SMITH CHART

THE SMITH CHART

 THE SMITH CHART
❑ Devised in 1944 by
Phillip H. Smith, Bell Labs,
U.S.A.

❑ A graphical aid for

transmission line
calculations.
Phillip Smith: 1905-1987
❑ Used nowadays for
designing “matching”
circuits and displaying RF
data.
  ( l ) = e −2  l Z L − ZO
=
Z L + ZO
−2  l
1 + e 1+ 
Z (l ) = ZO −2  l
Z L = ZO
1− 
1 − e
l
ZL
Transmission line Load
Generator

The Smith Chart basically enables you to

convert between Г and Z graphically, either at
the load or at an arbitrary point down the line.
Simplified Smith Chart 1

In this simplified 0.5 2

version of the
Smith Chart 3

most of the 0.2

5
grid of lines
has been 10

removed. 0
0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10

-10
For clarity, in
these lectures -5
-0.2
this version
will be used to -3

illustrate the -2
properties of the -0.5

Smith Chart. -1
 SMITH CHART BASICS
➢ Г is a complex quantity: Г = | Г |e j
➢ For all ZL, | Г |  1 Circle of UNIT RADIUS
-1800    1800 in complex number plane
+jxL
rL+jxL

|Г|  (1,0)
0
rL

-jxL
Complex Impedance Plane Complex Reflection Coefficient Plane
 Z L − ZO 1+ 
= Z L = ZO
Z L + ZO 1− 
Г ZL
To avoid having to use a different Smith Chart for ever
value of Zo, the normalised impedance, z , is used:
z = ZL/ Zo
The normalised impedance z can then be
“denormalised” to obtain the load impedance ZL by
multiplying by Zo:
ZL = z.Zo
In terms of its real and imaginary components, the
normalised impedance can be written as:

z = r + jx
REFLECTION COEFFICIENT AND
LOAD IMPEDANCE
• The reflection coefficient at the load can
be written as
zL − 1
= =|  | e j , zL =Z L / Z 0
zL + 1
1 +  1+ |  | e j
zL = =
1 −  1− |  | e j
• Let Г = Гr + j Гi and zL = rL + jxL. Then

(1 +  r ) + ji
rL + jxL =
(1 −  r ) − ji
REFLECTION COEFFICIENT AND
LOAD IMPEDANCE contd..
• On simplification we get
1 +  2r −  i2
rL =
(1 −  r ) 2 +  i2
2 i
xL =
(1 −  r ) 2 +  i2
Re arranging above equation gives
2 2
 rL   1 
 −
 r 1+ r  +  2
=  
+
i
 L   1 rL 
2 2
 1   1 
( r −1) +  i − = 
2
 
 x L   L 
x
 MAPPING BETWEEN IMPEDANCE PLANE
AND THE SMITH CHART
r is the normalised resistance axis
x is the normalised reactance axis
Lines of constant normalised resistance
Lines of constant normalised reactance
r=0 1
x = X/Zo

0.5 2

0.4 3

0.2 5
0.2
10
x=0 r = R/Zo x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
0
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0
r
-10

-0.2
-0.2 -5

-0.4 -3

-2
-0.5

-1

Complex Impedance Plane Smith Chart

 1

0.5 2

reactance, x
normalised

0.2
5

10
x

0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
0
rnormalised resistance, r
-10

-5
-0.2

-3

-2
-0.5

-1
 Step 1: Plot Г
Example (page 2):

Measurements
0.707 45º
on a transmission
line with 0.707
Zo = 50Ω
given: 45º
1 0º
|Г| = 0.707
and  = 45º.
Find ZL

Unit Circle in
Reflection
Coefficient Plane
 Step 2: Superimpose Smith Chart grid
1
Example (page 2):
0.5 2

Measurements 3
0.707 45º
on a transmission
line with 0.2
0.707
5

Zo = 50Ω
10
give:
x

45º
0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0º
|Г| = 0.707 0
r
and  = 45º. -10

