Quarter-Wave Transformer
Application ID: 12663
Transmission lines are used when the frequency of the electromagnetic signals is so high that the wave nature of the signals must be taken into account. A consequence of the wave nature is that the signals are reflected if there are abrupt changes of the characteristic impedance along the transmission line. Similarly, the load impedance, Z(L), at the end of the transmission line must match its characteristic impedance, Z(0). Otherwise there will be reflections from the transmission line’s end.
A quarter-wave transformer is a component that can be inserted between the transmission line and the load to match the load impedance to the transmission line’s characteristic impedance. This model exemplifies some of the characteristics of a quarter-wave transformer. In particular, the model simulation shows that the transformer only provides matching for one particular frequency, namely that for which the transformer is a quarter of a wavelength long.
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Specification Chart and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.