Rotation of the reflection coeff. at Smith Chart w/ frequency

In summary, the evolution of the input reflection coefficient, ρ, of a LTI causal passive system with frequency, f, always presents a local clockwise rotation when plotted in cartesian axes (Re(ρ), Im(ρ)), as shown in the attached figure. This rotation should not be confused with the derivative of the phase with frequency, which can be negative or positive depending on the system. For lossless systems, this can be explained by Foster's reactance theorem, which states that the imaginary immittance of a passive, lossless one-port monotonically increases with frequency. However, there is no rigorous proof for lossy systems. The signed curvature of the reflection coefficient in Cartesian coordinates is always negative, indicating a clockwise rotation, and
  • #1
WhiteHaired
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0
It is always considered that the evolution of the input reflection coefficient, [itex]ρ[/itex], of a LTI causal passive system with frequency, [itex]f[/itex], always presents a local clockwise rotation when plotted in cartesian axes [itex](Re(ρ), Im(ρ))[/itex], e.g. in a Smith chart, as shown in the attached figure.

It must appointed that the local clockwise rotation should not be confused with the derivative of the phase with frequency, which is always negative when the curve encompasses the center of the Smith chart, but it may be positive otherwise (e.g. in a resonant series RLC circuit with R>Z0, where Z0 is the port characteristic impedance). The question here concerns the local rotation, which is always clockwise.

For lossless systems, it may be explained from the Foster’s reactance theorem, “The imaginary immittance of a passive, lossless one-port monotonically increases with frequency”, which has been demonstrated in different ways in literature. It also applies for the reflection coefficient, since the bilinear transform (from immitance to reflection coefficient) preserves orientation.

However I couldn’t find any rigorous proof for lossy systems. Books and manuscripts always reference the lossless case and the Foster’s theorem.

Do you know any reference?

In geometry, for a plane curve given parametrically in Cartesian coordinates as [itex](x(f),y(f))[/itex], the signed curvature, [itex]k[/itex], is

[itex]k=\frac{x'y''-y'x''}{(x^{2}+y^{2})^{3/2}}[/itex]

where primes refer to derivatives with respect to frequency [itex]f[/itex]. A negative value means that the curve is clockwise. Therefore, the reflection coefficient of a LTI causal passive system with frequency, [itex]f[/itex], has always a negative curvature when plotted in Cartesian coordinates [itex](Re(ρ), Im(ρ))[/itex], i.e., it satisfies:

[itex]\frac{∂Re(ρ)}{∂f}\frac{∂^{2}Im(ρ)}{∂f^{2}}<\frac{∂Im(ρ)}{∂f}\frac{∂^{2}Re(ρ)}{∂f^{2}}[/itex]

or, equivalently,

[itex]\frac{∂}{∂f}\left[\frac{\frac{∂Im(ρ)}{∂f}}{\frac{∂Re(ρ)}{∂f}}\right]<0[/itex]→[itex]\frac{∂}{∂f}\left(\frac{∂Im(ρ)}{∂Re(ρ)}\right)<0[/itex]

The same would apply to the complex impedance Z=R+j*X, (or admittance), i.e., [itex]\frac{∂R}{∂f}\frac{∂^{2}X}{∂f^{2}}<\frac{∂X}{∂f}\frac{∂^{2}R}{∂f^{2}}[/itex] and [itex]\frac{∂}{∂f}\left(\frac{∂X}{∂R}\right)<0[/itex]

Is all this right?

Do you know any theorem, property of LTI causal passive systems, energy considerations from which one may conclude this? Kramer-Kronig relations or Hilbert transform?

I would appreciate your help on this.
Smith.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Thank you, not for the moment.
 

1. What is the Smith Chart and how is it used in RF engineering?

The Smith Chart is a graphical tool used in RF engineering to visualize and analyze the behavior of transmission lines and impedance matching networks. It allows engineers to easily determine the reflection coefficient and impedance of a given circuit at a specific frequency.

2. How does the reflection coefficient change with frequency on the Smith Chart?

The reflection coefficient, represented by the position of a point on the Smith Chart, changes with frequency due to the varying characteristics of the transmission line and impedance matching network. As the frequency increases, the position of the point on the chart moves along the constant resistance and reactance circles, showing the change in impedance and reflection coefficient.

3. Why is it important to understand the rotation of the reflection coefficient on the Smith Chart with frequency?

Understanding the rotation of the reflection coefficient on the Smith Chart is crucial in designing and optimizing RF circuits. It allows engineers to identify areas of high and low impedance, determine the best matching network, and predict the performance of the circuit at different frequencies.

4. Can the Smith Chart be used for both passive and active circuits?

Yes, the Smith Chart can be used for both passive and active circuits. However, for active circuits, the load impedance must be transformed to its equivalent passive load impedance before being plotted on the chart.

5. How can the Smith Chart be used to find the input impedance of a circuit?

To find the input impedance of a circuit on the Smith Chart, the load impedance is first plotted. Then, a line is drawn from the load impedance to the center of the chart, representing the input admittance. The intersection of this line with the constant resistance circle gives the input impedance of the circuit.

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