Find ZL
-5
-0.2

-3
Unit Circle in
Reflection -0.5
-2

Coefficient Plane
 Step 3: Read off normalised values for r and x
1
Example (page 2):
0.5
r = 1, x = 2
2

Measurements 3
0.707 45º
on a transmission
line with 0.2
0.707
5

Zo = 50Ω
10
given:
x

45º
0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0º
|Г| = 0.707 0
r
and  = 45º. -10

Find ZL
-5
-0.2

-3
Unit Circle in
Reflection -0.5
-2

Coefficient Plane
 Step 4: Calculate R and X by “denormalizing”:
1
Z
Example (page= Z
L 2):o (r + jx) = 50 + j100Ω
0.5 2 r=1, x=2
Measurements 3
0.707 45º
on a transmission
line with 0.2
0.707
5

Zo = 50Ω
10
given:
x

45º
0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0º
|Г| = 0.707 0
r
and  = 45º. -10

Find ZL
-5
-0.2

-3
Unit Circle in
Reflection -0.5
-2

Coefficient Plane
 KEY POINTS ON THE SMITH CHART
Open Circuit (ZL = ∞, zL = ZL/Zo = ∞)
Z L − ZO
= = 1   = 1, = 0
Z L + ZO z = r + jx = ∞
1

0.5 2

= 1 0º = 1 0º
3

0.2 5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0º 0
r
-10

-0.2 -5

-3

-2
-0.5

-1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

Short Circuit (ZL = 0, zL = 0)
Z L − ZO
= = −1   = 1, = 180
Z L + ZO
1

0.5 2

0.2 5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0 0
r
-10

-0.2 -5

-3

= 1 180º -0.5
-2

= 1 180º
z = r + jx = 0 + j0 -1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

Matched Load (ZL = Zo, zL = 1)
Z L − ZO
= =0  =0
Z L + ZO 1

0.5 2

0.2 5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0 0
r
-10

-0.2 -5

-3

=0 -0.5
-2

Г =0
z = r + jx = 1 + j0 -1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

Resistive Load (ZL = R + j0 , zL = r)
R − ZO R and Zo (for a lossless line) are REAL,
= therefore Г is real.
R + ZO
R > Zo Г +ve,  = 0º
R < Zo Г -ve,  = 180º 1

0.5 2

0.2 5

10
R < Zo R = Zo R > Zo x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
R=0 1 0 0
r
-10
R=1
-0.2 -5

-3

-2
-0.5

-1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

Purely Reactive Load (ZL = 0 + jX , zL = 0 + jx)
jX − Z O j (1 − 2 )
= = 1. e
jX + Z O
1

0.5 2

z = jx (inductive) 0.2 5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
z = j0 1 0 0
r
-10
z = j0
-0.2 -5

-3

z = jx (capacitive)
-2
-0.5

-1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

General Case (ZL = R + jX)
Z L − ZO j
= = ||e
Z L + ZO
1

0.5 2

0.2 5
|Г|

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0 0
r
-10

-0.2 -5

-3

-2
-0.5

-1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

 Pure Reactance 1

Pure
0.5 2
Resistance
3

0.2
5

Matched Load
10

x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
0
r
-10
Short Open
Circuit -0.2
-5 Circuit

-3

-2
-0.5

-1
 RATIO OF Vo-/Vo+ AT AN ARBITRARY DISTANCE l
FROM THE LOAD ZL

Zo
ZL

z = -l z=0
If the line is lossless l = jbl , hence:

Г-l = Гe-2  l = Гe-j 2b l = |Г |ej e-j 2b l = |Г |ej( - 2b l)

i.e. the magnitude of the reflection coefficient at

z = -l is the same as at z = 0 but its phase changes
from  to  − 2b l . An additional phase change of
-2b l has been added by the introduction of the
length of line, l .
 l
ZL
Transmission line Load
Generator 1

