Chapter 4.

Microwave Network Analysis

It is much easier to apply the simple and intuitive idea
of circuit analysis to a microwave problem than it is
to solve Maxwells equations for the same problem.
Maxwells equations for a given problem is complete,
it gives the E & H fields at all points in space.
Usually we are interested in only the V & I at a set of
terminals, the power flow through a device, or some
other type of global quantity.
A field analysis using Maxwells equations for
problems would be hopelessly difficult.

Figure 4.1 (p. 163)

1

4.1 Impedance and Equivalent Voltages and

Currents
Equivalent Voltages and Currents
The voltage of the + conductor relative to the
conductor

Electric and magnetic field lines for an arbitrary two-conductor

TEM line.

TE10
E y ( x, y , z ) =

jwm a

A sin

px

e - j b z = Aey ( x, y )e - j b z

a
p
jb a
p x - jb z
H x ( x, y , z ) =
A sin
e
= Ahx ( x, y )e - j b z
a
p

V = E dl
+

I=

Z0 =

V
I

C+

H dl

After having defined and determined a voltage,

current, and characteristic impedance, we can proceed
to apply the circuit theory for transmission lines to
characterize this line as a circuit element.

Figure 4.2 (p. 163)

2

Electric field lines for the TE10 mode of a rectangular waveguide.

V=

- jwm a

A sin

px
a

The complex power flow for the incident wave

e- jb z dy
y

P+ =

There is no correct voltage in the sense of being

unique. V ( x = a / 2,0 y b) V ( x = 0,0 y b)
There are many ways to define equivalent voltage,
current, and impedance for waveguides.

1 + 2
|A |
2

*
d =
e h zds
S

V + I +*
2C1C2*

e h

zds

Since we want this power to be (1/2)V+I+*,

C1C2* = e h * zds
S

V&I are defined only for a particular waveguide mode.

The equivalent V&I should be defined so that their product
gives the power flow of the mode.
V/I for a single traveling wave should be equal to Z0 of the
line. This impedance may be chosen arbitrarily, but is
usually selected as equal to the wave impedance of the line.

where the surface integration is over the cross section

of the waveguide.
Z0 =

V + V - C1
= - =
I+
I
C2

If it is desired to have Z0 = Zw,

C1
= Z w ( ZTE or ZTM )
C2

For an arbitrarily waveguide mode, the transverse

fields
Et ( x, y, z ) = e ( x, y )( A+ e - j b z + A- e j b z ) =
H t ( x, y, z ) = h ( x, y )( A+ e - j b z - A-e j b z ) =

For higher order modes,

N

Et ( x, y, z ) = (

e ( x, y ) + - j b z
e(
(V e
+ V -e jb z )
C1

n =1
N

Vn+ - j bn z Vn- j bn z
+
e
e )en ( x, y )
C1n
C1n

H t ( x, y , z ) = (

h(( x, y ) + - j b z
h
- V -e jb z )
(I e
C2

n =1

I n+ - j bn z I n- j bn z
e
e )hn ( x, y )
C2 n
C2 n

where e and h are the transverse field variations of the

mode. Since Et & Ht are related by Zw,
h(
h ( x, y ) =

z ee(( x, y )
Zw

Defining equivalent voltage and current waves as

V ( z ) = V + e- jb z + V -e jb z ,
+ - jb z

I ( z) = I e

-I e

jb z

V+ Vwith Z 0 = + = I
I

An arbitrary one-port network.

The Concept of Impedance

Various types of impedance
Intrinsic impedance ( h = m / e ) of the medium: depends
on the material parameters of the medium, and is equal to
the wave impedance for plane waves.
Wave impedance ( Z w = Et / Ht = 1/ Yw ): a characteristic of
the particular type of wave. TEM, TM and TE waves each
have different wave impedances which may depend on the
type of the line or guide, the material, and the operating
frequency.
Characteristic impedance ( Z0 = 1/ Y0 = L / C ): the ratio of
V/I for a traveling wave on a transmission line. Z0 for TEM
wave is unique. TE and TM waves are not unique.
9

The complex power delivered to this network is:

P=

1
2

E H* d
dss = Pl + 2 jw (Wm - We )

where Pl is real and represents the average power dissipated by the

network
11

If we define real transverse modal fields, e and h,

over the terminal plane of the network such that

Geometry of a partially filled waveguide

Et ( x, y, z ) = V ( z )e ( x, y)e - jb z
H t ( x, y, z ) = I ( z )h ( x, y)e - jb z

