V2 A B V3
=  
=  I1 C D 1 C D 2 I 3
I 2 C D 2 I3
This is the best way to cascade elements in the frequency domain.
It is accurate, intuitive and simplistic.
 Relating the ABCD Matrix to Common
Z Circuits A = 1 B = Z
Port 1 Port 2
C =0 D =1
A =1 B=0
Port 1 Y Port 2
C =Y D =1
Z1 Z2
A = 1 + Z1 / Z 3 B = Z1 + Z 2 + Z1Z 2 / Z 3
Port 1 Z3 Port 2
C = 1/ Z3 D = 1 + Z 2 / Z3

Y3 A = 1 + Y2 / Y3 B = 1 / Y3
Port 1 Y1 Y2 Port 2
C = Y1 + Y2 + Y1Y2 / Y3 D = 1 + Y1 / Y3

A = cosh(l ) B = Z o sinh(l )
Port 1 Zo , Port 2
C = (1 / Z o ) sinh(l ) D = cosh(l )
l
 Relating the ABCD Matrix to Common Circuits
Z A =1 B = Z
Port 1 Port 2 Assignment 6:
C = 0 D =1
Convert these
A =1 B=0 to s-parameters
Port 1 Y Port 2
C =Y D =1
Z1 Z2
A = 1 + Z1 / Z 3 B = Z1 + Z 2 + Z1Z 2 / Z 3
Port 1 Z3 Port 2
C = 1/ Z3 D = 1 + Z 2 / Z3

Y3 A = 1 + Y2 / Y3 B = 1 / Y3
Port 1 Y1 Y2 Port 2
C = Y1 + Y2 + Y1Y2 / Y3 D = 1 + Y1 / Y3

A = cosh(l ) B = Z o sinh(l )
Port 1 Zo , Port 2
C = (1 / Z o ) sinh(l ) D = cosh(l )
l 44
 Converting to and from the S-Matrix
 The S-parameters can be measured with a VNA, and converted back
and forth into ABCD the Matrix 45

 Allows conversion into a more intuitive matrix

 Allows conversion to ABCD for cascading

 ABCD matrix can be directly related to several useful circuit topologies

(1 + S11 )(1 − S 22 ) + S12 S 21 A + B / Z o − CZ o − D

A= S11 =
2 S 21 A + B / Z o + CZ o + D
(1 + S11 )(1 + S 22 ) − S12 S 21 2( AD − BC )
B = Zo S12 =
2 S 21 A + B / Z o + CZ o + D
1 (1 − S11 )(1 − S 22 ) − S12 S 21 S 21 =
2
C=
Zo 2 S 21 A + B / Z o + CZ o + D
(1 − S11 )(1 + S 22 ) + S12 S 21 − A + B / Z o − CZ o + D
D= S11 =
2 S 21 A + B / Z o + CZ o + D
 Scattering Matrix Calculations

➢ Let us learn in brief about the S-Matrix calculations for

• 2 Port Junctions
• E-Plane Tee
• H-Plane Tee
• Magic Tee
• Circulator
 S-Matrix Calculations for 2 Port Junctions

➢ A two-port network is given in image. From network theory a two-port device is

described by number of parameter sets, such as H, Y, Z and ABCD parameters

Two Port Network

 S-Matrix Calculations for 2 Port Junctions

➢ These are the S parameters that are expressed as

➢ Image for S Parameters of a two port network is given in image

S Parameters of a Two Port network

 S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

➢ The order of scattering matrix of H-plane Tee is 3 x 3, since there are three
possible inputs and three possible outputs
➢ By applying properties of [S] matrix, the coefficients of it are obtained as

H–Plane Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

o Because of plane of symmetry of the junction, S13 = S31

o From symmetry property, Sij = Sji, we have S12 = S21, S23 = S32 = S13, S13 =
S31
o Since the port (H-arm) is perfectly matched to the junction, S33 = 0. Hence,
we obtain

H–Plane Tee Junction

S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

H–Plane Tee Junction

S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

H–Plane Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

➢ By substituting these values in (1) equation, we get

|S11|2 + |S11|2 + |S13|2 = 1 [from equation 1]

2 |S11|2 + ½ = 1
2 |S11|2 = 1/2
|S11|2 = 1/4
S11 = ½
➢ By substituting equation (5) in (4) we get,
S12 = - 1/2

H–Plane Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

➢ By substituting S12 and S13 values in equation (2), we obtain S22 = ½

➢ Substituting all the values in matrix, we obtain

➢ We know that [b] = [S].[a]

