Lecture 20

Transmission Lines: The Basics

In this lecture you will learn:

• Transmission lines

• Different types of transmission line structures

• Transmission line equations

• Power flow in transmission lines

• Appendix

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Guided Waves

• So far in the course you have been dealing with waves that propagated in
infinite size media

• For many applications it is desirable to have electromagnetic energy be

guided in much the same way as water flow is guided by having it flow in pipes

• Transmission lines are the simplest structures that guide electromagnetic

waves

Transmission line:

In this course a transmission line would be any two arbitrary shaped metal
conductors that are very long and uniform in at least one dimension
y

A transmission line made up of two metal

conductors that are very long and uniform
in the z-direction x

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

1
 Common Transmission Line Structures - I

W
b

a ε d

Co-axial Cable
Parallel-Plate Transmission Line
2π ε
C= W
⎛b⎞ C=ε
log⎜ ⎟ d
⎝a⎠

µo d
⎛b⎞ L = µo
L= log⎜ ⎟ W
2π ⎝a⎠

LC = µo ε LC = µo ε
Capacitance and Inductance per unit length for each structure are shown
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Common Transmission Line Structures - II

radius a

d d/2

εo

radius a

Parallel Metal Wires Metal Wire Over a Ground Plane

For d >> a : For d >> a :
π εo 2π ε o
C= C=
⎛d ⎞ ⎛d ⎞
log⎜ ⎟ log⎜ ⎟
⎝a⎠ ⎝a⎠

µo ⎛d ⎞ µo ⎛d ⎞
L= log⎜ ⎟ L= log⎜ ⎟
π ⎝a⎠ 2π ⎝a⎠

LC = µo ε o LC = µo ε o
Capacitance and Inductance per unit length for each structure are shown
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

2
 Transmission Line Voltages
y
• Suppose the potential difference between the two
conductors of a transmission line at location z is V(z)
then E-field line integral in a plane parallel to the x-y
x plane at the location z is independent of the contour
C1 taken, and is related to the potential difference V(z) as:
C2 r r r r
V (z ) = ∫ E . ds = ∫ E . ds
c1 c2
• The charge per unit length Q(z) on the transmission
line at location z is:
Q (z ) = C V (z )
Capacitance per unit length
Two points with different z-values can have different potentials:
r r r r
V (z1) = ∫ E . ds ≠ ∫ E . ds = V (z2 )
y c1 c2

The conductors are

V(z1) C1 V(z2) C2 no longer equi-
potentials

z1 z2 z
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Transmission Line Currents

y
• Suppose the total current in the upper conductor in
the +z-direction at location z is I(z) and in the lower
conductor is –I(z)

• The H-field flux per unit length λ(z) enclosed between

H the two conductors at the location z is related to the
current I(z) as:
x λ (z ) = L I (z )
Inductance per unit length
y

I(z1) I(z2)

z1 z2 z
Two points with different z-values can have different currents

I ( z 1 ) ≠ I (z 2 )
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

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 Faraday’s Law
y
C
+ I(z,t) +
V(z,t) V(z+∆z,t)
H
- -

z z + ∆z z

Use Faraday’s law for the contour C:

r r ∂ r r
∫ E . ds = − ∫∫ µo H . da
c ∂ t
∂ λ ( z , t ) ∆z λ (z , t ) = L I (z , t )
⇒ V (z + ∆z , t ) − V (z , t ) = −
∂t
V (z + ∆z , t ) − V (z , t ) ∂ L I (z , t )
⇒ =−
∆z ∂t
∂ V (z , t ) ∂ I (z , t )
⇒ = −L (1)
∂z ∂t

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Current-Charge Continuity Equation

y Q(z,t)

+ ++
I(z,t) I(z+∆z,t)
V(z,t)
- --

zz + ∆z z
Use the principle of conservation of charge (current-charge continuity equation):

If current is varying in space, there must be charge either piling up or piling down
somewhere

∂ Q (z , t ) ∆z
I ( z , t ) − I ( z + ∆z , t ) = Q (z , t ) = C V (z , t )
∂t
I ( z + ∆z , t ) − I ( z , t ) ∂ C V (z , t )
⇒ =−
∆z ∂t
∂ I (z , t ) ∂ V (z , t )
⇒ = −C (2)
∂z ∂t

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

4
 Transmission Line Equations
The following two equation describe the propagation of guided electromagnetic
waves on transmission lines (also called the Telegrapher’s Equations):

∂ V (z , t ) ∂ I (z , t ) (1)
= −L
∂z ∂t
∂ I (z , t ) ∂ V (z , t )
= −C (2)
∂z ∂t
Wave equations:

(1) ⇒
∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t )
2
= −L (3)
∂z ∂z ∂t
∂ 2 I (z , t ) ∂ 2 V (z , t )
(2) ⇒ = −C (4)
∂t ∂z ∂t 2

∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 V (z , t ) Equation of a wave traveling

(3) and (4) ⇒ = LC
∂z 2
∂t 2 with a velocity = v = 1 LC

A similar equation can be derived for the current:

