Transmission Lines

Smith Chart
The Smith chart is one of the most useful graphical tools for high
frequency circuit applications. The chart provides a clever way to
visualize complex functions and it continues to endure popularity,
decades after its original conception.

From a mathematical point of view, the Smith chart is a 4-D

representation of all possible complex impedances with respect to
coordinates defined by the complex reflection coefficient.
The domain of definition of the reflection
Im(Γ )
coefficient for a loss-less line is a circle of
unitary radius in the complex plane. This
1
is also the domain of the Smith chart.
Re(Γ )
In the case of a general lossy line, the
reflection coefficient might have
magnitude larger than one, due to the
complex characteristic impedance,
requiring and extended Smith chart.

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 Transmission Lines

The goal of the Smith chart is to identify all possible impedances on

the domain of existence of the reflection coefficient. To do so, we
start from the general definition of line impedance (which is equally
applicable to a load impedance when d=0)

V(d) 1+ Γ(d)
Z( d ) = = Z0
I(d) 1− Γ(d)
This provides the complex function Z( d ) = f {Re ( Γ ) , Im ( Γ )} that
we want to graph. It is obvious that the result would be applicable
only to lines with exactly characteristic impedance Z0.

In order to obtain universal curves, we introduce the concept of

normalized impedance

Z (d ) 1+ Γ(d )
zn ( d ) = =
Z0 1− Γ(d )

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The normalized impedance is represented on the Smith chart by

using families of curves that identify the normalized resistance r
(real part) and the normalized reactance x (imaginary part)

zn ( d ) = Re ( zn ) + j Im ( zn ) = r + jx

Let’s represent the reflection coefficient in terms of its coordinates

Γ ( d ) = Re ( Γ ) + j Im ( Γ )
Now we can write

1 + Re ( Γ ) + j Im ( Γ )
r + jx =
1 − Re ( Γ ) − j Im ( Γ )
1 − Re2 ( Γ ) − Im2 ( Γ ) + j 2 Im ( Γ )
=
2
(1 − Re ( Γ ) ) + Im2 ( Γ )

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 Transmission Lines

The real part gives

Add a quantity equal to zero
1 − Re
2
( Γ ) − Im2 ( Γ )
r=
( 1 − Re ( Γ ) )2 + Im 2 ( Γ ) =0

r ( Re ( Γ ) − 1 ) + Re
2
( 2
(Γ) − 1 ) + r Im 2
( Γ ) + Im ( Γ ) +
2 1
1+ r
−
1
1+ r
=0

 r ( Re ( Γ ) − 1 )2 +
 ( Re 2
(Γ) − 1 ) +
1 
1 + r 
+ ( 1 + r ) Im ( Γ ) =
2 1
1+ r

 2 r r
2
 1
( 1 + r )  Re ( Γ ) − 2 Re ( Γ ) +  + ( 1 + r ) Im ( Γ ) =
2

 1 + r (1 + r ) 
2 1+ r

( )
2 2
⇒
 Re ( Γ ) − r
+ Im
2
(Γ) =
1 Equation of a circle
 1 + r  1+ r

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The imaginary part gives

Multiply by x and add a

2 Im ( Γ ) quantity equal to zero
x=
( 1 − Re ( Γ ) )2 + Im2 ( Γ )
=0
x
2  ( 1 − Re ( Γ ) ) 2 + Im2 ( Γ )  − 2 x Im ( Γ ) + 1 − 1 = 0
 