1 1 1
i.e., b1 = a1 − a 2 + a3 6
2 2 2
−1 1 1
b2 = a1 + a 2 + a3 7
2 2 2
1 1
b3 = a1 + a2
2 2 8 H–Plane Tee Junction
 S-Matrix Calculations for H-Plane Tee

• a1 = 0, a2 = 0, a3  0 [Input is given at only port 3]. Substituting these values

a3 a
in equation (8), we obtain b1 = , b 2 = 3 , b3 = 0
2 2
• The waves that come out of port 1 and port 2 are equal in magnitude and
P P
Case 1 phase. It is called as ‘3-dB splitter’ 10 log10 1 = 10 log10 1
P3 2 P1
[ P3 = P1 + P2 = P1 + P1 = 2P1]
1
= 10 log10    −3dB
2

• a1 = a2 = a; a3 = 0

• Substituting these values in b1, b2, b3 i.e., in (6), (7) and (8) equations, we
obtain
a a
• b1 = 0, b2 = 0, b3 = + = 2a
Case 2 2 2

H–Plane Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for E-Plane Tee

o From unitary property [S][S]* = [I]

E–Plane Tee Junction

S-Matrix Calculations for E-Plane Tee

E–Plane Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for E-Plane Tee

E–Plane Tee Junction

Substituting all these values in the equation (9), we get
 S-Matrix Calculations for E-Plane Tee

➢ By substituting S11 and S13 values in equation (10), we get

S12 = ½
➢ Substituting all the values in [S] matrix, we obtain

1 1 1
b1 = a1 + a 2 + a3 ….(14)
2 2 2
1 1 1
b 2 = a1 + a 2 − a3 ….(15)
2 2 2
1 1
b3 = a1 − a2 ….(16)
2 2
E–Plane Tee Junction
 S-Matrix Calculations for E-Plane Tee

• 1 −1 [b1 and b2 are out of phase by 1800]

• We obtain b1 = a 3 , b 2 = a 3 , b3 = 0
2 2
Case 1
• When input is fed to E arm, it gets divided equally into two ports 1 and 2 but their
phases differ by 180o

• a1 = a2 = a; a3 = 0
• We obtain b1 = a, b2 = a, b3 = 0
Case 2

• a1  0 , a2 = 0, a3 = 0
• We obtain a a a E–Plane Tee Junction
b1 = 1 ; b2 = 1 ; b3 = 1
2 2 2
Case 3 • Similarly, we can have all combinations of inputs and outputs
 S-Matrix Calculations for E-H Plane Tee

➢ E-H plane Tee consists of four ports, hence, it is a 4 x 4 order matrix

➢ Because of H-plane Tee junction, S13 = S23

➢ Because of E-plane Tee junction, S14 = - S24
➢ Geometry of the junction on input at port 3 cannot come
out of port 4 since they are isolated ports and vice versa
S34 = S43 = 0
➢ From symmetric property, Sij = Sji, we have
Magic Tee Junction
S12 = S21, S13 = S31, S14 = S41, S23 = S32, S24 = S42, S34 =
S43
➢ Ports 3 and 4 are perfectly matched, S33 = 0, S44 = 0
 S-Matrix Calculations for E-H (Magic) Tee Junction

➢ Substituting all the above properties, we obtain [S] as

➢ From unitary property [S][S]* = [I]

Magic Tee Junction

Multiplying R1C1 : |S11|2 + |S12|2 + |S13|2 + |S14|2 = 1 ….(17)
Multiplying R2C2 : |S12|2 + |S22|2 + |S13|2 + |S14|2 = 1 ….(18)
1
Multiplying R3C3 : |S13|2 + |S13|2 = 1 ; S13 = ….(19)
2
 S-Matrix Calculations for E-H (Magic) Tee Junction

1
Multiplying R4C4: |S14 |2 + |S14 |2 = 1 ; S14 = …. (20)
2 …. (21)
By comparing equation (17) and (18), we obtain S11 = S22
Substituting equation (21) in equation (18), we get
…. (22)
|S11| + |S12| + 1/2 + 1/2 = 1  S11 = S12 = 0
2 2

➢ From equation we get S22 = 0

Magic Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for E-H (Magic) Tee Junction

➢ From the above two values i.e., (S11, S12) we can

derive that port 1 and port 2 are also perfectly
matched to the junction, such a junction where in
all the four ports are perfectly matched to the
junction are called as ‘Magic Tee’
➢ As S12= S21= 0, we can say ports 1 and 2 are
isolated
➢ Substituting all the values in [S] matrix, we obtain