P=

1
1
VI *e h * ds
d = VI *

2 S
2

with a normalization

e h
S

ds
d =1

The input impedance is

Zin = R + jX =

Reflection coefficient

Geometry of a partially filled waveguide and its

transmission line equivalent.
10

P + 2 jw (Wm - We )
V VI *
P
= 2 =
= l
2
2
1
1
I
I
2 I
2 I

If the network is lossless, then Pl = 0 and R = 0. Then

Zin is purely imaginary, with a reactance
X=

4w (Wm - We )
I

12

Even and Odd Properties of Z() and ()

Impedance and Admittance Matrices

Consider the driving point impedance, Z(), at the

input port of an electrical network. V() = I()
Z(). v(t ) = 1 V (w )e jwt dw

At the nth terminal plane, the total voltage and current

is Vn = Vn+ + Vn- , I n = I n+ + I n- when z = 0.
The impedance matrix

Since v(t) must be real v(t) = v*(t),

Similarly,
[ I ] = [Y ][V ]
where

2p

V (w )e dw = V (w )e
jwt

- jwt

[V ] = [ Z ][ I ]

dw = V (-w )e dw
jwt

V (w ) = V (-w )

Re{V()} is even in , Im{V()} is odd in . I()

holds the same as V().
V * (-w) = Z * (-w) I * (-w) = Z * (-w) I (w) = V (w) = Z (w) I (w)

Y11 Y122
Y
[Y ] = 21

YN 1

13

The reflection coefficient at the input port

G(w ) =

15

An arbitrary N-port
microwave network.

Z (w ) - Z 0 R(w ) - Z 0 + jX (w )
=
Z (w ) + Z 0 Z (w ) + Z 0 + jX (w )

G(-w ) =

Y11NN

= [ Z ]-1

YNN

R(-w ) - Z 0 + jX (-w ) R(w ) - Z 0 - jX (w )

=
= G* (w )
Z (-w ) + Z 0 + jX (-w ) Z (w ) + Z 0 - jX (w )

G(w ) = G(w )G* (w ) = G(w )G(-w ) = G(-w )

14

16

 Zij can be defined as

Zij =

Vi
Ij

The fields due to sources a and b at the terminal

planes t1 and t2: E1a = V1a e1 , H1a = I1a h1
(4.31)

I k = 0 for k j

In words, Zij can be found by driving port j with the

current Ij, open-circuiting all other ports (so Ik=0 for
kj), and measuring the open-circuit voltage at port i.
Zii: input impedance seen looking into port i when all
other ports are open.
Zij: transfer impedance between ports i and j when all
other ports are open.
Similarly,
Ii
Yij =

Vj

E1b = V1b e1 ,

H1b = I1b h1

E2 a = V2 a e2 ,

H 2 a = I 2 a h2

E2b = V2b e2 ,

H 2b = I 2b h2

where e1, h1 and e2, h2 are the transverse modal fields

of port 1 and 2. Therefore,
ds + (V2a I 2b - V2b I 2 a ) e2 h2 ds
d =0
(V1a I1b - V1b I1a ) S e1 h1 ds
S
where S1, S2 are the cross-sectional areas at the
terminal planes of ports 1 and 2.
1

Vk = 0 for k j

17

This leads to (V1a I1b - V1b I1a ) + (V2a I 2b - V2b I 2a ) = 0

For 2 port, I1 = Y11V1 + Y12V2 , I 2 = Y21V1 + Y22V2

Reciprocal Networks
Let the Network to be reciprocal (no active device,
ferrites, or plasmas), with short circuits placed at all
terminal planes except those of ports 1 and 2.
Let Ea, Ha and Eb, Hb be the fields anywhere in the
network due to 2 independent sources, a and b,
located somewhere in the network.
From the reciprocity theorem,

Ea H b d
dss =

19

V1a (Y11V1b + Y12V2b ) - V1b (Y11V1a + Y12V2 a ) +

V2 a (Y21V1b + Y22V2b ) - V2b (Y21V1a + Y22V2 a ) = 0

(V1aV2b - V1bV2a )(Y12 - Y21 ) = 0

Y12 = Y21

Generally, Yij = Y ji

Eb H a ds

18

20

Lossless Networks

The Scattering Matrix

Consider a reciprocal lossless N-port network.