0.5 2

Г of ZL only 0.2
z = r+jx
5

|Г|

10
x
2βl 1 0 0 0.2 0.5 1
2βl
2 3 5 10
0
r
-10

-5
Г of ZL plus -0.2
z of load and line
line of length l of length l -3

-2

Point rotates clockwise by 2βl radians (2x360 l/λ degrees)

-0.5

-1

at a constant radius
Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart
 l
“Clockwise towards generator” ZL
Transmission line Load
Generator 1

0.5 2

Г of ZL only 0.2
z = r+jx
5

|Г|

10
x
2βl 1 0 0 0.2 0.5 1
2βl
2 3 5 10
0
r
-10

-5
Г of ZL plus -0.2
z of load and line
line of length l of length l -3

-2
-0.5

-1

Point rotates clockwise by 2βl radians (2x360 l/λ degrees)

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart
Tutorial C, Question 2
Solution by Smith
Chart
To find Zin:
4.1. Read
zL == Z2x2l/λ
/Zo
zL(l) zL
3. 2bl
= (100+j50)/75
from
= 2x2fl/v chart:
72º
z==(l)1.26
1.33+j0.67
= 1.75-j0.45
radians
=2.72º
Plot zL on z(l)
5. Denormalise to find Zin:
ZSmith Chart
in = Zo x z(l)
=Z75(1.75-j0.45)
o = 75 Ω
= 131-j34 Ω
ZL = 100 + j50 Ω
(cf. 126-j36 Ω by exact
l =calculation)
2.2 m, f = 100 MHz
v = 2 x 108 ms-1
The Smith Chart & General Transmission Lines
Г(l) = Г (0)e-2  l = Г(0) e-2αle-j2bl  =  + jb
 - propagation constant
= |Г(0) |ej e-2αl e-j2bl  - attenuation constant
b - phase constant
= |Г(0)|e-2αlej(-2bl)
1

0.5 2

Г(0) z = r+jx 3

0.2 5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0 0
r
Г(l) -10

z of load and line

of length l
-0.2 -5

-3

-2
-0.5

-1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

The Smith Chart and Variation of Frequency
Г(l) = Г(0)e-j2bl for a lossless line
rotation angle is -2bl = -2.(2/λ).l = -2.(2.f/v).l
= -4fl/v or constant x f 1

0.5 2
Гdc zdc 3

Гf1 0.2
zf1
5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0
Гf2 0
r zf2
-10

-0.2 -5

Гf3
zf3 -3

-2
-0.5

-1
frequency f3 > f2 > f1
Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart
 THE SMITH CHART AND VSWR
− j 2 bl
1 + e
Z (l ) = Zo − j 2for
b l a lossless line
1 − e
Dividing by Zo to get the normalised impedance:
− j 2 bl j − j 2 bl
1 + e 1+ |  | e e
z( l ) = − j 2 bl
= j − j 2 b l
Г0 = |Г|ej
1 − e 1− |  | e e
j
1+ |  | e where
= j  =  - 2bl
1− |  | e
But  - 2bl is the phase difference between V0+ and V0-
Total voltage and impedance are a maximum when
 =  - 2bl = 0 or integer x 2o

Voltage amplitude |V| l /4

V max

V min
Current amplitude | I | l /4 z=0 z
I max

I min
Impedance
amplitude | Z| l /4 z=0 z
|Z|=|V| / | I | Z max

Z min
z=0 z
So, if  =  - 2βl = 0 then the impedance of the load and line
at that point (and hence the normalised impedance) will be
a maximum:
− j 2 bl j − j 2 bl
1 + e 1+ |  | e e
z( l ) = − j 2 bl
= j − j 2 b l
1 − e 1− |  | e e
j
1+ |  | e
= j
1− |  | e
1+ |  |
 zmax = i.e. z(l ) for  (=  − 2b l ) = 0
1− |  |
1+ |  |
But VSWR = hence VSWR = z(l ) | =0
1− |  |
Imaginary 1+ |  |
Г(o)
zmax = i.e. z(l ) for  = 0
|Г| Г(l) 1− |  |
2bl
1+ |  |
  =  - 2bl But VSWR =
Real 1− |  |
1