Magic Tee Junction

 S-Matrix Calculations for E-H (Magic) Tee Junction

1 1 1 1
b1= (a3 + a4) ; b2 = (a3 – a4) ; b3 = (a1 + a2); b4 = (a1 – a2)
2 2 2 2

• a3  0 , a1 = a2 = a4 = 0, we obtain
Case 1 a
• b1= 3 , b2 = a3 , b3 = b4 = 0 [property of H-plane]
2 2

• a4  0 , a1 = a2 = a3 = 0, we obtain
Case 2 a a
• b1 = 4 ; b2 = − 4 ; b3 = b4 = 0 [property of E-plane]
2 2
• a1  0, a2 = a3 = a4 = 0, we obtain
Case 3 a1
• b1 = 0, b2 = 0, b3 = b4 = 2 [1 and 2 are isolated ports]

Case 4 • a3 = a4, a1 = a2 = 0 then b1 = 2a3 , b2 = b3 = b4 = 0

Case 5 • a1 = a2, a3 = a4 = 0 then b1 = b2 = b4 = 0, b3 = 2a1

1 1
Case 6 • a2  0, a1 = a3 = a4 = 0, then b1 = b2 = 0, b3 = a2,b4 = − a2
2 2
 Tees

 Hybrid Tee junction: Tee junctions are used to split waves

from one waveguide to two other waveguides. There are
two ways of connecting the third arm to the waveguide –
1. along the long dimension, called E=plane Tee.
2. along the narrow dimension, called H-Plane Tee
 Hybrid Tee junction: the E-plane and H-plane tees can
be combined to form a hybrid tee junction called Magic
Tee
 Microwave Passive Devices

Coaxial Connectors and Adaptors-

Coaxial cable may be terminated or connected to other
components or cables.
These components are of various types depending upon
operating frequency and the cable diameter.
Commonly used microwave connectors are type N
(male/female), BNC (male/female), TNC (male/female), APC
etc.

On the other hand, adopters having different connectors at

both the ends, are also made for interconnection of two different
ports in a microwave system.
 https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/rf-coaxial-
connectors/
 Connectors fucntion

 The connectors are used to connect devices and

circuits made separately.
 They are an important factor (sometimes decisive) in
repeatability and accuracy of the measurement.
 Each manufacturer may use proprietary interconnect
standard (i.e., specifically designed by him)
However, to ensure compatibility with circuits made
by others, universally accepted connector standards
are generally used.
 Characteristics of different families

 N-> Frequency limit (11 GHz normal 18 GHz

precision
 Named for Paul Neill of Bell Labs in the 1940s,
available in 50 and 75 ohms. Cheap and rugged, it is
still widely in use. Originally was usable up to one
GHz, but over the years this species has been
extended to 18 GHz, including work by Julius Botka
at Hewlett Packard.
 BNC cable- Bayonet Neill-Concelman

 BNC -> Frequency limit 4 GHz

 "Bayonet type-N connector", or "Bayonet Neill-
Concelman" or “Bayonet Navy Connector” according to
Johnson Components. Developed in the early 1950s at
Bell Labs. Could also stand for "baby N connector“.
 Originally designed for military system applications
during World War II. The connector operates best at
frequencies up to about 4 GHz; beyond that it tends to
radiate electromagnetic energy. The BNC can accept
flexible cables with diameters of up to 6.35 mm (0.25 in.)
and characteristic impedance of 50 to 75 ohms. It is now
the most commonly used connector for frequencies
under 1 GHz.
BNC cable- Bayonet Neill-Concelman
 TNC Connector

 TNC "Threaded Neill-Concelman" connector,

according to Johnson Components, or simply
"threaded N connector". Not used much today. Carl
Concelman was an engineer at Amphenol.
 Frequency limit -> 15 GHz
 The function of the thread is to stop radiation at
higher frequencies, so that the connector can work at
frequencies up to 15 GHz
 SMA

 Sub-miniature type A developed in the 1960s,

perhaps the most widely-used microwave connector
system in the universe.
 Manufactured by the Omni-Spectra division of
M/ACOM (as the OSM connector) and many other
electronic companies. It is a 50 Ω threaded
connector.
 APC-2.4 (2.4mm)/ APC-3.5 (3.5mm)/ APC-7
(7mm)

