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Executive Summary

Our focus in this study was on impedance matching techniques employed in designing

transmission line systems of a radar used by the coast guard for which we attempted to improve

our knowledge about transmission lines through analysis of different variables affecting wave

propagation as well as reflection. Our methodology involved developing a program for solving

various impedance matching problems and analyzing the results using frequency response

simulation. Additionally, we confirmed that the proposed approaches were effective through

experiments which provided some interesting agreement/discrepancy between what was obtained

from simulation and real measurement. This study has shown that the characteristic impedance,

the phase speed, as well as attenuation which are intrinsic to electromagnetic waves influence

their propagation. We found out that there could be signal reflections resulting from an

impedance mismatch between the antenna and transmission line; this reduces system

effectiveness and performance. This implies that it is important to design network having the

capability of matching the impedance of both elements at given frequency.

Moreover, we used single-stub tuning and quarter-wavelength transformer techniques for

impedance matching. Each of these methods has its own advantages; the quarter wavelength

method enables an overall impedance match between source, transformer and load while single

stub tuning provides improved impedance matching across a wider range of frequencies. We

simplified the analysis by making use of Microsoft Excel based system that could determine the

suitable Z_in values at any distance inside or within the transmission line length. With the help

of this program, we were also able to determine the most appropriate stub length in order to

achieve proper impedance matching which would be indicated by less reflection coefficient

hence keeping the signal intact. Results showed that there were some very high peaks at times in
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the tan(Bl) cross- section values. Such spikes arose when quarter wave transformations take

place or if significant impedance minima and maxima are present.

Overall, from initial understanding to physical testing, all members played a big role in

each phase of the undertaking. As a result of this venture, we have come to know better on

transmission line properties as well as why impedance matching is so crucial in signal

propagation with regards to our education.