0.5

|Г| circle
2

Г(o) zL 3
VSWR
0.2
≡ zmax 5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
1 0 0
r
Г= |Г|ej0
-10

-0.2 -5

-3

-2
-0.5

-1

Reflection Coefficient Plane Smith Chart

 ADMITTANCE USING A SMITH CHART
So far we have used the Smith Chart to convert
between Z and or vice-versa. However, a given load
has a unique value of Г irrespective of whether the
load is expressed as an admittance or an
impedance. def
Y = 1/Z
Z L − Zo
= Minus sign means that the
Z L + Zo ADMITTANCE SMITH CHART
1 1 has the same form as the
but YL = , Yo = impedance Smith Chart
ZL Zo but is rotated by 180º.
1 1
−
YL Yo Yo − YL YL − Yo
= = =−
1 1 Yo + YL YL + Yo
+
YL Yo
 1/ZL = YL = G + jB ZL = R + jX
yL = YL/Yo = g + jb zL = r + jx
-1 1

-2 -0.5 0.5 2

-3 3

-0.2 0.2
-5 5

-10 10
10 5 3 2 1 0.5 0.2 0 x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
00
g r
10 b -10

5 -5
0.2 -0.2

3 -3

2 0.5 -0.5 -2

1 -1

ADMITTANCE SMITH CHART IMPEDANCE SMITH CHART

g – normalised conductance
b – normalised susceptance
ZL = R + jX (inductor or capacitor in series with R)
YL = G + jB (inductor or capacitor in parallel with R)
R G=1/R’ jB = 1/jX’

ZL: jX YL: R’ jX’

YL = 1/ZL = 1/R’ + 1/jX’

Note that ZL and YL correspond to the same load

and so have the same reflection coefficient.
 REFLECTION
COEFFICIENT
CIRCLE
ADMITTANCE |Г| IMPEDANCE

SMITH CHART SMITH CHART
1/ZL = YL = G + jB ZL = R + jX
yL = YL/Yo = g + jb zL = r + jx
-1 1

-2 -0.5 0.5 2

-3 3

-5 -0.2 0.2 5

-10 10
10 5 3 2 1 0.5 0.2 0 x0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
0 0
gb r
10 -10

5 0.2 -0.2 -5

3 -3

2 0.5 -0.5 -2

1 -1
 ADMITTANCE
IMPEDANCE
SMITH CHART
1

0.5 2

0.2
5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
0
r g b
-10

-5
-0.2

-3

-0.5 -2

-1
 R
IMPEDANCE
SMITH CHART
1 ZL = R + jX
0.5 2
zL = r + jx jX
3

0.2
5

10
x 0 0.2 0.5 1 2 3 5 10
0
r
-10

YL = G + jB -0.2
-5

yL = g + jb -3

-0.5 -2

-1
G jB

G=1/R’ ; jB = 1/jX’
 Summary

• Using Smith chart we can find

• Reflection coefficient
• Impedance
• SWR
• Location of voltage maximum and voltage
minimum on the transmission line
• Admittance
 Normalized
load impedance

zL
zL = ZL/ Zo
Standing wave ratio

zL

1/SWR
SWR

SWR
To convert from zL to yL
1) Rotate around
constant  by
/4 (180°)
OR
zL
2) Draw a line from
zL through origin
until it intersects
constant 

yL

/4
 Finding YL
ZL = 100+j50 
Zo = 50  , find YL
1) Find zL
zL = 2+j1 zL
2) Draw  circle
3) Draw line through
origin
4) Find intersection
with  circle yL
5) yL = 0.4-j0.2

6) Renormalize yL
/4
YL = yL/Z0
= (0.4-j0.2)/50
Reflection coefficient

zL
Return loss

zL

1/SWR SWR

SWR RL
Finding Zin
A lossless transmission line of length 0.2λ and
characteristics impedance 50Ω is terminated in an
impedance (100+j100)Ω.find input impedance (Zin)
Finding Zin
0.21λ

zL
TWG

Zin

0.21+0.2=0.41 λ

From www.ece.utah.edu/~cfurse
Finding Vmax and Vmin

A 50Ω transmission line is connected to a load impedance

ZL= (100+j100) Ω. Find the location of voltage maximum
and voltage minimum on the line
 VSWR

