CHAPTER 2

Network Parameters
By
Professor Syed Idris Syed Hassan
Sch of Elect. & Electron Eng
Engineering Campus USM
Nibong Tebal 14300
SPS Penang

Prof Syed Idris Syed Hassan

Impedance and Admittance matrices

For n ports network we can relate the voltages and currents by impedance
and admittance matrices

Impedance matrix
V1 Z11
V Z12
2
. .
. .

Vn Z1n

Z 21
Z 22
.
.
Z 2n

.
.
.
.
.

. Z n1
. Z n 2
.
.

.
.
. Z nn

where

Admittance matrix
I1
I
2
.

.
I n

I1 Y11 Y21
I Y12 Y22
2
.
. .
. .
.

I n Y1n Y2 n

Y Z 1

.
.
.
.
.

. Yn1 V1
. Yn 2 V2
. . .

. . .
. Ynn Vn

Reciprocal and Lossless Networks

Reciprocal networks usually contain nonreciprocal media
such as ferrites or plasma, or active devices. We can show
that the impedance and admittance matrices are symmetrical,
so that.

Zij Z ji or Yij Yji

Lossless networks can be shown that Zij or Yij are imaginary

Refer to text book Pozar pg193-195

Example
Find the Z parameters of the two-port T network as shown below
Z

I1

I2
V1

V2

Solution
Port 2 open-circuited

Z11

V1
I1

Z A ZC

Z12

I1 0

Z 21

I 2 0

Port 1 open-circuited

V1

I2

Similarly we can show that

V2
I1

ZC
I 2 0

This is an example of reciprocal network!!

ZC
V2 Z C

Z B ZC
ZC
I 2 Z B ZC
Z B ZC

Z 22

V2
I2

Z B ZC
I1 0

S-parameters
Port 1

Port 2
Microwave device
Input signal
reflected signal
transmitted signal

Vi1
Vr1
Vt2

Transmission and reflection coefficients

Vt
Vi

Vr
Vi

Vi2
Vr2
Vt1

S-parameters
Voltage of traveling wave away from port 1 is
Vb1

V
Vr1
Vi1 t 2 Vi 2
Vi1
Vi 2

Voltage of
Reflected wave
From port 1

Voltage of
Transmitted wave
From port 2

Voltage of transmitted wave away from port 2 is

Vb 2

Vt1
Vr 2

Vi1
Vi 2
Vi1
Vi 2

Vt1
Vt 2
Vr1
, 12
, 21 V
Let Vb1= b1 , Vi1=a1 , Vi2=a2 , 1
i1
Vi1
Vi 2
Vr 2
and 2
Then we can rewrite
Vi 2

S-parameters
Hence

In matrix form

S-matrix

b1 1 a1 12 a2
b2 21 a1 2 a2
b1 1 12 a1
b
a

2 2
2 21
b1 S11 S12
b S

S
22
2 21

a1
a
2

S11and S22 are a measure

of reflected signal at port
1 and port 2 respectively
S21 is a measure of gain or
loss of a signal from port 1
to port 2.
S12 ia a measure of gain or
loss of a signal from port 2
to port 1.
Logarithmic form
S11=20 log()
S22=20 log()
S12=20 log(12)
S21=20 log(21)

S-parameters
S11

S12

Vr 1

Vi1

Vt 2
Vi 2

Vr 2 0

Vr 2 0

Vr2=0 means port 2 is matched

S 21

Vt1
Vi1

S 22
Vr 1 0

Vr1=0 means port 1 is matched

Vr 2
Vi 2

Vr1 0

Multi-port network
Port 5
Port 1
Por
t

Port
3

Port 4

network

b1 S11
b S
2 21
b3 S31
b S
4 41
b5 S51

S12
S 22
S32
S 42
S52

S13
S 23
S33
S 43
S53

S14
S 24
S34
S 44
S54

S15
S 25
S35

S 45
S55

a1
a
2
a3

a4
a5

Example
Below is a matched 3 dB attenuator. Find the S-parameter of the circuit.
8.56