If the network is lossless, Re{Pav} = 0.

The scattering matrix relates the voltage waves

incident on the ports to those reflected from the ports.
The scattering parameters can be calculated using
network analysis technique. Otherwise, they can be
measured directly with a vector network analyzer.
Once the scattering matrix is known, conversion to
other matrices can be performed.
Consider the N-port network

1
1
1
t
Pav = [V ]t [ I ]* = ([ Z ][ I ]) [ I ]* = [ I ]t [ Z ][ I ]*
2
2
2
1
= ( I1Z11 I1* + I1Z12 I 2* + I 2 Z 21I1* + )
2
1 N N
= I m Z mn I n*
2 n =1 m =1

Since the Ins are independent, only nth current is taken.

Re I n Z nn I n* = I n Re {Z nn } = 0
2

Re {Z nn } = 0

21

Take Im and In only Re {( I n I m* + I m I n* ) Zmn } = 0

Since (InIm*+ ImIn*) is purely real, Re{Zmn} = 0,.
Therefore, Re{Zmn} = 0 for any m, n.

23

V1- S11
-
V2 = S21

-
VN S N 1

or

S122

S11NN V1+
+
V2


S NN VN+

V - = [ S ] V +

Sij =

Vi V j+

Vk+ = 0 for k j

Sii the reflection coefficient seen looking into port i

when all other ports are terminated in matched loads,
Sij the transmission coefficient from port j to port i
when all other ports are terminated in matched loads.

22

24

[ Z ][ S ] + [U ][ S ] = [ Z ] - [U ]

To find [Z],

Evaluation of Scattering Parameters

[ Z ] = ([U ] + [ S ])([U ] - [ S ]) -1

Reciprocal Networks and Lossless Networks

As in Sec. 4.2, the [Z] and [Y] are symmetric for
reciprocal networks, and purely imaginary for
lossless networks.
1
From V + = 1 (V + I )
V - = (V - I )
n

[V + ] =

1
([ Z ] + [U ])[ I ]
2

[V - ] =

1
([ Z ] - [U ])[ I ]
2

[V - ] = ([ Z ] - [U ])([ Z ] + [U ]) -1[V + ]
[ S ] = ([ Z ] - [U ])([ Z ] + [U ]) -1

A matched 3B attenuator with a 50 Characteristic impedance

25

27

[ S ]t = ([ Z ] + [U ]) -1 ([ Z ] - [U ])

Vn = Vn+ + Vn- , I n = I n+ - I n- = Vn+ - Vn-

[ S ] = [ S ]t

If the network is lossless, no real power delivers to

the network.

[ Z ][ I ] = [ Z ][V + ] - [ Z ][V - ] = [V ] = [V + ] + [V - ]
([ Z ] + [U ])[V - ] = ([ Z ] - [U ])[V + ]
1 0
0 1
[U ] =

If the network is reciprocal, [Z]t = [Z].

Show how [S] [Z] or [Y]. Assume Z0n are all

identical, for convenience Z0n = 1.

where

[ S ]t = ([ Z ] + [U ]) -1 ([ Z ] - [U ])t

1
1
Re{[V ]t [ I ]*} = Re{([V + ]t + [V - ]t )([V + ]* + [V - ]* )}
2
2
1
= Re{([V + ]t [V + ]* - [V + ]t [V - ]* + [V - ]t [V + ]* - [V - ]t [V - ]* )}
2
1 + t + * 1 - t - *
= [V ] [V ] - [V ] [V ] = 0
2
2

Pav =

Therefore, [S ] = [V - ][V + ]-1 = ([Z ] + [U ])-1 ([Z ] - [U ])

For a one-port network,
z11 - 1
S11 =

[V + ]t [V + ]* = [V - ]t [V - ]*
= ([ S ][V + ])t ([ S ][V + ])*

z11 + 1
26

= [V + ]t [ S ]t [ S ]*[V - ]*

28

 For nonzero [V+], [S]t[S]*=[U], or [S]*={[S]t}-1.

Unitary matrix N
Ski Skj* = d ij , for all i, j

[S]: the scattering matrix at zn = 0 plane.

[S']: the scattering matrix at zn = ln plane.

k =1

If i = j,

where d ij = 1 if i = j , d ij = 0 if i j .
N

ki

Ski* = 1

ki

Skj* = 0.

