Smith Chart basics

Resistance values are plotted on the horizontal axis on a non-linear scale

Zero ohms is on the far left. Infinite R ohms is plotted on the far right.
Usually 50 ohms is plotted at dead-center (Bull’s Eye)
Reactance Values (X) in ohms are plotted above (inductive)
and below (capacitive) the RESISTANCE axis
Every antenna has a R value (horizontal axis and an X value
Remember: the ideal location is the 50-ohm Bull’s Eye
where R = 50 and X = 0
This antenna at 10 + j25 ohms would be a difficult match to
a feed line of 50 ohm coax
The quality of the “match” is indicated
by how far the antenna impedance is
from the
50-ohm Bull’s Eye
 You want your antenna Z
to be in the Bull’s Eye for the best match
 Smith Chart (think DART BOARD)
reflection coefficient ρ = 0 and SWR = 1
Bull’s Eye = perfect match to 50 ohms with zero reflected power
 If 20% of incident voltage is reflected
ρ = 0.20 and SWR = 1.5 (darn good)
 If 33% of incident voltage is reflected
ρ = 0.33 and all locations on circle have an SWR = 2
This is usually quite acceptable
 If 50% of incident voltage is reflected
ρ = 0.50 and SWR = 3
result ==> 25% radio’s forward power is “reflected” and
RIG is UNHAPPY (power folds back)
 If 60% of forward voltage is reflected SWR = 4
Some rigs will not even transmit at this mismatch
If 90% forward voltage is reflected ρ = 0.9 ==> SWR 20
This is definitely not good
Infinite high SWR with ρ = 1 and 100% voltage is reflected?
Are you ready for a
short QUIZ ?
Where is this antenna resonant? (A,B,C,D,E ?)
Answer: At B and D
(where the reactance value is zero)
Where is the SWR lowest? (A,B,C,D,E)
Answer: At C
Where the value is closest to 50 ohm
(the Bull’s Eye = 50 ohms R, X=0)
Where is the lowest SWR? A,B,C,D ?
The SWR is the same value at A,B,C,D
since they are all equal distance from the
50-ohm Bull’s Eye

A,B,C,D all have a different impedance

but they are all an equally bad match to
the 50 ohm feed line (Bull’s Eye).
Where is the resistance least? ___ greatest ___
Where is the reactance least? ___ greatest ___
Resistance is lowest at A and D
Resistance is greatest at B and C

Reactance is lowest at A and D

Reactance is greatest at B and C
What does the impedance (R and X) look like
when operating “off resonance”?
Which changes faster off resonance: R or X ?
The RESISTANCE is still close to 40-60 ohms
when you move off the resonant frequency

but the REACTANCE changes quickly as you

move farther from the resonant (zero reactance)
frequency

The SWR climbs due to REACTANCE changes

 Resistance R (horizontal axis) and
Reactance X (vertical axis)
typical 80m dipole close to ground
R = 40 ohms at resonance 3.65 MHz
where reactance X = 0 ohms
 My 80m dipole on a Smith Chart
measured from inside my shack
Where is it “resonant”? (1,2,3,4,5,6)
Where is the SWR lowest? (1,2,3,4,5,6)
The Smith Chart shows two resonant
frequencies (where the reactance is zero)
at the shack end of my 50 ohm feed line:

At position 2 = 3600 kHz

At position 3 = 3700 kHz
 SWR
The SWR is lowest at position 2 (3600 kHz) since
at that frequency the value is closer to the
Bull’s-Eye 50 ohm match

Position 3 (3700 kHz) may have a Resistance

value of 200 ohms, and zero reactance (as
measured in my shack) BUT
a poor match to 50 ohm coax
Antenna Tuner Problem – as seen on a Smith Chart
How does an antenna tuner in my shack “move” a measured
antenna impedance of (10 + j25) ohms
to the perfect match (50 + j0) ohms ==> for an SWR = 1