8.56

141.8

Z1=Z2= 8.56 and Z3= 141.8

Solution
Vr1
S11
Vi1 V

r 2 0

Z in Z o

Z in Z o

By assuming the output port is terminated by Zo = 50 ,

then
Z in Z1 Z 3 //( Z 2 Z o )

8.56 141.8(8.56 50) /(141.8 8.56 50) 50

S11

50 50
0
50 50

Because of symmetry , then S22=0

Continue
8.56

S 21

Vt 2
Vi 2 V

r 2 0

V1

Vo

8.56

V2

141.8

From the fact that S11=S22=0 , we know that Vr1=0 when port 2 is
matched, and that Vi2=0. Therefore Vi1= V1 and Vt2=V2

Z 2 // Z 3
Zo
Zo

Vo

Z 2 // Z 3 Z1 Z 3 Z o
Z3 Z o
41.44
50

V1

0.707V1
41.44 8.56 50 8.56

Vt 2 V2 V1

Therefore S12 = S21 = 0.707

0
0.707

0.707
0

Lossless network
For lossless n-network , total input power = total output power. Thus
n

i 1

ai ai*

bi bi*

Where a and b are the amplitude of the signal

i 1

Putting in matrix form

Thus

at a* = bt b*
=at St S* a*

a (I S S )a =0
t

In summation form
n

k 1

*
S ki S kj

for i
for i

Note that bt=atSt and b*=S*a*

This implies that S S =I

t

Called unitary
matrix

Conversion of Z to S and S to Z
S Z U 1 Z U
Z U S 1 U S
where

1 0 . 0
0 . . .

U
. . 1 .

0 . . 1

Reciprocal and symmetrical network

Since the [U] is diagonal , thus

U U t

For reciprocal network

Z Z t
Thus it can be shown that

S S t

Since [Z] is symmetry

Example
A certain two-port network is measured and the following scattering
matrix is obtained:
0.10o 0.890o
S
o
o
0
.
8

90
0
.
2

From the data , determine whether the network is reciprocal or lossless. If

a short circuit is placed on port 2, what will be the resulting return loss at
port 1?

Solution
Since [S] is symmetry, the network is reciprocal. To be lossless, the S
parameters must satisfy
For i=j
n
1 for i j
2
2
2
2
*
|S
|
+
|S
|
=
(0.1)
+
(0.8)
= 0.65
11
12
Ski S kj 0 for i j

k 1
Since the summation is not equal to 1, thus
it is not a lossless network.

continue
Reflected power at port 1 when port 2 is shorted can be calculated as
follow and the fact that a2= -b2 for port 2 being short circuited, thus
b1=S11a1 + S12a2 = S11a1 - S12b2

(1)

b2=S21a1 + S22a2 = S21a1 - S22b2

(2)

From (2) we have

S 21
b2
a1
1 S 22

Short at port 2

(3)

Dividing (1) by a1 and substitute the result in (3) ,we have

b1
b2
S12 S 21
j 0.8 j 0.8
S11 S12 S11
0.1
0.633
a1
a1
1 S 22
1 0.2
Return loss

20 log 20 log 0.633 3.97 dB

a2
-a2=b2

ABCD parameters
I1
V1

I2
Network

V2

Voltages and currents in a general circuit

I 2 V2 V1

V2 I1 I 2

This can be written as

V1 V2 I 2

I1 V2 I 2

Or

V1 AV2 BI 2

I1 CV2 DI 2

A ve sign is included in the definition of D

In matrix form
V1 A B V2
I C D I

1
2
Given V1 and I1, V2 and
I2 can be determined if
ABDC matrix is
known.

