How do you relay EM wave parameters to Transmission line parameters?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electromagnetic (EM) wave parameters and transmission line parameters, specifically focusing on the propagation constant (\(\gamma\)) and its derivation from both physics and engineering perspectives. Participants explore the equations governing plane wave velocity and transmission line velocity, as well as the implications of these equations in practical scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the equations for plane wave velocity (\(1/\sqrt{\mu\epsilon}\)) and impedance (\(\eta = \sqrt{\mu/\epsilon}\)), contrasting them with transmission line equations (\(1/\sqrt{LC}\) and \(Z_0=\sqrt{L/C}\)).
  • Another participant describes the first pair of equations as representing physics concepts, while the latter two are seen as engineering equivalents, specifically in the context of coaxial transmission lines.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to physically link the two sets of equations, questioning the validity of the claim that the propagation constants are the same.
  • There is a suggestion to derive the relationships between \(L\), \(C\), \(\epsilon\), and \(\mu\) through ratios and products, indicating a method to connect the physics and engineering perspectives.
  • One participant acknowledges understanding after considering the derivations and suggested methods to relate the parameters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact physical linkage between the propagation constants of EM waves and transmission lines, indicating ongoing uncertainty and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for further material that explicitly connects the physics of EM waves with transmission line theory, highlighting potential gaps in existing resources.

yungman
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I am studying EM wave and transmission lines. I see both derive equations for propagation constant \gamma:

Plane wave velocity is 1/\sqrt{\mu\epsilon} and \eta = \sqrt{\mu/\epsilon}

Transmission line velocity is 1/\sqrt{LC} and Z0=\sqrt{L/C}.

From that the book just to say the velocity of both are the same and \mu \epsilon = LC

I see they both are propagation constant, but I don't see they are the same! Can anyone explain to me how they relate together?

Thanks
 
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The first pair of equations is the physics representation, using the permeability of the medium per unit length and the permitivity per unit length. The latter two equations are the engineering equivalents, for example in a coaxial transmission line, where L and C are the inductance per unit length and capacitance per unit length. As an exercise, calculate L and C for RG-8 cable, with the velocity of propagation equal to about 2/3 the velocity of light, and Z = 50 ohms (impedance of free space = 377 ohms).
 
Bob S said:
The first pair of equations is the physics representation, using the permeability of the medium per unit length and the permitivity per unit length. The latter two equations are the engineering equivalents, for example in a coaxial transmission line, where L and C are the inductance per unit length and capacitance per unit length. As an exercise, calculate L and C for RG-8 cable, with the velocity of propagation equal to about 2/3 the velocity of light, and Z = 50 ohms (impedance of free space = 377 ohms).

Thanks for the reply.

I know the result is true, I am not question the validity of the equation, just I cannot find the physics to link the two. I can derive the formulas of the transmission line and plane wave and arrive the equations in the book. Just that the book simply claim the two propagation constants are the same...WHY? What is the equation linking L,C of unit length to \epsilon and \mu?

Can you point me to material that link the two? Not just the Helmholtz's equation or the general wave equations that give the propagation constant.
 
yungman said:
I know the result is true, I am not question the validity of the equation, just I cannot find the physics to link the two. I can derive the formulas of the transmission line and plane wave and arrive the equations in the book. Just that the book simply claim the two propagation constants are the same...WHY? What is the equation linking L,C of unit length to \epsilon and \mu?

Take your derivations for L and C per unit length, form the ratios and products as per the expressions for the propagation velocity and impedance, and cancel out all the 2 pi's etc. You should get the physics expressions.
 
Bob S said:
Take your derivations for L and C per unit length, form the ratios and products as per the expressions for the propagation velocity and impedance, and cancel out all the 2 pi's etc. You should get the physics expressions.

Thanks, I think I got it.
 

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