EE2025 Engineering Electromagnetics: July-Nov 2019

Tutorial 1: Transmission Lines

Note : All transmission lines can be assumed to be lossless, unless mentioned otherwise.

1. Sinusoidally varying voltages and currents can in general be represented as V cos(ωt + ψ) and
I cos(ωt + φ), where V, I are real. These can also be written in phasor notation as Re[V ejψ ejωt ]
and Re[Iejφ ejωt ]: we now call the terms accompanying ejωt as the phasors corresponding to
the voltage and current respectively (i.e. V ejψ and Iejφ ). Note that phasors are always time
independent. Find an expression for the average power (over a cycle) in terms of these phasors.

Solution: Let the voltage be represented as v(t) = V cos(ωt + ψ), and current as i(t) =
I cos(ωt + φ), where V, I are real numbers. Note that these are very general expressions. The
instantaneous power is then p(t) = v(t) i(t) = V I cos(ωt + ψ) cos(ωt + φ). The average power
RT RT
over a cycle then becomes P = 0 p(t)dt/T = V I 0 21 (cos(2ωt + ψ + φ) + cos(ψ − φ)) dt/T .
Since cos(2ωt) integrates out to zero over a period, we get P = 12 V I cos(ψ − φ). We want to
express all of this in terms of phasors now.
It is easy to see that we can also write the above as v(t) = Re[V ejψ ejωt ] and i(t) = Re[Iejφ ejωt ],
and so the corresponding phasors are Ṽ = V ejψ and I˜ = Iejφ and the expression for average
power becomes in terms of phasors becomes P = 21 Re[Ṽ I˜∗ ]. You can check that no other
combination works.

2. The length of a microstrip trace line connecting two components on a chip is 50 cm. A sinusoidal
signal of frequency 1 GHz is supplied to the trace at one end. Assuming the velocity of propagation
of the signal is 2 × 108 m/sec and there are no reflections,

1. Calculate the time taken by the signal to reach the other end of the trace.
2. What is the phase difference between the signal at the two ends of the trace ?

Solution: Given details l = 50 cm, f = 1 GHz and v = 2 × 108 m/sec

50×10−2
1. Transit time tr = l/v = 2×108
= 2.5ns

2. additional phase

ωl 2π × 109 × 50 × 10−2
φ = βl = = = 5π rad
v 2 × 108

3. Using the concepts of electrostatics, find the capacitance per unit length, C of

1. parallel wire line, with each wire of radius a and separated by a distance 2d, where a << 2d.
2. coaxial cable of inner radius a and outer radius b.

Solution:

1. Parallel wire line :

A two wire transmission line is shown in figure. 1a
Suppose d > a. A charge q + is induced on conductor A and q − is induced on conductor
B (per unit length) by a voltage source. The potential in the region between the wires
is the sum of the potential due to individual wires.
 (a)

(b)

Figure 1: (a)Two wire transmission line. a << d. (b) Coaxial transmission line with inner radius a
and outer radius b and length l

Z d
q q d
VA = dr = ln( )
a 2πr 2π a

a
−q −q
Z
a
VB = dr = ln( )
d 2πr 2π d

q d −q a q d
V = VA + VB = ln( ) + ln( ) = ln( )
2π a 2π d π a

Capacitance per unit length, C = q/V

π
C=
ln( ad )

2. Coaxial cable :
Electric field in the dielectric between the inner and outer conductor in a coaxial line as
shown in Figure. 1b is given by
ρl
E= aˆr
2πr
where ρL is the charge per unit length and r is the perpendicular distance from the
conductor. If the axis of of the cylinder is z axis, potential difference between the
conductors,
Z a
ρl ρl b Q 1 b
V =− dr = ln( ) = ln( )
b 2πr 2π a l 2π a

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 Capacitance, C is,

Q 2πl
C= =
V ln( ab )

Capacitance per unit length is,

2π
C=
ln( ab )

4. You are required to buy a cable from an electronics shop to connect your dish antenna to your set
top box and your set top box to your TV.

1. Write the name of the cable you would buy.

2. Upto what length do you think you can use this cable, in the lumped circuit model and why
?

Solution:

1. co-axial cable

2. We choose the length of the cable such that the product of transit time tr and frequency
of operation f is < 0.1. Table. 1, shows the frequency bands and their corresponding
frequency range of the signals, received by the dish antenna.
Considering the largest frequency f = 806 MHz, for the calculations
lf
tr f < 0.1 ⇒ < 0.1 ⇒ l < 1.24 × 10−10 v
v
For v = 2 × 108 m/sec, the length of the cable required is l = 24.8 mm. For any length
> 24.8 mm, at the chosen frequency of operation the cable behaves like a transmission
line.