I1a
V1a

Cascaded network
I2a
a

V1a Aa
I C
1a a

I1b
b

V2a V1b
Ba V2a
Da I 2 a

However V2a=V1b and I2a=I1b then

V1a Aa
I C
1a a

I2b

Ba Ab
Da Cb

Bb V2b
Db I 2b

Or just convert to one matrix

V1a A B V2b
I C D I
2b

1a

V1b Ab
I C
1b b

V2b
Bb V2b
Db I 2b

The main use of ABCD matrices are

for chaining circuit elements together
Where
A B Aa
C D C

Ba Ab
Da Cb

Bb
Db

Determination of ABCD parameters

V1 AV2 BI 2

I1 CV2 DI 2

Because A is independent of B, to determine A put I2 equal to zero and determine

the voltage gain V1/V2=A of the circuit. In this case port 2 must be open circuit.
V
A 1
V2

I1
C
V2

for port 2 open circuit

I 2 0

for port 2 open circuit

I 2 0

V1
B
I2 V

2 0

I1
I2 V

2 0

for port 2 short circuit

for port 2 short circuit

ABCD matrix for series impedance

I1
V1
A

V1
V2

I2

for port 2 open circuit

V2
B

I 2 0

for port 2 short circuit

2 0

V1= - I2 Z hence B= Z

V1= V2 hence A=1

I1
C
V2

V1
I2 V

for port 2 open circuit

I 2 0

I1 = - I2 = 0 hence C= 0
The full ABCD matrix can be written

I1
I2 V

for port 2 short circuit

2 0

I1 = - I2 hence D= 1

1 Z
0 1

ABCD for T impedance network

I1

Z1

V1
V2

then

Z3

V1

Z2

I2
V2

for port 2 open circuit

therefore

I 2 0

Z3
V2
V1
Z1 Z 3

V1 Z1 Z 3
Z1
A

1
V2
Z3
Z3

Continue
B

V1
I2 V

Z1

for port 2 short circuit

2 0

Solving for voltage in Z2

VZ 2

Z 2 Z3
Z 2 Z3

V
Z 2 Z3 1
Z1
Z 2 Z3

But

VZ 2 I 2 Z 2

I2
Z3

Z2

Hence

V1
Z1Z 2
B
Z 2 Z1
I2
Z3

VZ2

Continue
I1
C
V2

I1

for port 2 open circuit

Z1

I 2 0

Z3

Analysis

I 2 I1

V2 I 2 Z 3 I1Z 3

I2

Therefore
C

I1
1

V2 Z 3

V2

Continue
I1
D
I2 V

for port 2 short circuit

2 0

I1

Z3
I2
I1
Z 2 Z3

I1
Z2
D
1
I2
Z3

I2
Z3

I1 is divided into Z2 and Z3, thus

Hence

Z1

Z2

VZ2

Full matrix

Z1
1 Z
2

1
Z 3

Z1Z 2
Z1 Z 2
Z3

Z2

Z3

ABCD for transmission line

I1
Input V1

I2
Transmission line

z = -

Zo

V2
z =0

V f e j t e z Vb e j t e z

For transmission line

V ( z ) V f e j t e z Vb e j t e z

1
I ( z)
V f e j t e z Vb e j t e z
Zo

Zo

Vf
If

Vb
Ib

f and b represent forward and backward propagation voltage and current

Amplitudes. The time varying term can be dropped in further analysis.

continue
At the input z = -

V1 V () V f e

Vb e

(1)

I1 I ()

1
V f e Vb e
Zo

(2)

At the output z = 0

V2 V (0) V f Vb

(3)

Now find A,B,C and D using the above 4 equations

V1
A
V2

1
I 2 I (0)
V f Vb
Zo

for port 2 open circuit

I 2 0

For I2 =0 Eq.( 4 ) gives Vf= Vb=Vo giving

(4)

continue
From Eq. (1) and (3) we have
A

Vo (e

V1
B
I2 V

e
2Vo

cosh( )

for port 2 short circuit

Note that
(e x e x )
cosh( x)
2
(e x e x )
sinh( x)
2

2 0

For V2 = 0 , Eq. (3) implies Vf= Vb = Vo . From Eq. (1) and (4) we have
Z oVo (e e )
B
Z o sinh( )
2Vo

continue
I1
C
V2

for port 2 open circuit

I 2 0

For I2=0 , Eq. (4) implies Vf = Vb = Vo . From Eq.(2) and (3) we have
Vo (e e ) sinh( )
C

