A Systematic Method to Design Broadband
Matching Networks
Aurora Andújar1, Jaume Anguera1,2, Carles Puente1,3
1
Technology and Intellectual Property Rights Department, FRACTUS S.A., C/ Alcalde Barnils nº64, 08174 Barcelona, Spain
aurora.andujar@.fractus.com, jaume.anguera@fractus.com
2
Electronics and Telecommunications Department, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08174 Barcelona, Spain
3
Signal Theory and Communications Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08174 Barcelona, Spain
Abstract—The narrow bandwidth (BW) associated to small
antennas featured by a high quality factor (Q) can be enhanced
by the addition of a matching network. However, the impedance
matching is a difficult and time-consuming process since it
depends on the ability of the designer for selecting that suitable
matching architecture that achieves the best trade-off between
BW, complexity and implementation. In this paper, a systematic
method for broadening the BW of handset antennas is proposed.
The method is focused on those antennas whose input impedance
near the first resonance can be modeled as an RLC series circuit.
In order to develop the proposal, a mathematical analysis is
carried out using a simple electrical model and the theoretical
results are validated through simulations and by an experimental
process. As a result, a systematic method for designing matching
networks with a good balance between complexity and BW
enhancement is obtained. Thus, the method described herein
ensures one half of Fano’s limit BW increment through a simple
and methodic matching design.
I. INTRODUCTION
Small antennas are featured by a high Q, which traduces in
narrow bandwidth BW [1]. The addition of a matching
network becomes an efficient method for enhancing the BW
limitations associated to small antennas [2]. However, the
matching network design is not a methodical process, since it
must be customized according to the input impedance of the
antenna under study. At the same time, it becomes a very
time-consuming task, usually based on trial and error methods.
Furthermore, it depends on the abilities of the matching
network designer on finding the suitable solution, ensuring the
requirements of BW increment, low complexity and
integration facilities, between a great number of alternatives.
This research overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings
introducing a systematic method to design a matching network
that increases the bandwidth about one half the Fano’s limit
[5]. The method is focused on antennas with an input
impedance that can be modeled as an RLC series circuit, such
as dipoles or monopoles in their first resonances.
The bandwidth enhancement obtained with a double-tuned
matching is demonstrated in [2]. However, it fails to mention
which are the values of the inductor and the capacitor required
for a double-tuned antenna impedance matching circuit.
In [3], several matching stages are presented for increasing
the BW of conventional microstrip patch antennas using
distributed elements.
A simpler method to design broadband microstrip patch
antennas is disclosed in [4]. The values obtained are restricted
to situations where the antenna presents an input impedance
that can be modeled as an RLC parallel circuit, such as
microstrip patch antennas.
Hence, the aim of this paper is to determine the values of
the inductance and the capacitor required in a double-tuned
matching network to increase the BW of an antenna featuring
an input impedance close to an RLC series circuit. The values
are obtained through a mathematical analysis carried out using
a simple electrical model.
The paper is divided in the following sections. Firstly, a
mathematical analysis using an equivalent electric circuit of
the antenna structure is developed in (II). The accurate
analysis allows determining the values of the matching
network required for bandwidth enhancement. Secondly, the
effectiveness of the proposal is evaluated through simulations
using the software IE3D based on MoM (III). In a third stage,
a prototype is built for the sake of validating the simulations
with the experimental results (IV). Finally, the conclusions are
presented (V).
II. MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
Monopoles and dipoles are antennas whose input
impedance near their first resonance can be associated to the
input impedance of a RLC series circuit. As stated in [2] the
addition of an LC resonator as a matching network allows
bandwidth improvements. However, the values of this LC
resonator are not disclosed in [2].
Broadband Matching Network
(BB MN)
Ra La Ca
Cm Lm
Yin YinRLC Monopole Antenna
1
Yin ( f ) = YinRLC ( f ) + j 2πfC m +
j 2πfLm
Fig. 1 Equivalent circuit regarding a specific antenna featuring an RLC series
input impedance and a two stages matching network
During this section a mathematical analysis is carried out
using the equivalent electrical circuit associated to this type of
antennas (Fig. 1). It allows determining the exact expressions
that give the values of the matching network components (Cm
y Lm) required for BW optimization.
 The BW is enhanced by fulfilling the conditions that force (6) Ga
Re{Yin ( f )} =
the impedance locus of the Smith Chart to be inscribed inside 1 + (Qa v) 2
a circle of VSWR=S (Fig. 2). It is important to note that if the imaginary part of the
1.0
Swp Max antenna admittance is equated to 0, three resonance
0.8

3GHz

frequencies appear (f0, f1 and f2). In order to maximize the BW,

6
0.

