Smith chart

• This document was created to help you easily understand the Smith Chart.
• Experienced engineers understand this, but students or beginners find it difficult to understand.
• They usually memorize this. But memorizing it doesn’t last long. So made it

Smith Chart _ Series & Shunt (Capacitor) Smith Chart _ Series & Shunt (Inductor)
CV: 5e-12 LV: 1.02e-06
Z1 S[1,1]: 0 S[1,1]: 0
Z = 50 Z1
Z = 50

S[1,1]

S[1,1]
P1 R6 P1 R6
Num=1 R=50Ω Num=1 R=50Ω
Z=50 Ω Z=50 Ω
P=0 dBm P=0 dBm
freq=13MHz freq=13MHz

CV CV: 5.81e-10 LV
S[2,2]: 0.0425-j0.202 LV: 1.12e-06
Z = 50-j21.1 S[2,2]: 0.456+j0.498
Z2 Z = 50+j91.5
Z2
S[2,2]

S[2,2]
P2 R2 P2
CV: 5e-12 L1 R2
Num=2 C1 R=50Ω Num=2 LV: 4.25e-06
S[2,2]: 0.998-j0.0408 L=LV R=50Ω
Z=50 Ω C=CV Z=50 Ω S[2,2]: 0.923+j0.266
P=0 dBm Z = 50-j2.45e+03 P=0 dBm Z = 50+j347
freq=13MHz freq=13MHz
LV: 2.12e-07
CV: 3.19e-10 S[2,2]: 0.0291+j0.168
CV S[2,2]: 0.128-j0.334 LV Z = 50+j17.3
Z = 50-j38.4
Z3 Z3

P3 P3 LV: 2.12e-07
R4 L2 R4
Num=3 Num=3 S[3,3]: -0.676+j0.468
R=50Ω L=LV R=50Ω
Z=50 Ω C2 Z = 5.35+j15.5
S[3,3]

Z=50 Ω

S[3,3]
P=0 dBm C=CV P=0 dBm
freq=13MHz freq=13MHz
LV: 1.12e-06
S[3,3]: -0.0695+j0.254
CV: 5e-12 Z = 38.5+j21
S[3,3]: -0.000104-j0.0102
Z = 50-j1.02 LV: 4.25e-06
CV LV S[3,3]: -0.00516+j0.0717
s-parameter parameter s-parameter parameter Z = 49+j7.06
simulation sweep CV: 3.19e-10 simulation sweep
S[3,3]: -0.298-j0.457
SP1 SW1 Z = 18.5-j24.1 SP1 SW1
CV: 5.81e-10
Type=list Sim=SP1 Type=list Sim=SP1
S[3,3]: -0.585-j0.493
Points=13 MHz Param=CV Points=13 MHz Param=LV
Z = 7.54-j17.9
Type=lin Type=lin
Start=5 pF Start=10 nH
Stop=1000 pF Stop=10 uH
Points=20 Points=100

When the value of the capacitor or inductor changes, it moves in the open or short direction.
Why ?.
And how do you understand this?
by jjkim 2023.08.31

© 2023 jjkim 1
Smith chart

Open, Short & 50Ω

• Question.!

• What does Open, Short mean?

• To understand the Smith Chart, the first step is to understand the physical meaning of this word.
• Smith chart expresses impedance matching, reflection coefficient, and complex impedance.

• Here, the reflection coefficient includes power, and power (RF, AC) can be expressed by the well-known formula P= VI cosθ.
• Therefore, we can notice that Open, Short and VI cosθ are correlated with each other.
• Now let's use Qucsstudio to find out how open, short, 50 Ω and voltage, current, and phase are related.

Used Smith V4.1

https://www.fritz.dellsperger.net/smith.html
© 2023 jjkim 2
Smith chart

Open - direction
• In electronics, Open has the following meanings:
• This is the state in which the current flows at the minimum or the voltage is measured at the maximum.
• In the picture below, Z2 (impedance) = (CV, LV) + R2(50Ω).
• However, what happens to the impedance if the CV and LV impedances are of the following three types?
Z2(Impedance)
1. CV, LV >> R2 ---- ∞
2. CV, LV = R2 ----- 2(R2)
3. CV, LV << R2 ---- R2

• Summary _ Z2(Impedance)

• If the CV and LV impedances become much larger than

R2, the value of R2 becomes meaningless.