2Vo Z o
Zo
I1
D
I2 V

for port 2 short circuit

2 0

For V2=0 , Eq. (3) implies Vf = -Vb = Vo . From Eq.(2) and (4) we have
Z oVo (e e )
D
cosh( )
2Z oVo

continue
Note that

The complete matrix is therefore

cosh( ) Z o sinh( )
sinh( )

cosh( )

Zo

jk

When the transmission line is lossless this reduces to

cos(k )
sin( k )
j
Zo

Where
= attenuation
k=wave propagation
constant

jZ o sin( k )

Lossless line
=0

cosh( jk ) cos(k)

cos(k )

sinh( jk ) j sin( k)

Table of ABCD network

Transmission line

Z
Series impedance

Shunt impedance

cosh( ) Z o sinh( )
sinh( )

cosh(

Z
o

1 Z
0 1

1 0
1
Z 1

Table of ABCD network

Z1

Z2
T-network

Z3

Z1
Z2
1
Z3

Z3
Z1

Z2

-network

Z1Z 2
Z3

Z
1 2
Z3

Z3
Z2

1 1 Z3
Z1 Z 2 Z1Z 2

n 0
1

n:1

Z1 Z 2

Z3

Z
1 3
Z1

Ideal transformer

Short transmission line

Lossless transmission line

ABCD tline

cos(k )
sin( k )
j
Zo

If << then cos(k ) ~ 1 and sin (k ) ~ k

ABCD tlineshort

jZ o sin(k )
cos(k )

then

1
jZ o k

1
j k
1
Zo

Embedded short transmission line

Z1

ABCD embed

Transmission line

Z1

1
jZ o k 1 0
1 0
1

1 1 1
1
1
Z
j Z k

Z
1
o
1

Solving, we have

ABCD embed

jZ o k

1
jZ o k
Z1

jZ o k
2 jZ o k
k

j
1
2
Z1
Zo
Z1
Z1

Comparison with -network

ABCD net

Z3
Z2

1 1 Z3
Z1 Z 2 Z1Z 2

ABCD embed

Z3

Z
1 3
Z1

jZ o k

jZ
k

Z1

jZ
k

jZ
k

2
k

o2 j
1 o
Z1
Zo
Z1
Z1
1

It is interesting to note that if we substitute in ABCD matrix in -network,

Z2=Z1 and Z3=jZok we see that the difference is in C element where we
have extra term i.e j k
Zo
So the transmission line
Zok
k

Both are almost same if

exhibit a -network
2
Zo
Z1

Comparison with series and shunt

Series
If Zo >> Z1 then the series impedance Z jZ o k
Zo
L

This is an inductance which is given by

c
Where c is a velocity of light

Shunt
If Zo << Z1 then the series impedance

Z j

This is a capacitance which is given by

k
Zo

Z oc

Equivalent circuits

Zo

ZoL

Zo

Zo >> Z1

Zo
c

Z oc

Zo

Zoc
Zo << Z1

Zo

Transmission line parameters

It is interesting that the characteristic impedance and propagation constant of a
transmission line can be determined from ABCD matrix as follows

B
Zo
C
1
1
1
cosh A ln A A2 1

Conversion S to ABCD
For conversion of ABCD to S-parameter
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D

S11 S12
1
2Z o AD BC

S

2
2
S
2
Z

Z
A

Z
C

Z
D
Z
A

Z
C

Z
D
22
21
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

For conversion of S to ABCD-parameter

1 S11 1 S 22 S12 S 21
A B
1
C D 2 S 1 1 S11 1 S 22 S12 S 21

21 Z
o

Z o 1 S11 1 S 22 S12 S 21

1 S11 1 S 22 S12 S 21

Zo is a characteristic impedance of the transmission line connected to the

ABCD network, usually 50 ohm.