0
2.
the input impedance locus has to be forced to fulfill the
4

Im{Yin ( f 0 )} = Im{Yin ( f1 )} = Im{Yin ( f 2 )} = 0

0.
0
3.

0
f1
4.

0.2
5.0
following requirements (also illustrated in Fig. 2) that will
10.0

1 condition the Lm and Cm values.

Re{Yin ( f1 )} = Re{Yin ( f 2 )} =
10.0
0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0
5.0
0

Z0 ⋅ S
(7) Im{Yin ( f 0 )} = Im{Yin ( f1 )} = Im{Yin ( f 2 )} = 0
-10.0

S
-0.
-5.0
f2
-4
.0
Re{Yin ( f 0 )} = 1
f0 .4
-3
.0 Z0 (8) Re{Yin ( f1 )} = Re{Yin ( f 2 )} =
Z0 ⋅ S
-0
.0
-2
.6
-0

Swp Min
-0 .8

S
-1.0

0.8GHz
(9) Re{Yin ( f 0 )} =
Fig. 2 Graphical representation in the Smith chart of the conditions required Z0
to achieve BW enhancement The first solution to the equation (5) gives the relationship
As aforementioned, the mathematical analysis carried out required between Lm and Cm (10). At the same time, the value
along this section provides the numerical expressions that of Lm can be easily obtained substituting equation (10) into
determine the exact values of the reactive components equation (5).
required to attain a BW enhancement of approximately one
half of Fano’s limit. Besides the reactive values, the method (10) 1
Cm =
also determines the input impedance of the antenna that ω 0 2 ⋅ Lm
allows tuning the impedance locus at the center of the Smith 2 2
(11) ( f1 − f r ) ⋅ Z 0 ⋅ (1 + (Qa ⋅ v1 ) 2 )
chart (Fig. 2). Thus, the matching network process is Lm = 2 2
simplified, since the antenna designer is able to know in S ⋅ Qa ⋅ ( f1 − f r ) ⋅ 2 ⋅ π ⋅ f r
advance the values of these components, avoiding, at the same
time, the annoying trial and error methods. Where f1 is computed according to equation (8):
Following the teachings of [4] and applying duality it is
possible to obtain the values that will improve the bandwidth − f0 ⋅ G ⋅ Z0 ⋅ S − 1 + f0 G ⋅ Z0 ⋅ S − 1 + 4 ⋅ Q 2
(12) f1 =
of an antenna featuring an RLC series input impedance. The
2 ⋅Q
admittance of this kind of circuits can be written as:
And at the same time, f2 follows the expression (13):

(1) R − jRQv
YinRLC ( f ) = f0 ⋅ G ⋅ Z0 ⋅ S − 1 + f0 G ⋅ Z0 ⋅ S − 1 + 4 ⋅ Q 2
R 2 + ( RQv)2 (13) f2 =
f f 2 ⋅Q
(2) v= − 0
f0 f
Therefore,
(3) 1
f 0 ( RLC _ resonance) = f 2 − f1 S2 −1
2π La C a (14) BW f = =
f0 Qa
As previously stated, the inherent BW of an antenna, with Which coincide with the result obtained in [4] associated
the characteristics described above, can be increased if the to parallel RLC resonators.
correct matching network is chosen. In order to correctly
match the RLC series circuit that models the impedance III. SIMULATED RESULTS
behavior of the antenna, a parallel capacitor and inductor is The effectiveness of the solution presented is evaluated
used. An accurate mathematical analysis applied using the through a simulation process by means the software IE3D
electrical model of Fig. 1 leads to the values of these based on MoM. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the
reactances that satisfy the condition given in (Fig. 2). proposal, a handset monopole antenna has been designed for
The admittance related to the electrical model associated resonating in the central frequency (1940 MHz) of the
to Fig. 1 is defined as follows: frequency region (1710-2170MHz) that comprises the
(4) 1 communication standards (DCS, PCS, and UMTS). The
Yin ( f ) = YinRLC ( f ) + j 2πfCm + dimensions of the handset monopole antenna are adjusted for
j 2πfLm
satisfying the equation (9). In this sense, the input impedance
Hence, the imaginary and real part of the input admittance
at said central frequency presents the correct value for
is:
achieving and impedance locus centered in the smith chart and
(5) −R Q v 1
Im{Yin ( f )} = 2 a a + ωC m − inscribed inside a circle of VSWR=S.
Ra + ( Ra Qa v) 2
ωLm
 L