• In other words, the change in size of L and C

connected in series goes from R2 to Open.

© 2023 jjkim 3
Smith chart

Short - direction
• In electronics, Short has the following meanings:
• This is the state in which the current flows at its maximum or the voltage is measured at its minimum.
• In the picture below, Z3 (impedance) = (CV, LV) × R4(50Ω) / (CV, LV) + R2(50Ω).
• However, what happens to the impedance if the CV and LV impedances are of the following three types?
Z3(Impedance)
1. CV, LV >> R4 ---- R4
2. CV, LV = R4 ------ ½(R4)
3. CV, LV << R4 ---- 𝟎(Zero)

• Summary _ Z3(Impedance)

• When the CV and LV impedances become much smaller than

R4, the value of R4 becomes meaningless.

• In other words, the change in size of L and C

connected in parallel goes from R4 to Short.

© 2023 jjkim 4
Smith chart

AC, Time domain Analysis - Open, Short

• Definition of open, short
• Purpose • Open = maximum voltage or minimum current
• Short = minimum voltage or maximum current

• Use AC analysis to understand the physics.

• Intuitive results you can see with your eyes help you understand the principles.

• First, check the voltage in the time domain.

• This creates the effect of experimenting with an oscilloscope.

• And check the phases of voltage and current.

• Phase means +j and -j on the Smith chart, and you can understand the inductance and capacitance areas.

• There are some references at the end.

© 2023 jjkim 5
Smith chart

AC Simulation – Capacitor (Voltage)

• Capacitor : Load + Series
Input Voltage
As capacity decrease, the voltage is measured up to max. 50Ω Open
10

VIN.dVt
0

• Capacitor : Load + Parelle -5

As the capacity increase, the voltage is -10

time: 18.2ns
CV: 1e-12
time: 97ns
CV: 1e-07
0 5e-8 1e-7 1.5e-7 2e-7 2.5e-7 3e-7 Zs.Vt: 9.96 Zs.Vt: 5

measured up to 0V. time

10

VIN
5

Zs.Vt
R1 Zs 0
R=50 Ω

R2 -5
C1 R=50Ω
C=CV
-10

0 5e-8 1e-7 1.5e-7 2e-7 2.5e-7 3e-7

time

• Result R3 time: 18.2ns time: 112ns

R=50 Ω CV: 1e-12 CV: 1e-07

• Impedance Zs is made open according to V1 R4

Zp.Vt: 4.98 Zp.Vt: 0.047

U=10 V R=50Ω
freq=13 MHz Zp C2 5
the value of the series capacitor. C=CV

Zp.Vt
0

• Impedance Zp is made short according to parameter

sweep
transient
simulation 50Ω Short
the value of the parallel capacitor. Capacitor SW1
Sim=TR1
TR1
Stop=0.3 us -5

Sweep Param=CV
Type=lin
Start=1 pF
Points=100
0 5e-8 1e-7 1.5e-7
time
2e-7 2.5e-7 3e-7

Stop=100 nF
Points=1001

© 2023 jjkim 6
Smith chart

AC Simulation – Inductor (Voltage)

 Inductor : Load + Series
As capacity increases, the voltage is measured up to max. Input Voltage
10

5
50Ω Open

VIN.dVt
 Inductor : Load + Parelle 0

-5 time: 93.5ns time: 172ns

As the capacity decrease, the voltage is LV: 1e-08
Zs.Vt: 4.89
LV: 1e-05
Zs.Vt: 9.83
-10

measured up to 0V. 0 5e-8 1e-7 1.5e-7

time
2e-7 2.5e-7 3e-7

10

VIN
5

Zs.Vt
R1 Zs 0
R=50 Ω

L1 R2 -5
L=LV R=50Ω

-10

0 5e-8 1e-7 1.5e-7 2e-7 2.5e-7 3e-7

time

• Result R3
R=50 Ω
time: 78.4ns time: 172ns
LV: 1e-08 LV: 1e-05
Zp.Vt: 0.163 Zp.Vt: 4.89
• Impedance Zs is made open according to V1
U=10 V
L2
L=LV
R4
R=50Ω
freq=13 MHz Zp 5

the value of the series inductor.