 APC-2.4 (Amphenol Precision Connector-2.4 mm) is also

known as an OS-50 connector. It was designed to operate
at extremely high microwave frequencies (up to 50 GHz).
 The APC-3.5 was originally developed by Hewlett-
Packard (HP), but is now manufactured by Amphenol.
The connector provides repeatable connections and has a
very low VSWR. The APC-3.5 connector can work at
frequencies up to 34 GHz.
 The APC-7 was also developed by HP, but has been
improved and is now manufactured by Amphenol. can
work at frequencies up to 18 GHz.
APC Connectors
BNC-SMA connector
BNC-TNC connector
SMA-APC Connector
 Adaptors

 Within any connector family there are three adapters

you can use.
 A male-to-male adapter refers to an adapter with two
male ends. This is often referred to as a "barrel"
adapter.
 A female-to-female adapter has two female ends; it is
often referred to as a "bullet" adapter.
 An adapter with one male end and one female end is
often referred to as a "connector saver".
Adaptors
Connectors’ care
Connectors’ care
Connectors’ care
Connectors’ care
Connectors’ care
 Connectors’ care

Connectors are consumables:

• they have a limited life
• they may be quite expensive
• the use of out-of-specs (damaged) connectors may
damage many others
• adequate care maximizes durability
 Attenuators

 The most common applications for coaxial

attenuators in microwave systems are in transmitters
and receivers. In these, and similar applications, the
characteristics that are usually of principal concern
are:
a. amount or range of attenuation
b. flatness over frequency
c. average and peak power-handling capability
d. temperature characteristics, and
e. size and weight
 Attenuators are usually passive devices made from
simple voltage divider networks.
 Switching between different resistances forms adjustable
stepped attenuators and continuously adjustable ones
using potentiometers.
 Fixed attenuators in circuits are used to lower voltage,
dissipate power, and to improve impedance matching. In
measuring signals, attenuator pads or adapters are used
to lower the amplitude of the signal a known amount to
enable measurements, or to protect the measuring device
from signal levels that might damage it.
 Fixed Attenuators

 The fixed attenuator as shown in figure consists of

dissipative element placed in a section of waveguide
with its plane parallel to the electric field.
 Short section of waveguide with a tapered plug of
absorbing material at the end. Tapering is provided
for gradual absorbing medium thus reducing
refelection occurring at the media interface.
 Attenuators

 Slide vane attenuators: They work on the principle that a

resistive material placed in parallel with the E-lines of a
field current will induce a current in the material that will
result in I2R power loss.
 Attenuators

 Flap attenuator: A flap attenuator has a vane that

is dropped into the waveguide through a slot in the
top of the guide. The further the vane is inserted
into the waveguide, the greater the attenuation.
 Attenuators

Rotary vane/Variable attenuator: It is a precision

waveguide attenuator in which attenuation follows
a mathematical law. In this device, attenuation is
independent on frequency.
Attenuators- Summary
 Phase Shifters

 The microwave phase shifter is an instrument that

produces desired change in the phase of a
propagating wave without any attenuation.
 Phase difference prevails between any two arbitrary
points along its path. Usually, it is constant, and is
determined by the velocity of propagation. The phase
difference between two points, L distance apart can
be written as-
 Phase Shifters
 Dielectric Phase Shifter-
 A simplest waveguide phase
shifter consists of a
rectangular waveguide loaded
with a dielectric slab of
thickness t, height h, and
dielectric constant e in such a
way that dimension h is
parallel to the E field.
 The inserted dielectric
reduced the velocity of
propagation of microwave
which will result increased
electric path and hence phase
delay.
 Phase Shifters

 Precision Rotary Phase Shifter-

 The instrument consists of two rectangular to
circular waveguide tapered transitions, together with
two quarter wave sections on both sides of the free
rotatable central half wave section.
 The quarter-wave sections are oriented at an angle
45 degree relative to the broad wall of the
rectangular waveguide.
 The incoming linearly polarized TE11 mode is
decomposed into two modes polarized parallel and
polarized prependicular to the quarter wave section.
 Phase Shifters

 When a half wave section happens to be in its zero

set position, the outgoing wave suffers a total phase
of 90 degree + 180 degree = 270 degree.
Consequently, the wave going out of the second
quarter wave section suffers a total phase of 270
degree + 90 Degree = 360 degree in ideal condition.
 However, when the central half wave section is
rotated by an angle θ, the outgoing wave suffers a
phase delay of 2θ.
Phase Shifters
Phase Shifters
Phase Shifters