Dgap W Q L monopole BW L monopole

Feeding
Point
23 mm
25 30,00
6 mm

25,00
20

20,00
15

BW (%)

90 mm
15,00

Q
10
10,00

LPCB
5,00

40 mm
0 0,00

0
8

0
0,

1,

1,

1,

1,

1,

1,

1,

2,

2,

2,

2,

2,

2,

3,
Frequency (GHz)

Fig. 5 Qa and inherent BW0 calculated from the input impedance of the
handset monopole antenna according to [6]

Once the Qa of the structure is known from (15), the

suitable values of Cm and Lm for achieving the expected BW
enhancement (Fig. 6) can be derived following expressions
WPCB
(10) and (11) and regarding, in this case, S=3.
Fig. 3 Monopole handset antenna and PCB dimensions. The dimensions of
S11
the monopole antenna are L=23mm and W=6mm with a strip width of 2mm 0
and it is located in the shorter edge of a PCB at a distance Dgap=4mm from the 1.84 GHz 2.06 GHz
-6 dB -6 dB
ground plane. The PCB dimensions are LPCB=90mm and WPCB=40mm -2

The handset monopole antenna (Fig. 3) is located in the -4 1.69 GHz 2.33 GHz
shorter edge of a PCB. Both, handset antenna and ground -6 dB -6 dB

-6
plane are etched over a 1mm FR4 piece (εr=4.15, tanδ=0.013). PORT
SUBCKT
ID=S1
NET="Lmonopole_lenght23_width_6"
P=1
Z=50 Ohm

-8 1
DB(|S(8,8)|)
Handset Antenna without MN (Rg=16ohms)
Smith
S11 Swp Max
IND
ID=L1
CAP
ID=C1 DB(|S(2,2)|)
1.0

0
0.8

L=1.572 nH
-10
C=3.76 pF
3GHz Handset Antenna without MN
Matching
6
0.

0
2.

Network DB(|S(9,9)|)
-2 4
(MN) Handset Antenna with MN
0.
0
3.

4.0 -12
-4 1.94 GHz
5.0

0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3

0.2
r 16 Ohm
1.84 GHz 2.06 GHz x 0.311 Ohm
1.94 GHz 10.0
-6 dB -6 dB
-6 r 50 Ohm Frequency (GHz)
10.0

x -0.133 Ohm
0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0
5.0
0

-8 -10 .0
DB(|S(8,8)|)

-10
Handset Antenna without MN (Rg=16ohms)

DB(|S(2,2)|)
-0.2

- 4.
0
-5.0
Fig. 6 Reflection coefficient related to the simulated monopole handset
-12
Handset Antenna without MN
-0
.4
-3
.0
antenna referred to 50Ω; Inherent BW0 (Rg=16Ω) and BWf enhancement
(Lm=1.6nH, Cm=3.8pF) obtained with the addition of the two stages matching
.0
-2

0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3

.6
-0

-0.8

Swp Min
Frequency (GHz)
-1.0

0.8GHz
network
Fig. 4 Input impedance and reflection coefficient related to the simulated The designed matching network allows centering the
monopole handset antenna referred to 50Ω. Input impedance and reflection
coefficient associated to the simulated monopole handset antenna referred to
impedance loop in the center of the Smith chart maximizing
16Ω, which is the impedance at the resonant frequency (1.94 GHz). the BW (Fig. 7).
Smith
The handset monopole antenna features an insufficient Swp Max
1.0
0.8

BW for covering the communication standards located in the 3GHz

6
0.

0
2.

frequency region (DCS, PCS and UMTS) (Fig. 4). 4

0.
2.33 GHz
r 150
3 . Ohm
0

The Qa of the structure (Fig. 5) and its inherent BW0 can x 4.61 Ohm
4.
0

be calculated from its input impedance according to equations 0 .2

5 .0

(15) and (16) derived in [6]. 1.94 GHz

r 17.4 Ohm
10.0
10.0

x 1.76 Ohm
0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0
5.0

1.69 GHz
0

r 150 Ohm
x -3.16 Ohm
2 2
(15) ω ⎡ dR(ω ) ⎤ ⎡ ⎡ dX (ω ) ⎤ X (ω ) ⎤ -10.0

Qa (ω ) = + +
2 R(ω ) ⎢⎣ dω ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ ⎢⎣ dω ⎥⎦ ω ⎥⎦
2
- 0. 0
- 5.
.0
-4

.0
-3
.4
-0

f − f1 S −1
.0

(16) BW0 = 2 =
-2
.6
-0

Swp Min
-0.8

f0 Qa ⋅ S
-1.0

0.8GHz

The well-known equation (16) is valid either for a series- Fig. 7 Smith chart representation of the input impedance related to the
simulated monopole handset antenna referred to 50Ω; Inherent BW0 (Rg=16Ω)
resonant or parallel-resonant RLC circuits. and BWf enhancement (Lm=1.6nH, Cm=3.8pF) obtained with the addition of
the two stages matching network
 The enhancement factor (F) is calculated as the ratio IV. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
between the inherent BW0 (Rg=16Ω) of the structure and the The simulated results are validated through an
potential BWf that can be achieved with the addition of the experimental procedure. In this sense, a prototype is built by
two stages matching network. means of an etching process using FR4 substrate, with the
In this sense, F can be defined as: characteristics previously cited.

