RF/Microwave design: The spacing circle in double stub matching

The Spacing Circle in double stub matching

In double stub matching the two stubs are spaced a predetermined distance away from each other. These distances are typically λ/8, λ/4, 3λ/8, 5λ/8 etc. Knowing what we know about a length of line acting as a transformer, we know that the length of line between the two stubs acts as a transformer. The action of this transformer is to convert the admittance at the position of stub 2 to a different admittance at the position of stub 1. So we start from the position of stub 2.

In order that stub 2 can be finally used to match the line admittance, the real part of the admittance at the position of stub 2, on the line, has to be 1.0 (normalized value). Its susceptance is then jB. jB is the susceptance that is cancelled using stub 2 to ultimately get the matching to the line admittance. The admittance at the position of stub 2, (without the stub) lies on the constant conductance, g = 1 circle. The admittances on the g = 1 circle are all the possible admittances at the stub 2 position for a match to take place.

To reiterate, as a result of these deliberations, that some point of the VSWR circle formed by the position of stub 2, must intersect the g=1 or the unity conductance circle on the Smith Chart.

We also conclude, that the admittance at the position of the first stub, must lie on
a circle of equal radius but having its center rotated (moved to or displaced) by the spacing between the stubs towards the load. Lets call this spacing ‘d’.

This circle is called the spacing circle.

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