Voltage minimum appears at 0.29λ

from the load

Voltage maximum appears at 0.04λ

from the load
From www.ece.utah.edu/~cfurse 10
 Normalized
load impedance

zL
zL = ZL/ Zo
Standing wave ratio

zL

1/SWR
SWR

SWR
To convert from zL to yL
1) Rotate around
constant  by
/4 (180°)
OR
zL
2) Draw a line from
zL through origin
until it intersects
constant 

yL

/4
 Finding YL
ZL = 100+j50 
Zo = 50  , find YL
1) Find zL
zL = 2+j1 zL
2) Draw  circle
3) Draw line through
origin
4) Find intersection
with  circle yL
5) yL = 0.4-j0.2

6) Renormalize yL
/4
YL = yL/Z0
= (0.4-j0.2)/50
Reflection coefficient

zL
Return loss

zL

1/SWR SWR

SWR RL
Finding Zin
A lossless transmission line of length 0.2λ and
characteristics impedance 50Ω is terminated in an
impedance (100+j100)Ω.find input impedance (Zin)
Finding Zin
0.21λ

zL
TWG

Zin

0.21+0.2=0.41 λ

From www.ece.utah.edu/~cfurse
Finding Vmax and Vmin

A 50Ω transmission line is connected to a load impedance

ZL= (100+j100) Ω. Find the location of voltage maximum
and voltage minimum on the line
 VSWR

Voltage minimum appears at 0.29λ

from the load

Voltage maximum appears at 0.04λ

from the load
From www.ece.utah.edu/~cfurse 10
 SINGLE STUB SHUNT TUNING
• Example
For a load impedance zL=60-j80Ω,design
two single-stub (short circuit) shunt tuning
networks to match this load to a 50Ω line.
 d1 l2

j1.47
y1 d2
yL

Poc Psc

zL

y2

-j1.47
l1

Microwave Engineering, 3rd Edition by David M. Pozar

copyright © 2004 John Wiley & sons
 Single-stub series tuning
Match a load impedance of ZL=100+j80Ω to a
50Ω line using a single series open-circuit stub.
Smith chart for the
series-stub tuners.

Microwave Engineering, 3rd Edition by David M. Pozar

copyright © 2004 John Wiley & sons
The standing wave ratio
is read off of the chart
by noting the r value
where a constant 
circle intersects the
r axis
1) SWR = Zmax/Z0
= zmax
= rmax
2) SWR = Z0/Zmin
= 1/zmin
= 1/rmin 1/SWR SWR
 b values

g values
POC PSC

-b values
 WTG = .14
To convert from zR to
yR we can either:

1) Rotate around
constant  by
/4 (180°) /4
zR
2) Draw a line from
zR through origin
until it intersects
constant 

yR

WTG = .39
We can transform zR into
yR by rotating zR half way
around a constant  circle