 ( 1 − Re ( Γ ) ) 2 + Im2 ( Γ )  − 2 Im ( Γ ) + 1 = 1
  x x
2
x
2

2  2 1  1
( 1 − Re ( Γ ) ) +  Im ( Γ ) − Im ( Γ ) + 2  = 2
2
 x x  x
2
⇒
 2
( Re ( Γ ) − 1 ) + Im ( Γ ) −
1
=
1
Equation of a circle
 
x x
2

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The result for the real part indicates that on the complex plane with
coordinates (Re(Γ), Im(Γ)) all the possible impedances with a given
normalized resistance r are found on a circle with

 r  1
Center =  ,0 Radius =
 1+ r  1+ r
As the normalized resistance r varies from 0 to ∞ , we obtain a
family of circles completely contained inside the domain of the
reflection coefficient | Γ | ≤ 1 .
Im(Γ )
r=1 r=5
r=0
Re(Γ )

r = 0.5 r →∞

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The result for the imaginary part indicates that on the complex
plane with coordinates (Re(Γ), Im(Γ)) all the possible impedances
with a given normalized reactance x are found on a circle with

 1 1
Center =  1 ,  Radius =
 x x
As the normalized reactance x varies from -∞ to ∞ , we obtain a
family of arcs contained inside the domain of the reflection
coefficient | Γ | ≤ 1 .
Im(Γ )
x=1
x = 0.5 x →±∞
Re(Γ )
x=0

x = - 0.5
x = -1

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 Transmission Lines

Basic Smith Chart techniques for loss-less transmission lines

‰ Given Z(d) ⇒ Find Γ(d)

Given Γ(d) ⇒ Find Z(d)

‰ Given ΓR and ZR ⇒ Find Γ(d) and Z(d)

Given Γ(d) and Z(d) ⇒ Find ΓR and ZR

‰ Find dmax and dmin (maximum and minimum locations for the
voltage standing wave pattern)

‰ Find the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR)

‰ Given Z(d) ⇒ Find Y(d)

Given Y(d) ⇒ Find Z(d)

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 Transmission Lines

Given Z(d) ⇒ Find Γ(d)

1. Normalize the impedance

Z (d) R X
zn ( d ) = = + j =r+ j x
Z0 Z0 Z0
2. Find the circle of constant normalized resistance r
3. Find the arc of constant normalized reactance x
4. The intersection of the two curves indicates the reflection
coefficient in the complex plane. The chart provides
directly the magnitude and the phase angle of Γ(d)

Example: Find Γ(d), given

Z ( d ) = 25 + j 100 Ω with Z0 = 50 Ω

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1. Normalization 3. Find normalized

reactance arc
zn (d) = (25 + j 100)/50 1
x = 2.0
= 0.5 + j 2.0

2. Find normalized 05
resistance circle 2
3 50.906 °
r = 0.5
0.2

0 0.2 0.5 1 2 5

4. This vector represents

the reflection coefficient
-0.2
Γ (d) = 0.52 + j0.64
|Γ (d)| = 0.8246 -3

∠ Γ (d) = 0.8885 rad -2

-0 5
= 50.906 °

-1
1.

0.8246
© Amanogawa, 2006 - Digital Maestro Series 174
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Given Γ(d) ⇒ Find Z(d)

1. Determine the complex point representing the given

reflection coefficient Γ(d) on the chart.
2. Read the values of the normalized resistance r and of the
normalized reactance x that correspond to the reflection
coefficient point.
3. The normalized impedance is
zn ( d ) = r + j x
and the actual impedance is

Z (d) = Z 0 zn ( d ) = Z 0 ( r + j x ) = Z 0 r + j Z 0 x

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Given ΓR and ZR ⇐⇒ Find Γ(d) and Z(d)

NOTE: the magnitude of the reflection coefficient is constant along
a loss-less transmission line terminated by a specified load, since

Γ ( d ) = Γ R exp ( − j 2β d ) = Γ R

Therefore, on the complex plane, a circle with center at the origin

and radius | ΓR | represents all possible reflection coefficients
found along the transmission line. When the circle of constant
magnitude of the reflection coefficient is drawn on the Smith chart,
one can determine the values of the line impedance at any location.

The graphical step-by-step procedure is:

1. Identify the load reflection coefficient ΓR and the

normalized load impedance ZR on the Smith chart.