MathCAD functions for conversion

For conversion of ABCD to S-parameter
S ( A)

2.Z . A1,1. A2, 2 A1,2 . A2,1

Z . A1,1 A1,2 Z .Z . A2,1 Z . A2, 2

2.Z
Z . A1,1 A1, 2 Z .Z . A2,1 Z . A2, 2
Z . A1,1 A1,2 Z .Z . A2.1 Z . A2,2

For conversion of S to ABCD-parameter

1
A( S )
.
2.S 2,1

1 S1,1 .1 S 2,2 S1,2 .S2,1

1
. 1 S1,1 .1 S 2, 2 S1, 2 .S 2,1

Zo

Z . 1 S1,1 .1 S 2, 2 S1, 2 .S 2,1

1 S1,1 .1 S2,2 S1,2 .S 2,1

Odd and Even Mode Analysis

Usually use for analyzing a symmetrical four port network
(1) Excitation

Equal ,in phase excitation even mode

Equal ,out of phase excitation odd mode

(2) Draw intersection line for symmetry and apply

short circuit for odd mode
Open circuit for even mode
(3) Also can apply EM analysis of structure
Tangential E field zero odd mode
Tangential H field zero even mode
(4) Single excitation at one port= even mode + odd mode

Example 1
Edge coupled line

Line of
symmetry

The matrix contains the odd and even parts

S11ev S11od

1 S 21ev S 21od
S
2 S31ev S31od

S 41ev S 41od

S12ev S12od
S 22ev S 22od
S32ev S32od
S 42ev S 42od

S13ev S13od
S 23ev S 23od
S33ev S33od
S 43ev S 43od

S14ev S14od
S 24ev S 24od
S34ev S34od

S 44ev S 44od

Since the network is symmetry, Instead of 4 ports , we can only analyze 2 port

continue
We just analyze for 2 transmission lines with characteristic Z e and Zo
respectively. Similarly the propagation coefficients e and o respectively.
Treat the odd and even mode lines as uniform lossless lines. Taking ABCD
matrix for a line , length l, characteristic impedance Z and propagation
constant ,thus

ABCD tline

cos( )
sin( )
j
Z

jZ sin( )

cos( )

Using conversion
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D

2Z o AD BC
S

2Z o
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D
1

continue

Z 2 Z o2

j sin

Z 2 Z o2

2Z cos j sin
2

Taking

2Z o

2Z o
Z 2 Z o2

j sin

(equivalent to quarter-wavelength transmission line)

Then
Z 2 Z o2
S 2 2
Z Z o j 2 ZZ o
1

j 2 ZZ o
2
2
Z Z o

continue
S13

S23

Odd + even

S11 S12
S21 S22

Convert to

S31
S41

2-port network
matrix

S11 S12
S21 S22

S11 S12
S21 S22

S11 S12
S21 S22

S11 S12
S21 S22

S14
S24
S34
S33
S44

S42

S32

4-port network
matrix

S43

continue
Follow symmetrical properties
ev+ od

S11 S12
S21 S22

S13 S14
S23 S24

ev- od

S31 S32
S41 S42

S33 S34
S43 S44

Assuming ev = od =

S 41 S14 S32

ev- od

ev+ od

Then

jZ o
Z ev
Z od
S 23
2
2
2

2 Z ev Z o Z od Z o2
2

(
Z
Z

Z
jZ o
ev od
o ) ( Z od Z ev )

2
2
2 ( Z ev
Z o2 ) ( Z od
Z o2 )

For perfect isolation (I.e S41=S14=S32=S23=0 ),we choose Zev and Zod such that
Zev Zod=Zo2.

continue
ev+ od

S11 S12
S21 S22

S13 S14
S23 S24

ev- od

S31 S32
S41 S42

S33 S34
S43 S44

ev- od

ev+ od

Similarly we have

S11 S 22

2
2
Z o2 Z od
Z o2
1 Z ev
S33 S 44
2
2
2

2 Z ev Z o Z od Z o2
2 2

Z ev
Z od Z o4
1

2
2
2 ( Z ev
Z o2 )( Z od
Z o2 )