Given ZR = 95+j20 on
a 50  line, find YR

1) Find zR
zR = 1.9+j0.4
2) Draw  circle
3) Draw line through
origin
4) Find intersection
with  circle
5) Read off yR
yR = 0.5-j0.1
6) Renormalize yR
YR = yR/Z0
= 10-j2 mS
Ycalc = 10.1-j2.12 mS
A 50- T-L is terminated WTG = .109
in an impedance of WTG = .168
ZR = 35 - j47.5. Find the
position and length of the
short-circuited stub to
match it. yR
1) Normalize ZL
zR = 0.7 – j0.95 yA
2) Find zR on S.C.
3) Draw  circle
4) Convert to yR
5) Find g=1 circle
6) Find intersection
of  circle and
g=1 circle (yA)
7) Find distance
traveled (WTG) zR
to get to this
admittance
8) This is dSTUB
dSTUB = (.168-.109)
dSTUB = .059
A 50- T-L is terminated
in an impedance of
bA = 1.2
ZL = 35 - j47.5. Find the
position and length of the
short-circuited stub to
match it.
9) Find bA
10)Locate PSC yA
11)Set bSTUB = bA
and find WTG = 0.25
ySTUB = -jbSTUB
12)Find distance PSC
traveled (WTG)
to get from PSC
to bSTUB
13)This is LSTUB
LSTUB = (0.361-0.25)
LSTUB = .111
Our solution is to place a
short-circuited stub of ySTUB = -1.2
length .111 a distance of WTG = 0.361
.059 from the load.
There is a second WTG = .109
solution where the 
circle and g=1 circle
intersect. This is also a
solution to the problem,
but requires a longer yL
dSTUB and LSTUB so is
less desireable, unless
yA1
practical constraints
require it.
dSTUB = (.332-.109)
dSTUB = .223
LSTUB = (.25+.139) 
LSTUB = .389 
yA2

zL

WTG = .332
Working in admittances,
adding susceptance in
parallel is moving along
a constant g circle.
yA=0.2+j0.9
Adding conductance in
parallel is moving along
a constant b circle
Note that in doing
this, we are change
the  of the
transmission line on
the generator side of
the junction.
yB=1.2-j0.3

y2=0.2-j0.3
To solve a double-stub
tuner problem:
1) Find the g=1 circle.
All possible solutions for
yB must fall on this circle
2) Rotate the g=1
circle a distance dB
towards the load.
These are the values
at the input to the A yIN,A

b = bstub,A
junction that will
transform to the g=1
circle at junction B
3) Find yA on chart
4) Rotate along the
constant g circle to
yA
find the intersection
with the rotated g=1
circle. The change
in b to do this is the
susceptance at the
input to the stub at
junction A
5) To find the admittance
at junction B (yB), rotate
yIN,A towards the
generator by dB. If
bSA bB = -bSB
we’ve drawn everything
right, this will intersect
the g=1 circle.
6) Read off the value yB
for bB. This is –bSB
for the stub at yIN,A
junction B
7) Calculate the
length of the B stub
by rotating towards
the load from bSB to
the appropriate stub
termination (PSC or
POC)
8) Calculate the bSB
length of the A stub
in the same way
starting from bSA
Similar to the single-
stub network, there are
multiple lengths for the
stubs that will work. yIN,A,2
There is a range of
yA that cannot be
matched
Irregardless of the
short/open stub
properties, we will yIN,A
never intersect the yA
rotated g=1 circle.

yA
 Double-Stub Example
• Use a Smith Chart to create a double-stub
matching network:
– Z0 = 50  on all lines
– ZR = 30 - j40 
– dA = 0 m (at the load
– dB = 0.375 
• Find LA and LB assuming all stubs are short
circuits.
To solve a double-stub
tuner problem:
1) Find the g=1 circle.
All possible solutions for
yB must fall on this circle

b = bstub,A= -0.89
2) Rotate the g=1
circle a distance yA
dB = 0.375 towards
the load.
3) Find yA on chart.
In this case yA = yR
since the first stub is
at the load. yIN,A
yA = 0.6+j0.8
4) Rotate ya along the
constant g circle to
find the intersection
with the rotated g=1
circle. The change in
b (-0.89) to do this is
the susceptance at
the input to the stub at
junction A
5) To find the admittance
at junction B (yB), rotate
yIN,A towards the
generator by dB. If bSB
we’ve drawn everything
right, this will intersect
the g=1 circle.
7) Read off the value
for bB = 0.53. This is
–bSB for the stub at
junction B
8) Calculate the
length of the B stub
yIN,A
by rotating towards
the load from bSB to
yB
the appropriate stub
termination PSC.
Find LB = 0.328
9) Calculate the
length of the A stub bB = -bSB
in the same way
starting from bSA to bSA
find LA = 0.136