Zp.Vt
0

parameter transient
sweep simulation
SW1 TR1
• Impedance Zp is made short according to Sim=TR1 Stop=0.3 us
50Ω Short
-5
Param=LV Points=200
Type=lin 0 5e-8 1e-7 1.5e-7 2e-7 2.5e-7 3e-7
the value of the parallel inductor. Start=10 nH
Stop=10 uH Inductor
time

Points=200
. Sweep
© 2023 jjkim 7
Smith chart

AC Simulation – Capacitor (Phase)

20
0.1
• Add a current probe to calculate phase. CV: 5e-10
VIN.dv: 10
CV: 1.2e-09
VIN.dv: 10
15 0.095
• Place the marker at 500 pF using the mouse.

Pr1.i
VIN.dv
10 0.09
• Calculate voltage-current = phase difference
5 0.085
2e-10 4e-10 6e-10 8e-10 1e-9 1.2e-9 1.4e-9
CV
 Capacitor : Load + Series 0
2e-10 4e-10 6e-10 8e-10 1e-9 1.2e-9 1.4e-9 7
CV
- Real part in series is 50Ω. 6.5
CV: 5e-10
Zs.v: 5.4076 / -12.333°
CV: 5e-10
Pr1.i: 0.097131 / 13.758°
VIN

- The series RC phase is ∅ = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 (− ).

Zs.v
6
R1 Zs
R=50 Ω
- Calculate : -26.09° 5.5
R2
Pr1 C1 R=50Ω
• Phase difference from the marker, C=CV
5
2e-10 4e-10 6e-10 8e-10 1e-9 1.2e-9 1.4e-9
(-12.333) – 13.758 = 26.09° CV

R3 5
R=50 Ω
 Capacitor : Load + Parelle V1 R4
CV: 5e-10
Zp.v: 3.4986 / -45.596°
CV: 5e-10
Pr2.i: 0.1591 / 18.313°
Pr2 4
U=10 V R=50Ω
C2
- Real part in parelle is 50Ω. freq=13 MHz
Zp C=CV

Zp.v
3
- The parelle RC phase is ∅ = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 (−𝜔𝐶𝑅).
2
- Calculate : -63.9°
parameter ac simulation
sweep
• Phase difference from the marker, AC1
1
2e-10 4e-10 6e-10 8e-10 1e-9 1.2e-9 1.4e-9
SW1 Type=list CV
Sim=AC1 Points=13 MHz 0.2
(-45.596) – 18.313 = 63.9 ° Param=CV
Type=lin
Start=200 pF
Stop=1.5 nF

Pr2.i
Points=14 0.15

 Result: The current phase leads the voltage phase.

Capacitor 0.1
Sweep 2e-10 4e-10 6e-10 8e-10
CV
1e-9 1.2e-9 1.4e-9

© 2023 jjkim 8
Smith chart

AC Simulation – Inductor (Phase)

20 0.09
• Add a current probe to calculate phase.
0.08
• Place the marker at 1uH using the mouse. 15
LV: 1e-06

Pr1.i
VIN.dv: 10 0.07

VIN.dv
• Calculate voltage-current = phase difference 10
0.06

5
0.05
6e-7 8e-7 1e-6 1.2e-6 1.4e-6 1.6e-6 1.8e-6 2e-6
 Inductor : Load + Series 0
6e-7 8e-7 1e-6 1.2e-6 1.4e-6 1.6e-6 1.8e-6 2e-6
LV
LV
- Real part in series is 50Ω. 9

VIN

- The series RL phase is ∅ = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 ( ). 8