[V - ] = [ S ][V + ]

Vn+ = Vn+ e jqn ,Vn- = Vn-e- jqn

k =1

If i j,

[V - ] = [ S ][V + ],

e jq1

k =1

Ex 4.5 Application of Scattering Parameters

The S parameters of a network are properties only of
the network itself (assuming the network in linear),
and are defined under the condition that all ports are
matched.
29

e - jq1
0

V = [ S ]
0
e jq N

+
V
e - jq N

e - jq1

V - =
0

e - jq1
0

S
[
]

0
e - jq N

+
V
e - jq N

e- jq1

[ S ] =
0

e- jq1
0

S
[
]

- jq N
0
e

- jq N
e

31

A Shift in Reference Planes

Figure 4.9 (p. 181)

Shifting reference planes for an N-port network.

30

32

Generalized Scattering Parameters

The generalized scattering matrix can be used to

relate the incident and reflected waves,

[b] = [ S ][a]
Sij =

Sij =

bi
aj
Vi _
V j+

ak = 0 for k j

Vk+ = 0 for k j

Figure 4.10 (p. 181)

An N-port network with different characteristic impedances.
33

35

an = Vn+ / Z0n , bn = Vn- / Z0n

Vn = Vn+ + Vn- = Z 0 n (an + bn )
In =

1
Vn+ - Vn- = Z 0 n (an - bn )
Z0n

1
1
2
2
Re Vn I n* = Re an - bn + bn an* - bn*an
2
2
1
1 2
2
= an - bn
2
2

Pn =

)}

Figure on page 183

34

36

4.4 The Transmission (ABCD) Matrix

Relation to Impedance Matrix

The ABCD matrix of the cascade connection of 2 or

more 2-port networks can be easily found by
multiplying the ABCD matrices of the individual 2ports.

From the Z parameters with -I2 ,

V1 = I1Z11 - I 2 Z12
I1 = I1Z 21 - I 2 Z 22
A=
B=
C=
D=

V1
V2
V1
I2
I1
V2
I1
I2

I1Z11
= Z11 / Z 21
I1Z 21

I1Z11 - I 2 Z12
I2

I 2 =0

V2 = 0

V2 = 0

I1
= 1/ Z 21
I1Z 21

I 2 Z 22
= Z 22 / Z 21
I2

I 2 =0

V2 = 0

= Z11

I1
I2

- Z12 = Z11
V2 = 0

I1Z 22
Z Z - Z12 Z 21
- Z12 = 11 22
I1Z 21
Z 21

37

V1 = AV2 + BI 2
I1 = CV2 + DI 2

V1 A1
I = C
1 1

B1 V2
D1 I 2

V2 A2
I = C
2 2

B2 V3
D2 I 3

If the network is reciprocal, Z12=Z21, and AD-BC=1.

V1 A B V2
I = C D I
2
1

V1 A1
I = C
1 1

B1 A2
D1 C2

39

B2 V3
D2 I 3

Equivalent Circuits for 2-port Networks

Table 4-2
A transition between a coaxial line and a microstrip
line. Because of the physical discontinuity in the
transition from a coaxial line to a microstrip line,
electric and/or magnetic energy can be stored in the
vicinity of the junction, leading to reactive effects.

Ex. 4.6 Evaluation of ABCD Parameters

38

40

4.5 Signal Flow Graphs

Figure 4.12 (p.
188)

Very useful for the features and the construction of

the flow transmitted and reflected waves.
Nodes: Each port, i, of a microwave network has 2
nodes, ai and bi. Node ai is identified with a wave
entering port i, while node bi is identified with a wave
reflected from port i. The voltage at a node is equal to
the sum of all signals entering that node.
Branches: A branch is directed path between 2 nodes,
representing signal flow from one node to another.
Every branch has an associated S parameter or
reflection coefficient.

A coax-to-microstrip
transition and equivalent
circuit representations.
(a) Geometry of the
transition. (b)
Representation of the
transition by a black
box.
(c) A possible equivalent
circuit for the transition
[6].
41

43

Figure 4.13 (p. 188)

Equivalent circuits for a reciprocal two-port network. (a) T equivalent.
(b) equivalent.

Figure 4.14 (p. 189)

42

The signal flow graph representation of a two-port network. (a)

Definition of incident and reflected waves. (b) Signal flow graph.

44

Figure 4.16 (p.

191)
Decomposition rules.
(a) Series rule.
(b) Parallel rule.
(c) Self-loop rule.
(d) Splitting rule.