Frequency Band RF Channels Frequency (MHz)

Very high frequency-Low 2−6 54 − 88
Very high frequency-High 7 − 13 174 − 216
Ultra high frequency 14 − 69 470 − 806

Table 1: Frequency bands in television

5. A transmission line with characteristic impedance Z0 = 50 - j5 Ω and propagation constant γ =

0.2 + j2.5 /m is connected to a load impedance of 100 + j50 Ω. Find

1. Reflection coefficient of the line at the load end.

2. Reflection coefficient of the line 5m from the load.

Solution:

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 1. Reflection coefficient of the line at the load end,

ZL − Z0 (100 + j50) − (50 − j5) 50 + j55

ΓL = = = = (0.4067 + j0.2446)
ZL + Z0 (100 + j50) + (50 − j5) 100 + j45
.

2. Reflection coefficient of the line 5m from the load,

Γ(l) = ΓL e−2γl = (0.4067 + j0.2446) e−2(0.2+j2.5)(5) = (0.4067 + j0.2446) e−2 e−j25

= (0.0501 + j0.0399)
.

6. (a) Show that the impedance along the line will lie between Z0 /ρ and Z0 ρ, where ρ is the VSWR.
(b)A 300 Ω transmission line is connected to a circuit with an input impedance of 75+j35 Ω. Find
1. ρ
2. Maximum impedance seen on the line
3. Minimum impedance seen on the line

Solution: (a) The impedance at any point on the loss-less transmission line is given by,

1 + ΓL e−j2βl
 
V (l)
Z(l) = = Z0
I(l) 1 − ΓL e−j2βl

The extreme values are obtained by exponential giving values 1 and -1.
 
Vmax 1 + |ΓL |
[Z(l)]max = = Z0 = Z0 ρ
Imin 1 − |ΓL |
 
Vmin 1 − |ΓL |
[Z(l)]min = = Z0 = Z0 /ρ
Imax 1 + |ΓL |

(b) Given, Z0 = 300Ω , ZL = 75 + j35Ω

Reflection co-efficient,
ZL − Z0 75 + j35 − 300
ΓL = = = 0.6046∠14.1739
ZL + Z0 75 + j35 + 300

1. VSWR of the line

Vmax 1 + |ΓL | 1 + 0.6046
ρ= = = = 4.058
Vmin 1 − |ΓL | 1 − 0.6046

2. Maximum impedance seen on the line =

ρZ0 = 4.058 ∗ 300Ω = 1.2174kΩ

3. Minimum impedance seen on the line =

Z0 300
= = 73.928Ω
ρ 4.058

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7. An RG-59U coaxial cable has a loss of 10 dB per 100 ft of length. A 10 V - 3 A signal is generated
using a function generator and connected to one end of the 50 ft long cable. On the other side,
the cable is impedance matched to a set top box unit. Find the power delivered to the load.

Solution: Given,
Voltage at source end, Vs = 10 V.
Current at source end, Is =3 A.
The load end of the coaxial cable is impedance matched.
Loss coefficient of the coaxial cable = 10 dB per 100 ft.
50
Total loss in 50 ft long coaxial cable = 10( 100 ) = 5 dB.
Then,
Voltage at load end:
5
−20log( VVsl ) = 5 ⇒ Vl = 10 × 10−( 20 ) = 5.62 V.
Current at load end:
5
−20log( IIsl ) = 5 ⇒ Il = 3 × 10−( 20 ) = 1.69 A.
Power delivered to the load = 12 5.62 × 1.69 = 4.75 W.

8. According to the maximum power transfer theorem, maximum time averaged power is transferred
from a source with internal impedance Zg to a load, ZL when Zg = ZL∗ . A 50 MHz generator
with an internal impedance (Zg ) of 50 Ω is connected to an impedance 50−j25 Ω. How would
you ensure maximum power transfer in this case using a lossless transmission line of characteristic
impedance 100 Ω, and what should be the minimum length of the transmission line element ?
Assume v = 2 × 108 m/s as wave velocity.

Figure 2: Impedance matching using a transmission line of length l

Solution: Impedance matching can be achieved by inserting a transmission line of length l

such that the impedance seen at the input end, Zin is equal to Zg as shown in Figure. 2
i.e.
ZL + jZo tan(βl)
Zin = Zo = 50 Ω
Zo + jZL tan(βl)

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 Figure 3: Impedance matching using a short circuited stub of length l and its equivalent circuit

Given, Zo = 100 Ω, ZL = 50−j25 Ω

Zin ZL + jZo tan(βl) 50 1

= = =
Zo Zo + jZL tan(βl) 100 2

2ZL + 2jZo tan(βl) = Zo + jZL tan(βl)

100 − j50 + 200jtan(βl) = 100 + j(50 − j25)tan(βl)

−j50 + j150tan(βl) = 25tan(βl)