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 Transmission Lines

2. Draw the circle of constant reflection coefficient

amplitude |Γ(d)| =|ΓR|.
3. Starting from the point representing the load, travel on
the circle in the clockwise direction, by an angle
2π
θ= 2βd= 2 d
λ
4. The new location on the chart corresponds to location d
on the transmission line. Here, the values of Γ(d) and
Z(d) can be read from the chart as before.
Example: Given

ZR = 25 + j 100 Ω with Z0 = 50 Ω
find

Z( d ) and Γ( d ) for d = 0.18λ

© Amanogawa, 2006 - Digital Maestro Series 177
 Transmission Lines

Circle with constant | Γ | 1

0.5 zR
2
ΓR 3
θ=2βd
0.2
= 2 (2π/λ) 0.18 λ
∠ ΓR = 2.262 rad
0 0.2 0.5 1 2 5
= 129.6°

-0.2 θ
Γ(d) = 0.8246 ∠-78.7° Γ (d)
-3
= 0.161 – j 0.809 zn(d)-2= 0.236 – j1.192
-0.5
Z(d) = z(d) × Z0 = 11.79 – j59.6 Ω

-1
z(d)

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 Transmission Lines

Given ΓR and ZR ⇒ Find dmax and dmin

1. Identify on the Smith chart the load reflection coefficient
ΓR or the normalized load impedance ZR .
2. Draw the circle of constant reflection coefficient
amplitude |Γ(d)| =|ΓR|. The circle intersects the real axis
of the reflection coefficient at two points which identify
dmax (when Γ(d) = Real positive) and dmin (when Γ(d) =
Real negative)
3. A commercial Smith chart provides an outer graduation
where the distances normalized to the wavelength can be
read directly. The angles, between the vector ΓR and the
real axis, also provide a way to compute dmax and dmin .
Example: Find dmax and dmin for

ZR = 25 + j 100 Ω ; ZR = 25 − j100Ω (Z0 = 50 Ω )

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 Transmission Lines
ZR = 25 + j 100 Ω ( Z0 = 50 Ω )

Im(ZR) > 0 2β dmax = 50.9°

1 dmax = 0.0707λ

0.5 znR
2
ΓR 3

0.2

∠ ΓR
0 0.2 0.5 1 2 5

-0.2

-3

-2
-0.5

2β dmin = 230.9°
-1 dmin = 0.3207λ

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 Transmission Lines
ZR = 25 − j 100 Ω ( Z0 = 50 Ω )

Im(ZR) < 0 2β dmax = 309.1°

1
dmax = 0.4293 λ

0.5
2
3

0.2

0 0.2 0.5 1 2 5

∠ ΓR
-0.2

ΓR -3

-2
-0.5
znR
2β dmin = 129.1°
dmin = 0.1793 λ -1

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 Transmission Lines

Given ΓR and ZR ⇒ Find the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR)

The Voltage standing Wave Ratio or VSWR is defined as

Vmax 1 + Γ R
VSWR = =
Vmin 1 − Γ R

The normalized impedance at a maximum location of the standing

wave pattern is given by

1 + Γ ( d max ) 1 + Γ R
zn ( d max ) = = = VSWR !!!
1 − Γ ( d max ) 1 − Γ R

This quantity is always real and ≥ 1. The VSWR is simply obtained

on the Smith chart, by reading the value of the (real) normalized
impedance, at the location dmax where Γ is real and positive.

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 Transmission Lines

The graphical step-by-step procedure is:

1. Identify the load reflection coefficient ΓR and the

normalized load impedance ZR on the Smith chart.
2. Draw the circle of constant reflection coefficient
amplitude |Γ(d)| =|ΓR|.
3. Find the intersection of this circle with the real positive
axis for the reflection coefficient (corresponding to the
transmission line location dmax).
4. A circle of constant normalized resistance will also
intersect this point. Read or interpolate the value of the
normalized resistance to determine the VSWR.