∂ 2 I (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t )
2
= LC
∂z ∂t 2
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Nature of Guided Waves in Transmission Lines - I

∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t )
= LC = LC
∂z 2 ∂t 2 ∂z 2 ∂t 2
The guided wave consists of E-fields and H-fields together with charges and
currents on the conductors that all move together in sync with a velocity given
by:
v = 1 LC
y
+ ++ + ++ + ++
-- - -- - -- -

- -- - -- - --
++ + ++ + ++ +

λ z
• The charges satisfy the boundary conditions for the E-fields

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

5
 Nature of Guided Waves in Transmission Lines - II
∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t )
= LC = LC
∂z 2 ∂t 2 ∂z 2 ∂t 2
The guided wave consists of E-fields and H-fields together with charges and
currents on the conductors that all move together in sync with a velocity given
by:
v = 1 LC
y
+ ++ + ++ + ++
-- - -- - -- -

- -- - -- - --
++ + ++ + ++ +

λ z
• The charges satisfy the boundary conditions for the E-fields

• The currents satisfy the boundary conditions for the H-fields

• The wave is called a TEM wave since both the E-field and H-field point in a
direction transverse to the direction of propagation
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

E-Fields and H-fields for Common Transmission Lines

H

-
E
- -
E + + + + + + +
H
++ +
- + + -
+ ++ - - - - - - -

- -
-

y y

x x

Co-axial Cable Parallel-Plate Transmission Line

r r r r
Notice that at each point E (r , t ) × H (r , t ) points in the +z-direction – indicating
energy flow in the +z-direction

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

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 E-Fields and H-fields for Common Transmission Lines
H y H
y
x
x +++
+++ +++
+++

E
E - - - - -

---
--- Metal Wire Over a Ground Plane

Parallel Metal Wires

r r r r
Notice that at each point E (r , t ) × H (r , t ) points in the +z-direction – indicating
energy flow in the +z-direction

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Current and Voltage Phasors

Convert to phasors:
[
V (z , t ) = Re V (z ) e j ω t ]
[
I (z , t ) = Re I (z ) e j ω t ]
Transmission line equations in phasor notation:

∂ V (z , t ) ∂ I (z , t ) ∂ V (z )
= −L = − j ω L I (z )
∂z ∂t ∂z

∂ I (z , t ) ∂ V (z , t ) ∂ I (z )
= −C = − j ω C V (z )
∂z ∂t ∂z

Wave equations in phasor notation:

∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 V (z , t ) ∂ 2 V (z )
2
= LC 2
= −ω 2 LC V (z )
∂z ∂t ∂z 2

∂ 2 I (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z , t ) ∂ 2 I (z )
2
= LC 2
= −ω 2 LC I (z )
∂z ∂t ∂z 2

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

7
 Solutions of Transmission Line Equations
∂ 2 V (z )
Start with the complex wave equation: = −ω 2 LC V (z )
y ∂z 2

V+

Assume a solution of the form of a traveling wave: V (z ) = V+ e − j k z

A wave traveling in the +z-direction

Substitute in the complex wave equation:

∂ 2 V (z )
= −ω 2 LC V (z )
∂z 2
⇒ − k 2 V+ e − j k z = −ω 2 LC V+ e − j k z
⇒ k 2 = ω 2 LC
Dispersion relation of a wave traveling
⇒ k =ω LC with a velocity = v = 1 LC
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Impedance of a Transmission Line

Voltage is: V (z ) = V+ e − j k z

Find the current from the transmission line equation:

∂ V (z )
= − j ω L I (z )
∂z
⇒ − j k V+ e − j k z = − j ω L I (z )
k
⇒ I (z ) = V+ e − j k z
ωL
V
⇒ I (z ) = + e − j k z
Zo

ωL L
Where Zo, given by: Zo = =
k C
is called the characteristic impedance of the transmission line

So a voltage-current wave propagating in the +z-direction on a transmission line is

specified completely by:
V
V (z ) = V+ e − j k z I (z ) = I + e − j k z = + e − j k z
Zo
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

8
 Backward Waves on a Transmission Line
A voltage-current wave propagating in the +z-direction on a transmission line is
specified completely by:
V
V (z ) = V+ e − j k z I (z ) = I + e − j k z = + e − j k z
Zo
A voltage-current wave propagating in the -z-direction on a transmission line is
specified completely by:
V
V (z ) = V− e + j k z I (z ) = I − e + j k z = − − e + j k z
Zo

y Notice the –ve sign

+ ++ + ++ + ++
-- - -- - -- -

- -- - -- - --
++ + ++ + ++ +

z
λ
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Forward and Backward Waves on a Transmission Line

V+
I+
V−
I−

In general, voltage on a transmission line is a superposition of forward and backward

going waves:

V (z ) = V+ e − j k z + V− e + j k z

The corresponding current is also a superposition of forward and backward going

waves:
V V
I (z ) = I + e − j k z + I − e + j k z = + e − j k z − − e + j k z
Zo Zo