(17) − 1 / Qa
F= =
BW f
S3 − S
=
(S 2
)
BW0 S − 1 / Qa ⋅ S S −1
The simulated results are aligned with the analytic results
(Table 1) and a BW enhancement around 2.82 is obtained by
simulation with the addition of a simple two stages matching
network composed by a parallel capacitor (Cm=3.8pF) and a
parallel inductor (Lm=1.6nH).
TABLE 1 SIMULATED RESULTS VS THEORETICAL RESULTS
BW from Qa (Equation (16)) BW with Rg=16Ω (Simulation)
3 −1 2.06 − 1.84
BW = = 10.60% BW = = 11.28%
10.89 ⋅ 3 1.95
BW with MN (Equation (14)) BW with MN (Simulation)
32 − 1 2.33 − 1.69
BW = = 25.97% BW = = 31.84%
10.89 2.01 Fig. 9 a) Handset monopole antenna prototype; b) Anechoic chamber Satimo
F (Theoretical) F (Simulation) Stargate32 located in Fractus Lab where the efficiency of the prototype has
31.84% been measured
S3 − S F= = 2.82
F= = 2.45
S −1 11.28% The characteristic antenna parameters with and without the
NOTE: (MN: Matching network) matching network have been measured in order to evaluate
not only the benefits of the reactive components over the
Finally the radiation efficiency has been computed. The impedance BW but also their effect over the performance of
structure does not present significant losses although it is the monopole handset antenna. A single port network analyzer
etched over a 1mm FR4 piece since the radiation efficiency has been used for measuring the reflection coefficient. At the
remains around 80% for all the frequency range under study. same time, the antenna efficiency has been measured using 3D
In the same way the antenna efficiency is calculated taken into integration pattern with the Satimo StarGate32 chamber
account the two stages matching network shown in Fig. 6. located at Fractus-Lab.
This section demonstrates that the insufficient initial BW0
S11
(Fig. 4), is enhanced in a factor around 2.82 by the addition of 0

a simple resonant matching network with the specifications 1.83 GHz

-6 dB
2.11 GHz
-6 dB
-2
derived from the mathematical analysis developed during the
first stage of this work (II). In this sense, this part states that it -4 1.69 GHz 2.89 GHz
is possible to increase the inherent BW0 of a specific structure -6 dB -6 dB

systematically through the addition of a two stages matching -6

network. -8
DB(|S(1,1)|)
Handset Antenna without MN
DB(|S(2,2)|)
-10 Handset Antenna without MN (Rg=16.7ohms)
Radiation Efficiency Antenna Efficiency
DB(|S(3,3)|)
Handset Antenna with MN
100 100
-12
23 mm
90 90
6 mm 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
80 80
Frequency (GHz)
Radiation Efficiency (%)

Antenna Efficiency (%)

70 70

60 60

50 50 Fig. 10 Reflection coefficient related to the simulated monopole handset

90 mm

40 40
antenna referred to 50Ω; Inherent BW0 (Rg=16.7Ω) and BWf enhancement
30 30
(Lm=3.3nH, Cm=1.3pF) obtained with the addition of the two stages matching
20 20