Example: Find the VSWR for

ZR1 = 25 + j 100 Ω ; ZR2 = 25 − j100Ω (Z0 = 50 Ω )

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 Transmission Lines

Circle with constant | Γ | 1

zR1
0.5
2
3 Circle of constant
conductance r = 10.4
0.2 ΓR1

0 0.2 0.5 1 2 5

-0.2 ΓR2
z(dmax )=10.4
-3

-2
-0.5

zR2
For both loads
-1
VSWR = 10.4

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 Transmission Lines

Given Z(d) ⇐⇒ Find Y(d)

Note: The normalized impedance and admittance are defined as

1+ Γ(d ) 1− Γ(d )
zn ( d ) = yn ( d ) =
1− Γ(d ) 1+ Γ (d )
Since

 λ
Γ  d +  = −Γ ( d )
 4
 λ
1+ Γ  d + 
 λ  4  1− Γ (d )
⇒ zn  d +  = = = yn ( d )
 4  λ  1+ Γ(d )
1− Γ d + 
 4

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 Transmission Lines

Keep in mind that the equality

 λ
z n  d +  = yn ( d )
 4

is only valid for normalized impedance and admittance. The actual

values are given by

 λ  λ
Z  d +  = Z 0 ⋅ zn  d + 
 4  4
yn ( d )
Y (d ) = Y0 ⋅ yn (d ) =
Z0

where Y0=1 /Z0 is the characteristic admittance of the transmission

line.
The graphical step-by-step procedure is:
© Amanogawa, 2006 - Digital Maestro Series 186
 Transmission Lines

1. Identify the load reflection coefficient ΓR and the

normalized load impedance ZR on the Smith chart.
2. Draw the circle of constant reflection coefficient
amplitude |Γ(d)| =|ΓR|.
3. The normalized admittance is located at a point on the
circle of constant |Γ| which is diametrically opposite to the
normalized impedance.

Example: Given

ZR = 25 + j 100 Ω with Z0 = 50 Ω

find YR .

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 Transmission Lines

Circle with constant | Γ | 1

zn(d) = 0.5 + j 2.0
Z(d) = 25 + j100 [ Ω ]
0.5
2
3

0.2

0 0.2 0.5 1 2 5

θ = 180°
-0.2
= 2β⋅λ/4
-3

-2
-0.5
yn(d) = 0.11765 – j 0.4706
Y(d) = 0.002353 – j 0.009412 [ S ]
zn(d+λ/4)-1 = 0.11765 – j 0.4706
Z(d+λ/4) = 5.8824 – j 23.5294 [ Ω ]

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 Transmission Lines

The Smith chart can be used for line admittances, by shifting the
space reference to the admittance location. After that, one can
move on the chart just reading the numerical values as
representing admittances.

Let’s review the impedance-admittance terminology:

Impedance = Resistance + j Reactance

Z = R + jX
Admittance = Conductance + j Susceptance

Y = G + jB
On the impedance chart, the correct reflection coefficient is always
represented by the vector corresponding to the normalized
impedance. Charts specifically prepared for admittances are
modified to give the correct reflection coefficient in correspondence
of admittance.

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 Transmission Lines

Smith Chart for

Admittances
yn(d) = 0.11765 – j 0.4706

-1
-0.5
Negative
-2
Γ (inductive)
susceptance
-3
-0.2

5 2 1 0.5 0.2 0

0.2
3
Positive
(capacitive)
2 susceptance
0.5
1

zn(d) = 0.5 + 2.0

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 Transmission Lines

Since related impedance and admittance are on opposite sides of

the same Smith chart, the imaginary parts always have different
sign.

Therefore, a positive (inductive) reactance corresponds to a

negative (inductive) susceptance, while a negative (capacitive)
reactance corresponds to a positive (capacitive) susceptance.

Analytically, the normalized impedance and admittance are related

as
1
zn = r + j x yn = g + j b =
r+ jx
r− jx r − jx
yn = = 2
( r + j x )( r − j x ) r + x 2
r x
⇒ g= 2 2
b=− 2
r +x r + x2

© Amanogawa, 2006 - Digital Maestro Series 191