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

9
 Parallel-Plate Transmission Lines: Fields, Voltages, and Currents
H
If the voltage and the current
E W waves are:

+ + + + + + + V (z ) = V+ e − j k z
d
V
- - - - - - - I (z ) = I + e − j k z = + e − j k z
Zo

then the E-field and the H-field

are (ignoring the fringing fields):
y
r V
⇒ E (z ) = − yˆ + e − j k z
x d
r I+ − j k z
Parallel-Plate Transmission Line ⇒ H (z ) = xˆ e
W

Given the amplitude(s) of the voltage and/or current waves, the E-field and the
H-field associated with the wave can be found

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Energy Flow and Power on a Transmission Line

Consider a transmission line with a voltage-current wave going in the +z-direction:

y
V+
I+

z
How much is the total time-average power (not power per unit area) carried by the
wave in the +z-direction?
r r
Pz (t ) = ∫∫ S (r , t ) . zˆ dxdy The area integral is over the entire x-y plane
(or any plane parallel to the x-y plane)
1 r r
[
= ∫∫ Re S (r ) . zˆ dxdy
2
]
It can be show that this integral equals: Pz (t ) =
1
2
[1
]
⎡V 2 ⎤
Re V+ I +* = Re ⎢ +* ⎥
2 ⎢⎣ Zo ⎥⎦
And if there is a also backward wave then:

Pz (t ) =
1
2
[ 1 ⎡V 2 V 2 ⎤
Re V+ I +* − V− I −* = Re ⎢ +* − −* ⎥
2
]
⎣⎢ Zo Zo ⎦⎥
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

10
 Waves in Free Space and Waves in Transmission Lines

Free Space Transmission Lines

r r r r ∂ V (z )
∇ × E (r ) = − j ω µo H (r ) = − j ω L I (z )
∂z

r r r r ∂ I (z )
∇ × H (r ) = j ω ε o E (r ) = − j ω C V (z )
∂z
r r r r ∂ 2 V (z )
∇ 2 E (r ) = −ω 2 µo ε o E (r ) = −ω 2 LC V (z )
∂z 2
r r r r ∂ 2 I (z )
∇ 2 H (r ) = −ω 2 µo ε o H (r ) = −ω 2 LC I (z )
∂z 2

r r
E (r ) = xˆ Eo e − j k z V (z ) = V+ e − j k z

r r E
H (r ) = yˆ o e − j k z I (z ) =
V+ − j k z
e
ηo Zo

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Appendix: Energy Flow and Power on a Transmission Line

y
This appendix offers a proof of the power flow
formula for arbitrary transmission lines

r r x
Pz (t ) = ∫∫ S (r , t ) . zˆ dxdy
1
[ r r
]
= ∫∫ Re S (r ) . zˆ dxdy
2
1
[ r r r r
]
= ∫∫ Re E (r ) × H * (r ) . zˆ dxdy
2
By assumption both E- and H-fields have only transverse components (i.e. no
component in the z-direction)

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
∇ = xˆ + yˆ + zˆ = ∇T + zˆ
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂z
From Faraday’s Law:
r r
∇ × E = − jω µo H
⎛ ∂ ⎞ r r
⇒ ⎜ ∇T + zˆ ⎟ × E = − jω µoH
⎝ ∂ z ⎠
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

11
 Appendix: Energy Flow and Power on a Transmission Line
y
⎛ ∂ ⎞ r r
⇒ ⎜ ∇T + zˆ ⎟ × E = − jω µoH
⎝ ∂z ⎠
r
⇒ ∇T × E = 0
x
Therefore one may write the E-field as the transverse
gradient of a scalar potential:
r
E = −∇T φ
Where by assumption the potential satisfies:

φ 1st conductor − φ 2nd conductor = V+ e − jkz

From Amperes’s Law:
r r
∇ × H = zˆ J z + jω ε E
⎛ ∂ ⎞ r
⇒ ⎜ ∇T + zˆ ⎟ × H = zˆ J z + jω ε E
⎝ ∂z ⎠
r
⇒ ∇T × H = zˆ J z

ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

Appendix: Energy Flow and Power on a Transmission Line

− jkz
∫∫1st conductor J z dxdy = I + e y
− jkz
∫∫2nd conductor J z dxdy = − I + e

x
1 r r
[
Pz (t ) = ∫∫ Re E × H * . zˆ dxdy
2
]
1
[ r
= Re ∫∫ − ∇T φ × H * .zˆ dxdy
2
]
[ ]
0 r
1
= Re ∫∫ ∇T × − φ H * .zˆ dxdy
2
1
[ r
+ Re ∫∫ φ ∇T × H * .zˆ dxdy
2
]
1
[
= Re ∫∫ φ J z* dxdy
2
]
1
[(
= Re φ 1st conductor − φ 2nd conductor I +* e jkz
2
) ]
1
[
= Re V+ I +*
2
]
ECE 303 – Fall 2006 – Farhan Rana – Cornell University

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