Modeling Input Impedance of MESFET Using Series RLC Circuit

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on modeling the input impedance of a MESFET using a series RLC circuit, particularly in relation to varying reflection coefficients across different frequencies (6-10 GHz). Participants explore methods for achieving a close approximation of the input impedance through analytical and graphical techniques, including the use of a Smith Chart.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents reflection coefficients at different frequencies and seeks suggestions for approximating input impedance using a series RLC circuit.
  • Another participant suggests that the reflection coefficients plotted on a Smith Chart can yield the normalized input impedance, which can then be converted to actual input impedance by multiplying by the characteristic impedance.
  • A participant expresses difficulty in achieving a good match for a range of frequencies with a single RLC network and discusses the tedious process of manually tuning LC values while keeping resistance constant.
  • There is a suggestion to over-damp the circuit to lower the Q factor, which may help widen the bandwidth while tuning resonance around 8 GHz.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenge of matching a single RLC network to multiple frequencies, but there is no consensus on the best approach to achieve this. Multiple strategies are proposed, indicating ongoing exploration and differing opinions on effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that achieving a perfect match across the specified frequency range may not be possible, and the discussion includes various assumptions about tuning methods and circuit behavior.

roeb
Messages
98
Reaction score
1
Hi,

I'm trying to model the input impedance of a MESFET by using a series RLC circuit.

For example I have the following reflection coefficients:
.575 angle(-138) at 6 GHz
.617 angle(170) at 8 GHz
.610 angle(128) at 10 GHz

As you can see, as the frequency changes so too does the angle. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can analytically or graphically determine a fairly close approximation using a series RLC?

Right now I'm trying to plot the 3 frequencies and the reflection coefficients on a Smith Chart and come up some values but the best I've been able to do so far is
.61 angle(-150)
.59 angle(178)
.61 angle(164)

using L = .442 nH, C = .917 pF and R = 12.85 ohms.

I'd like to get some more accuracy but it seems my method is not working too well.

Thanks,
roeb
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Graphically, your reflection coefficients on the smith chart should give S11 which should be your normalized input impedance. Just multiply by 50 (or whatever your characteristic impedance is) to get actual input impedance.
 
Hi, thanks for your reply.

I understand how to match a single frequency, but I'm having trouble getting a 'good' match for the range of frequencies. What I want is a single RLC network that can approximate the reflection coefficients over 6-10 GHz.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7175/temppic.png

I'm manually tuning the LC values (pretty much keeping R constant) but it's rather tedious and I can't get all that close. I realize that I'll never get a perfect match, but it seems that I should be able to iteratively solve this so that I can get a bit better.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
roeb said:
Hi, thanks for your reply.

I understand how to match a single frequency, but I'm having trouble getting a 'good' match for the range of frequencies. What I want is a single RLC network that can approximate the reflection coefficients over 6-10 GHz.

I'm manually tuning the LC values (pretty much keeping R constant) but it's rather tedious and I can't get all that close. I realize that I'll never get a perfect match, but it seems that I should be able to iteratively solve this so that I can get a bit better.

Actually, if you want to use just one tuned section and widen your BW, the only thing I can think of is over-damping it to lower the Q factor. You'll choose resonance to be maybe around 8GHz, then vary your resistor to increase or decrease BW. Higher resistance is higher damping, lower Q, and higher BW.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K