How to extract distributed circuit parameters from the scattering parameters of a transmission line

Published

January 15, 2018

Author(s)

Nathan D. Orloff, Jasper A. Drisko, Angela C. Stelson, Charles A. Little, James C. Booth, Jordi Mateu, Christian J. Long

Abstract

Distributed circuit parameters parameterize the transmission and reflection off a given transmission line in terms of a distributed resistance, inductance, capacitance, and conductance, which are per unit length frequency dependent quantities. While there are analytical models for extracting the distributed circuit parameters, these models are discontinuous as a function of frequency when the phases of the transmission or reflection approach π or -π. Here, we develop a nonlinear least-square regression algorithm that accurately extracts the distributed circuit parameters. Compared to existing approaches and finite element models, our algorithm successfully extracts the distributed circuit parameters as a function of frequency; all while being less sensitive to these phase conditions. Such an algorithm is useful for understanding how to deembed transmission lines, and how to extract electrical properties of the materials used in a circuit.

Conference Dates

November 28-December 1, 2017

Conference Location

Boulder, CO

Conference Title

90th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Conference

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

transmission line, fitting, distributed circuit parameters, S-parameters.

Citation

Orloff, N. , Drisko, J. , Stelson, A. , Little, C. , Booth, J. , Mateu, J. and Long, C. (2018), How to extract distributed circuit parameters from the scattering parameters of a transmission line, 90th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Conference, Boulder, CO, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=924664 (Accessed October 22, 2025)