Equal to zero if Zev Zod=Zo2.

continue
ev+ od

S11 S12
S21 S22

S13 S14
S23 S24

ev- od

S31 S32
S41 S42

S33 S34
S43 S44

ev- od

ev+ od

We have

S31 S13 S 24 S 42

2
2
Z o2 Z od
Z o2
1 Z ev

2
2
2

2 Z ev Z o Z od Z o2
2
2
2

(
Z

Z
)
Z
ev
od
o

2
2
2
2
( Z Z )( Z Z )
ev
o
od
o

Z ev Z
od

Z Z
od
ev

if Zev Zod=Zo2.

continue
ev+ od

S11 S12
S21 S22

S13 S14
S23 S24

ev- od

S31 S32
S41 S42

S33 S34
S43 S44

S 21 S12 S34

ev- od

ev+ od

jZ o
Z ev
Z od
S 43
2
2
2

2 Z ev Z o Z od Z o2

jZ o

1
Z Z
od
ev

if Zev Zod=Zo2.

continue
This S-parameter must satisfy network characteristic:
(1) Power conservation
2
2
S11 S 21
Reflected
power

S31 S 41 1

transmitted
power to
port 2

transmitted
power to
port 3

transmitted
power to
port 4

Since S11 and S41=0 , then

2

S 21 S31 1
(2) And quadrature condition

S11

Arg
2
S 21

continue

For 3 dB coupler

Z ev Z
od

Z Z
od
ev

1
2

or

Z ev Z
1
od

Z Z
2
od
ev

Rewrite we have

Z ev 1 ( 2 )
3 2 2

Z od 1 ( 2 )
Z ev
In practice Zev > Zod so
3 2 2 5.83
Z od
However the limitation for coupled edge

Z ev
2
Z od

(Gap size )

also ev and od are not pure TEM

thus not equal

A /4 branch line coupler

Odd

90

90
1

o
1

Symmetrical line

Even

90

90
4

45

90

90

1
o

45

3
Z

Z
o

45

45

O/C

O/C

Analysis
Stub odd (short circuit)

Stub even (open circuit)

X s ,od

Z1 tan Z1
4

X s ,ev

Z1 cot Z1
4

The ABCD matrices for the two networks may then found :

1
ABCD 1
jX
s

stub

0 0
j
1
Z2

jZ 2 1
1
0
jX s

Transmission
line

stub

Z2
Xs
j jZ 2
2
Z2 X s

jZ 2
Z2
X s

continue
Convert to S
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D

2Z o AD BC
S

2Z o
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D
Z o A B Z o2C Z o D
1

jZ 2 j

2Z o Z 2
Z o2 Z 2
Z o2
jZ 2 j
j

2
Xs
Z 2
Xs

Z o2 Z 2
X s2

Z o2
j
Z2

2Z o
jZ 2 j

2Z o

Z o2 Z 2
X s2

Z o2
j

Z 2

For perfect isolation we require

S11ev S11od S11ev S11od 0

S11 jZ 2 j

Z o2 Z 2
X s2

Z o2
j
0
Z2

or

Thus

Xs

S11ev S11od 0
Zo Z2
Z o2

Z 22

Z1

From
previous
definition

continue
Substituting into S-parameter gives us

S odd

Z
2
2
Z o Z 2 jZ 2 o
1

Zo
0

and

S even

Z
2
2
Z o Z 2 jZ 2 o

Therefore for full four port

1
Z2

S 21 S12 S 43 S34 S 21ev S 21od j

2
Zo

S 41 S14 S32

1
Z 22
S 23 S 21ev S 21od 1 2
2
Zo

S11 S 22 S33 S 44 0

And S31 S13 S 42 S 24 0

Zo
0

continue
For power conservation and quadrature conditions to be met

Equal split S
S 21

Z
1
2
Zo
2

Z2

or

And
X s Z1

Zo Z2
Z o2

Z 22

Zo
2

Zo

Zo

Z o2

If Zo= 50 then Z2 = 35.4

Zo
2

Zo