10 10
network

The experimental results depict a BW enhancement

0 0 40 mm
02 21

17 62

33 03

63 86

93 9

24 52

39 93

54 35

69 76

84 17

9
08 31

3
1, 034

82

06

75
6

5
79
58

75

93

27

44

62

96

13

31

48

65

82

around 3.7 for the prototype under study (Fig. 10) and (Table
1
87

48

78

1,
0,

1,

1,

1,

1,

1,

2,

2,

2,

2,

2,

2,

Frequency (GHz)
2). This value exceeds the theoretical BW enhancement factor
(Table 1). The explanation resides in the nature of the input
Fig. 8 Radiation efficiency (ηr), antenna efficiency (ηa) and current
distribution associated to the monopole handset antenna at f0=1.94GHz. The
impedance curve of the prototyped handset antenna, which
antenna efficiency takes into account the matching losses since it is defined as can be only approximated to an RLC series circuit for a
ηa= ηr(1-|S11|2) limited range of frequencies (Fig. 11).
 TABLE 2 MEASURED RESULTS with respect to the simulated case mainly due to the fact that
BW with Rg=16.7Ω BW with MN F in practice, the dielectric seems to present higher losses than
2.11 − 1.83 2.89 − 1.69 those considered in the simulation. In the same way, the
BW = = 14.21% BW = = 52.40% 3.7 reactive components do not introduce significant losses since
1.97 2.29
the radiation efficiency regarding matching network slightly
Smith
Swp Max
differs from the radiation efficiency obtained when no

1.0
0.8
6
0.
3GHz
matching network is considered.

0
2.
4
0.
0
3.
Antenna Efficiency without MN Radiation Efficiency without MN
1.68
4
GHz
.0 Antenna Efficiency with MN Radiation Efficiency with MN
5.0Ohm
r 150
0.2
1.94 GHz x -25.4 Ohm 100
r 17.9 Ohm
x 0.269 Ohm 10.0
90
80

10.0
0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0
5.0
0

70

Efficiency (%)
-10.0
60
50
2
-0. 0
-5.
40
.0
-4
30
.0
-3
.4 20
-0

10
0 .
-2
.6
-0

Swp Min 0
-0.8

-1.0

0.8GHz

62
66
71
75
79
83
87
91
95
99
04
08
12
16
20
24
28
32
37
41
45
49
53
57
61
65
70
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
2,
Frequency (GHz)
Fig. 11 Smith chart representation of the input impedance related to the
simulated monopole handset antenna referred to 50Ω; original BW0 Fig. 12 Radiation efficiency (ηr) and antenna efficiency (ηa) of the handset
(Rg=16.7Ω) and the BWf enhancement (Lm=3.3nH, Cm=1.3pF) obtained with monopole antenna with and without the addition of the two stages matching
the addition of the two stages matching network network. The antenna efficiency takes into account the matching losses since
it is defined as ηa= ηr(1-|S11|2)
If the equivalent circuit featuring the same Qa and resonant
frequency of the prototyped antenna is regarded (exact Thus, not only the simulation but also the experimental
approximation to an RLC series circuit), the suitable Lm and results reveal that the analytical study presented in this
Cm values as well as F, are perfectly aligned with the communication provides a simple and a systematic method to
theoretical results (Fig. 12). enhance the BW of those antennas that can be modeled as
Smith_equivalent
RLC series circuits.
S11_equivalent
Swp Max
1.0

0
0.8

3GHz
0.6

V. CONCLUSIONS
0

1.64 GHz
2.

2.34 GHz
-2 -6 dB -6 dB 0.
4
0
3.

A systematic method for calculating the component values

1.64
4.
0GHz

-4 r 1485.0
Ohm
0.2 x 28.4 Ohm
1.96 GHz

for a matching network of two stages is presented. The

r 16.7 Ohm 10.0

-6 x -0.115 Ohm
10.0
0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0
5.0

RES IND
2.34 GHz
0

PORT
r 150 Ohm

method is focused on antennas featuring input impedance

P=1 ID=R1 ID=L2
Z=50 Ohm R=16.7 Ohm L=10.8 nH
x -0.387 Ohm
-8
-10.0

comparable to an RLC series circuit. The proposal allows not

CAP
ID=C2 -0.2
-10
.0
C=0.61 pF -5
.0
-4

only simplifying the matching network design process but also

.0
-3
.4
-0
-12
.0

0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3

-2
6

ensuring the best solution. As a result, a BW enhancement of

-0.

Swp Min
-0.8

Frequency (GHz)
-1.0

0.8GHz

at least one half of Fano’s limit is achieved with a simple two

Fig. 12 Equivalent RLC series circuit of the handset monopole antenna
prototyped
stages matching network. As a practical example a monopole
with an inherent BW0 of 14.21% SWR≤3 has been improved
In this sense and as aforementioned, the BW increment to achieve a BWf of 52.4% SWR≤3.
above the theoretical value in the measured case as well as the
difference between the values of Cm and Lm, is just a result of REFERENCES
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and Propagation Magazine, vol. 49, nº 4, August 2007, p. 116-119.
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measured case the Qa value, especially in the frequency region for Increasing the Bandwidth of Microstrip Antennas, IEEE
over the resonant frequency, is lower than the Qa associated to Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. AP-37, nº11, Nov.
the RLC series circuit. The measured BW allows covering not 1989, pp. 1345-1354.
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