Zs.v
R1 Zs
- Calculate : 58.5278° R=50 Ω
7 LV: 1e-06 LV: 1e-06
L1 R2 Zs.v: 7.417 / 19.29° Pr1.i: 0.07745 / -39.24°
Pr1
• Phase difference from the marker, L=LV R=50Ω

6
19.29 – (- 39.24) = 58.53°. 6e-7 8e-7 1e-6 1.2e-6 1.4e-6 1.6e-6 1.8e-6 2e-6
LV

R3
5
R=50 Ω
 Inductor : Load + Parelle
V1 L2 R4
Pr2 4.8
U=10 V L=LV R=50Ω
- Real part in parelle is 50Ω. freq=13 MHz Zp

Zp.v
4.6 LV: 1e-06 LV: 1e-06
Zp.v: 4.781 / 17.02° Pr2.i: 0.1121 / -14.45°
- The parelle RL phase is ∅ = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 ( ). 4.4

- Calculate : 31.47° parameter ac simulation 4.2

sweep 6e-7 8e-7 1e-6 1.2e-6 1.4e-6 1.6e-6 1.8e-6 2e-6
• Phase difference from the marker, SW1
AC1
Type=list
LV
Sim=AC1 Points=13 MHz 0.14
17.02 – (- 14.45) = 31.47°. Param=LV
Type=lin
Start=500 nH
0.13
Stop=2 uH
Points=16

Pr2.i
0.12
 Result: The current phase lag the voltage phase.
0.11
Inductor
Sweep 0.1
6e-7 8e-7 1e-6 1.2e-6 1.4e-6 1.6e-6 1.8e-6 2e-6
LV
© 2023 jjkim 9
Smith chart

Open direction
• We confirmed that the series L and C operate with maximum voltage and open,
and checked the voltage and current phases.
• Therefore,
series C moves to open through the capacitance area, and series L moves to open through the inductance area..

Inductance
area

Capacitance
area

Inductance
area

Capacitance
area

© 2023 jjkim 10
Smith chart

Short direction
• Parallel L and C confirmed that the voltage is at the minimum operation and short,
and the voltage and current phases were checked.
• Therefore,
parallel C moves to the short through the capacitance area, and parallel L moves to the short through the inductance area.

Inductance
area

Capacitance
area

Inductance
area

Capacitance
area

© 2023 jjkim 11
Smith chart

Appendix
 Smith chart
• Impedance, Admittance, Complex Impedance
• Resistance, Reactance, Inductance, Capacitance
• Marking

 Smith chart
• Series (L, C) _ by Smith 4.1
• Parallel (L, C) _ by Smith 4.1

© 2023 jjkim 12
Smith chart

Impedance, Admittance, Complex Impedance

 Admittance(Y)  Complex Impedance

 Impedance (Z)
• Complex Impedance • Reciprocal of Impedance

• A value containing real and imaginary

𝑌=
numbers.

© 2023 jjkim http://rfdh.com/ http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/impcom.html 13

Smith chart

Resistance, Reactance, Inductance, Capacitance

 Resistance, Reactance
Real part

Imaginary part

L(+j)

C(-j)

© 2023 jjkim http://rfdh.com/ 14

Smith chart

Marking

• Mark a point where the real and imaginary numbers overlap.

Ex : 10 +j10

-10

-25 -100

-50

Ex : 10 –j10
© 2023 jjkim https://www.fritz.dellsperger.net/smith.html 15
Smith chart

Smith Chart _ Series (L, C) _ by Smith 4.1 https://www.fritz.dellsperger.net/smith.html

• Series C goes along the impedance line and passes through the capacitance area in
the Short direction

• Series L goes along the impedance line and passes through the inductance area in the
open direction

© 2023 jjkim 16
Smith chart

Smith Chart _ Parallel (L, C) _ by Smith 4.1 https://www.fritz.dellsperger.net/smith.html

• Series C goes along the admittance line and passes through the capacitance area in
the Short direction

• Series L goes along the admittance line and passes through the inductance area in
the open direction

© 2023 jjkim 17