Equating real parts, we get

tan(βl) = 0, Or βl = nπ ⇒ l = λ /2 ; since β = 2π/λ
Equating imaginary parts, we get,
tan(βl) = 1/3 ⇒ l = 0.051λ
Here, both the solutions should be compatible. i.e., the length of the transmission line should
be such that both conditions are satisfied. Since it is not satisfying, we can not implement
impedance matching in this method. Another method is to connect a short circuited stub in
between the source and load as shown in Figure. 3. Here,

Zstub = Zsc = jZo tan(βl)

This Zstub is in series with ZL . Now the input impedance as seen by the source is the sum of
the stub and load impedance. i.e.
Zin = Zstub + ZL
For impedance matching, Zin = Zstub + ZL = 50 Ω
jZo tan(βl) + 50 - j25 = 50
jZo tan(βl) = j25 ⇒ 100tan(βl) = 25
βl = tan−1 (1/4) ⇒ βl = 0.245
l = 0.04λ

9. On a 50 Ω BNC cable line, the reflection co-efficient is measured at the load end to be 0.7∠30. If
the propagation constant of the line is 20∠89 /m , find the impedance seen on the transmission
line at a distance of 4 m from the load. (Note : BNC is a very popular type of coaxial cable used

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 for frequencies even up to 4 GHz)

Solution:
The reflection co-efficient of the line at the load end Γl = 0.7∠30 = 0.6062 +j0.35
Z0 = 50 Ω
As we know,

ZL − Z0
Γl =
ZL + Z0
   
1 + Γl 1 + 0.6062 + j0.35
ZL = Z0 = 50 ' 156∠54Ω = 91.6945 + j126.2066Ω
1 − Γl 1 − 0.6062 − j0.35

Above figure shows the equivalent circuit diagram for input impedance at a distance of 4m
from the load end.
Input impedance at any given distance l from the load is given by the following expression,
 
ZL + Zo tanh(γl)
Zin = Zo
Zo + ZL tanh(γl)
γ= 80∠89 /m
l = 4m
γl = 1.3962+j79.9878
From the expansion of
sinh(2x) + sin(2y)
tanh(x + ijy) =
cosh(2x) + cos(2y)
we get, tanh(1.3962+j79.9878) = 1.1211+j0.0472
 
91.6945 + j126.2066 + 56.055 + j2.36
Zin = 50 = (47.2216 − j3.1166)Ω
50 + 96.8424 + j145.8121

10. Calculate the average power dissipated by each resistor in the circuit shown in Fig. 4.

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 Figure 4

Solution: The circuit is equivalent

Zef f =input impedance of the transmission line terminated in 25Ω = 50( 25+j50tan(360×2.6)
50+j25tan(360×2.6) )
= 22.3186-j7.3812Ω
22.3186−j7.3812
The current through the 100Ω resistor = I1 = 0.5( 100+22.3186−j7.3812 ) = 0.0927-j0.02458A
1 2
Thus average power dissipated in 100Ω = P100 = 2 |I1 | x 100 =0.399W
The voltage across the current source = voltage across 100Ω = I1 x 100 = 9.27-j2.458
Average Power dissipated in source = Ps = 21 Re[Vs Is∗ ] = 9.27x0.5 =4.635W
Thus power dissipated in Zef f = Ps - P100 = 4.236W

11. Given the system in ( Fig. 5 ) is operating with λ = 100cm and Z0 = 300Ω. If d1 = 10cm,
d = 25cm, and the system is matched to 300 Ω, find ZL ?

Figure 5

Solution: The equivalent circuit is

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 2π
Z1 = impedance of the stub = impedance of a 10cm line shorted = jZ0 tan(βd1 ) = j300tan( 100 10)
Z1 Z2 Z1 Z0
= j217.963 Z0 = Z1 ||Z2 = Z1 +Z2 and hence Z2 = Z1 −Z0 = 103.64-j142.658Ω
But Z2 = input impedance of line terminated in ZL = Z0 ( Z L +jZ0 tan(βd)
Z0 +jZL tan(βd) )
2 −jZ0 tan(βd)
Thus ZL = Z0 ( Z
Z0 −jZ2 tan(βd) ) = 300 + j412.91Ω

12. The two-wire lines shown in Fig. 6 are all lossless and have Z0 = 200Ω. Find the possible values
of d and d1 to provide a matched load if λ = 100cm. (Note that the un-shaded and shaded
conductor are both parts of the same transmission line, for example they can be the inner and
outer conductor of a coaxial cable.)

