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On the Design of Matched Resistive n-Ports

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Pieter Willem Van der Walt

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On the Design of Matched
Resistive n-Ports
PW van der Walt, SMIEEE
Emeritus Professor
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Stellenbosch University
pwvanderwalt@gmail.com
Resistive n-Ports
• Matched resistive two-ports are used widely in RF systems to improve
stability, reduce sensitivity to active component tolerances and to
adjust signal levels.
• The element values of many of these circuits are well known, the
design methods less so.
• Finding the element values by means of a brute force assault easily
becomes bogged down, having to solve multiple simultaneous non-
linear equations, ending in your defeat.
• In this paper I present a general and straightforward approach to the
design of these circuits
Design approach
• An S-parameter description serves as the point of departure.
• The matched condition is simply defined by zero entries on the
diagonal of the S-matrix, setting .
• The off-diagonal elements define the attenuation values
• Then convert the S matrix to a Z or Y matrix, where element values
are easily recognised
 Useful Background Information

• A T-circuit is conveniently described A -pad is conveniently described by

by two loop equations, yielding the two nodal equations, yielding the y-
z-parameters parameters

Furthermore, 𝒀 =𝒁 • Furthermore, 𝒁𝝅 = 𝒀
Illustration: T-π Equivalence
• To find a T-pad that is equivalent to a given π-pad, set

𝑅 +𝑅 𝑅 𝐺 +𝐺 𝐺
=∆ , ∆= 𝐺 𝐺 + 𝐺 𝐺 + 𝐺 𝐺
𝑅 𝑅 +𝑅 𝐺 𝐺 +𝐺

From which follows the well-known π to T transformation (also known

as to wye or to star transformation). We will find it useful.
 S-parameters
• Incident wave amplitude 𝑎 at port k, 𝑘 = 1 ⋯ 𝑛,
with port voltage 𝑉 , port current 𝐼 and port
normalization resistance 𝑅 :
𝑉 +𝑅 𝐼
𝑎 =
2 𝑅
• Reflected wave amplitude 𝑏 at port k:
𝑉 −𝑅 𝐼
𝑏 =
2 𝑅
• The power incident on port k is given by 𝑎 and reflected power by 𝑏 .
• A port i is matched when 𝑆 = = 0, with all ports terminated in 𝑅 and only port i driven. This implies
𝑍 , =𝑅
• 𝑆 is the power transfer function from port 𝑗 to port 𝑖.
• The S-parameter matrix of a passive network is symmetric and
• With U the identity matrix, the quadratic form of 𝑼 − 𝑺 𝑺∗ is non-negative.
 Tools
• We will need parameter conversions between S, Y and Z matrices
 Don’t be intimidated – use an assistant!
• I find WxMaxima a very useful tool. Here is a script for all the above
conversions
Down to business…Example 1
2 Port matched attenuator with attenuation
𝑅 U S
• S-parameter definition

• Convert to Z-parameters in a
50 ohm system by instructing
your assistant to perform the
matrix operation on the right.
Attenuator
• Identify the element values of the T

• For a π-pad: Convert the S-matrix to Y parameters and identify the

element values.
 Example 2: Impedance matching section
• Convert the matrix to a Z matrix For a>1, minimum k when :
with termination resistances
and :
50 to 60 ohm matching pad, k=1.543:

• Identify the T-circuit element values

Example 3: Symmetrical 3-Port Divider

• The simplest description of the circuit for element

identification is the Z matrix.
• Write the three mesh equations to find the
impedance matrix
Three port symmetrical power divider
• Define the scattering matrix:

• Convert to a Z matrix:

( ) )
We find . With k=2, .
 Three port symmetrical divider

• We can find an
equivalent circuit by
means of the star-Δ
transformation or by
simply converting the S G=

matrix to a Y matrix and

identifying element
values
Example 4: 12 dB Resistive Coupler
• We need a 12 dB resistive coupler from ports 1 to 3 and 2 to 3.
Therefore .
• Define the symmetrical matched S-matrix with coupling
undetermined.
 12 dB Resistive Coupler
• Tell your assistant to convert the S-matrix to a Y-matrix.
Please Note
typos in
proceedings

Comparing and setting , we find

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Conclusions

• A straightforward strategy for the design of matched resistive n-

ports has been presented
• With the aid of a mathematical assistant such as wxMaxima, it is also
a simple procedure!