Figure 4.15 (p. 190)

The signal flow graph representations of a one-port network and a
source.
(a) A one-port network and its flow graph. (b) A source and its 45
flow graph.

Decomposition of Signal Flow Graphs

47

Ex 4.7 Application of Signal Flow Graph

A signal flow graph can be reduced to a single branch

between 2 nodes using the 4 basic decomposition
rules below, to obtain any desired wave amplitude
ratio.
Rule 1 (Series Rule): V3 = S32V2 = S32S21V1 .
Rule 2 (Parallel Rule): V2 = SaV1 + SbV1 = (Sa + Sb)V1.
Rule 3 (Self-Loop Rule): V2 = S21V1 + S22V2, V3 = S32V2.
V3 = S32S21V1/(1-S22)
Rule 4 (Splitting Rule): V4 = S42V2 = S21S42V1.

Figure 4.17 (p. 192)

46

A terminated two-port network.

48

Figure 4.18 (p. 192)

Figure 4.20 (p. 193)

Signal flow path for the two-port network with general source and
49
load impedances of Figure 4.17.

Block diagram of a network analyzer measurement of a two-port

device.

51

Figure 4.19 (p. 192)

Decompositions of the flow graph of Figure 4.18 to find in =
b1/a1 and out = b2/a2. (a) Using Rule 4 on node a2. (b) Using
Rule 3 for the self-loop at node b2. (c) Using Rule 4 on node b1. (d)50
Using Rule 3 for the self-loop at node a1.

Figure 4.21a (p. 194)

Block diagram and signal flow graph for the Thru connection.

52

Figure 4.22 (p. 198)

Rectangular waveguide
discontinuities.

Figure 4.21b (p. 194)

Block diagram and signal flow graph for the Reflect connection.

53

55

Figure 4.23 (p. 199)

Some common microstrip
discontinuities. (a) Openended microstrip. (b) Gap
in microstrip. (c) Change in
width.
(d) T-junction. (e) Coax-tomicrostrip junction.

Figure 4.21c (p. 194)

Block diagram and signal flow graph for the Line connection.

54

56

Figure 4.24 (p. 200)

Geometry of an H-plane step (change in width) in rectangular
waveguide.

Figure on page 204

57

59

Figure 4.26 (p. 205)

Figure 4.25 (p. 203)

Equivalent inductance of an H-plane asymmetric step.

Reference: T.C. Edwards, Foundations for Microwave Circuit Design, Wiley, 1981.

58

An infinitely long rectangular waveguide with surface current

densities at z = 0.

60

Figure 4.29 (p. 210)

Figure 4.27 (p. 206)
An arbitrary electric or magnetic current source in an infinitely
long waveguide.

61

Various waveguide and other transmission line configurations using

aperture coupling. (a) Coupling between two waveguides wit an
aperture in the common broad wall. (b) Coupling to a waveguide
cavity via an aperture in a transverse wall. (c) Coupling between
two microstrip lines via an aperture in the common ground plane. (d)
63
Coupling from a waveguide to a stripline via an aperture.

Figure 4.30 (p. 210)

Figure 4.28 (p. 208)

A uniform current probe in a rectangular waveguide.

62

Illustrating the development of equivalent electric and magnetic

polarization currents at an aperture in a conducting wall (a) Normal
electric field at a conducting wall. (b) Electric field lines around an
aperture in a conducting wall. (c) Electric field lines around electric
polarization currents normal to a conducting wall. (d) Magnetic field
lines near a conducting wall. (e) Magnetic field lines near an
64
aperture in a conducting wall. (f) Magnetic field lines near magnetic
polarization currents parallel to a conducting wall.

image theory to the

problem of an aperture in
the transverse wall of a
waveguide. (a) Geometry
of a circular aperture in
the transverse wall of a
waveguide. (b) Fields
with aperture closed. (c)
Fields with aperture open.
(d) Fields with aperture
closed and replaced with
equivalent dipoles.
(e) Fields radiated by
equivalent dipoles for x
< 0; wall removed by
image theory.
(f) Fields radiated by
equivalent dipoles for z >
0; all removed by image

Figure 4.33 (p. 214)

65

Figure 4.32 (p. 214)

Equivalent circuit of the aperture in a transverse waveguide wall.

66

Two parallel waveguides coupled through an aperture in a

common broad wall.

67