Figure 6

Solution:
The equivalent circuit is as in Fig 12

[h]

Z1 = impedance of line shorted = jZ0 tan(βd1 )

ZL +jZ0 tan(βd)
Z2 = input impedance of line terminated in 100Ω = Z0 ( Z0 +jZL tan(βd)
)
ZL +jZ0 tan(βd)
Thus Z0 = jZ0 tan(βd1 ) + Z0 ( Z 0 +jZL tan(βd)
)
Equating real and imaginary parts of both sides:

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 ZL Z0 (1+tan2 (βd))
1= Z02 +ZL2 tan2 (βd)

(Z 2 −Z 2 )tan(βd)
tan(βd1 ) = Z 2L+Z 20tan2 (βd)
0 L
q √
tan(βd) = ± ZZL0 = ± 2
d = 871.144 cmq q √ q
tan(βd1 ) = ∓( ZZL0 − ZZL0 ) = ∓( 2 − 12 )
d1 = 561.25 cm

13. Approximate distributed circuit models of (lossless) a lossless transmission operating in high fre-
quency modes is shown in Fig. 7. Note that L has units H ·m, C has units F ·m, L0 has units H/m
and C0 has units F/m. Obtain expressions for the propagation constant β and the characteristic
impedance Z0 of the line for both circuits at frequency ω.

Figure 7

Solution: Assuming initial voltage across capacitors and current in inductors is zero, after
taking Fourier transform of time domain equation we get, differential equation of voltage and
current for lossless transmission line as
∂ 2 V (z, ω) ∂ 2 I(z, ω)
2
= β 2 V (z, ω)and = β 2 I(z, ω)
∂z ∂z 2
1.
∆z
V (z, ω) = jωL0 ∆zI(z, ω) + + V (z + ∆z, ω)
jωC

(V (z + ∆z, ω) − V (z, ω)) 1

− = jωL0 I(z, ω) +
∆z jωC

∂V (z, ω) 1
− = jωL0 I(z, ω) +
∂z jωC

1 I(z, ω) − I(z + ∆z, ω)

V (z + ∆z, ω) = .
jωC0 ∆z

∂I(z, ω)
= −jωC0 V (z, ω)
∂z

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 Second derivative of voltage differential equation gives

∂ 2 V (z, ω) 1
2
= ω 2 L0 C0 (1 − )V (z, ω) = β 2 V (z, ω).
∂z L0 ω 2 C
characteristic impedance

s
V (z, ω) β L0
Z0 (ω) = = = ( )
I(z, ω) ωC0 C0 (1 − Cω12 L0 )

2.

V (z, ω) = jωL0 ∆zI(z, ω) + V (z + ∆z, ω)

(V (z + ∆z, ω) − V (z, ω))

− = jωL0 I(z, ω)
∆z

∂V (z, ω)
− = jωL0 I(z, ω)
∂z

jωL 1
∆z jωC0 ∆z
V (z + ∆z, ω) = jωL 1
(I(z, ω) − I(z + ∆z, ω))
∆z + jωC0 ∆z

∂I(z, ω) 1 − ω 2 LC0
=− V (z, ω)
∂z ωL
Second derivative of voltage differential equation gives

∂ 2 V (z, ω) 1
2
= ω 2 L0 C0 (1 − )V (z, ω) = β 2 V (z, ω).
∂z Lω 2 C0
characteristic impedance
s
V (z, ω) ωL0 L0
Z0 (ω) = = = ( )
I(z, ω) β C0 (1 − Lω12 C0 )

14. For the transmission line represented in Fig. 8, calculate the potential developed across the 80Ω
resistor for (a) f = 60Hz, (b) f = 1M Hz, (c) Repeat part (a) with length 107 m instead of 80m.

Figure 8

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Solution:
v 2c
λ= =
f 3f
2π 3πf
β= =
λ c
ZL − Zo 80 − 50 3
ΓL = = =
ZL − Zo 80 + 50 13
Voltage at any point a distance z from the source on a lossless transmission line is given by,

V (z) = V+ (ejβz + ΓL e−jβz )

At z = 0, at the source V (0) = 120 V , substituting the same,

V (0) = V+ (1 + ΓL )
120
V+ = 3 = 97.5 V
(1 + 13 )

Voltage across the load VL is given by substituting z = l in the voltage equation,

3 −jβl
VL = 97.5(ejβl + e )
13
3πf l 3 3πf l
VL = 97.5(ej c + e−j c )
13
With f = 60 Hz and l = 80 m,
3
VL ≈ 97.5(1 + ) = 120∠0o V
13
Length of line << wavelength of voltage wave

With f = 1 M Hz and l = 80 m,
3 −j0.8π
VL = 97.5(ej0.8π + e )
13
VL = 97.5(−0.9957 + 0.4521j)
VL = 106.622∠2.715o V

With f = 60 Hz and l = 107 m,

3 −j6π
VL = 97.5(ej6π + e )
13
3
VL = 97.5(1 + ) = 120∠0o V
13
Length of line multiple of wavelength of voltage wave

With f = 1 M Hz and l = 107 m,

3 −j105 π
5π
VL = 97.5(ej10 e + )
13
VL = 120∠0o V
Length of line multiple of wavelength of voltage wave

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