Subject: ECE 324: Communications 4 Transmission Media and Antenna System and Design

Activity/Assignment No: 2

Name: REYMART T. MARINDA

Year & Section: BSECE 3A
Instructor: Ms. Angelica Bongcayao

Instructions:

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the types of losses in a Transmission line? Explain each.

 Resistance Losses (I²R Losses): Explanation: Occur due to the inherent resistance of
the transmission line conductors, leading to heat generation.
 Joule Heating Losses: Explanation: Heat is generated in the conductors due to the flow
of current, proportional to the square of the current and resistance.
 Skin Effect Losses: Explanation: More prominent at high frequencies, causing current
concentration near the conductor surface and increased effective resistance.
 Dielectric (Insulation) Losses: Explanation: Insulating material surrounding conductors
experiences resistance, converting electrical energy into heat.
 Radiation Losses: Explanation: Some electromagnetic energy is radiated into space,
especially in open-wire or high-frequency transmission lines.
 Corona Losses: Explanation: Power losses due to corona discharge at high voltages,
leading to ionization of the air surrounding conductors.
 Conductor Inductance and Capacitance Losses: Explanation: Reactive power losses
due to inductive and capacitive effects, contributing to power factor-related inefficiencies.
 Switching and Hysteresis Losses (for AC Lines): Explanation: Losses in transformers
and devices due to changing magnetic fields in AC transmission lines.

2. Why is impedance matching important in transmission lines?

 Impedance matching is a critical aspect of transmission lines, serving multiple key

purposes. By aligning the impedance of the transmission line with that of connected
devices, maximum power transfer is achieved, ensuring that the generated power
efficiently reaches the intended load. Equally important is the role of impedance
matching in minimizing signal reflections; this helps prevent standing waves and
maintains a smooth energy transfer along the transmission line. The reduction of losses
is another significant benefit, as impedance mismatches can lead to reflections and
additional power dissipation. Impedance matching also plays a crucial role in preventing
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) issues, averting power losses, inefficiencies, and
potential damage to equipment. In communication systems, optimal signal integrity is
preserved through impedance matching, minimizing signal distortion and ensuring
 reliable information transfer. The design of matching networks facilitates the transition
between components with differing impedances, contributing to effective interfacing in a
transmission line. Ultimately, impedance matching enhances overall system efficiency,
power quality, and the reliable delivery of electrical energy to the load, minimizing waste
and optimizing performance.

3. What are the impedance matching techniques? Describe each.

Impedance matching techniques are methods employed to ensure that the impedance
of a transmission line or component is appropriately matched to the impedance of
connected devices, such as sources and loads. Here are some common impedance
matching techniques:
 Transformers: Transformers are widely used to match impedances between different
parts of a circuit. By varying the turns ratio, transformers can step up or step down
voltage, effectively transforming impedance levels. This is particularly useful in
applications where the load impedance differs significantly from the source impedance.
 L Matching Network: An L matching network consists of series and parallel reactive
components (inductors and capacitors) arranged in an L-shaped configuration. This
network can be tuned to match the source and load impedances at a specific frequency.
It is commonly used in RF (radio frequency) applications.
 Pi Matching Network:Similar to the L matching network, the Pi matching network uses a
combination of series and parallel reactive components arranged in the shape of the
Greek letter Pi (π). It provides more degrees of freedom for impedance matching and is
suitable for a broader range of frequencies.
 Quarter-Wave Transformer: A quarter-wave transformer is a transmission line segment
whose electrical length is a quarter wavelength at a specific frequency. It is used to
transform impedances, especially in RF and microwave applications. By adjusting the
characteristic impedance of the transmission line, a quarter-wave transformer can match
impedances.
 Stub Matching: Stub matching involves adding short-circuited or open-circuited
transmission line sections (stubs) to the main transmission line. The length and position
of the stubs are adjusted to achieve impedance matching. Stub matching is commonly
used in microwave circuits.
 Smith Chart:The Smith Chart is a graphical tool used to analyze and design impedance
matching networks. Engineers can use the chart to visualize complex impedance and
determine the values of matching components, making it a valuable aid in RF and
microwave engineering.
 Baluns (Balanced-Unbalanced Transformers):Baluns are devices that convert between
balanced and unbalanced transmission lines. They are often used to match the
impedance between balanced and unbalanced systems, such as connecting a balanced
antenna to an unbalanced transmission line.
 Tapered Transmission Lines:Tapered transmission lines have varying characteristic
impedances along their length. This variation helps in gradually transitioning between
different impedances, reducing reflections and achieving impedance matching. Tapered
lines are used in microwave and high-frequency applications.
  Matching Networks in RFICs (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits): Integrated circuits
designed for RF applications often include matching networks on-chip. These networks
use on-chip components like inductors and capacitors to achieve impedance matching
and optimize the performance of the circuit at specific frequencies.

Problem Solving:

1. A 52 Ω coaxial cable has a 36 Ω antenna load. What is the SWR?

2. The maximum voltage along a transmission line is 170 V, and the minimum voltage is
80 V. Calculate the SWR and the reflection coefficient.
3. What would be the SWR of a transmission line if power is being delivered to a 100-Ω load by
a line with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω?

Note: Late submission (less 5 points)