W-element Field Solvers

Introduction

In connection with the reduction in the size of electronic elements and the increase in operating frequencies, it becomes necessary to transmit signals between the nodes of the circuit using micro strip transmission lines. . Micro strip is similar to strip line transmission line except that the micro strip is not sandwiched, it is on a surface layer, above a ground plane. A strip line circuit uses a flat strip of metal which is sandwiched between two parallel ground planes. The insulating material of the substrate forms a dielectric. The width of the strip, the thickness of the substrate and the relative permittivity of the substrate determine the characteristic impedance of the strip which is a transmission line.  As shown in the diagram, the central conductor need not be equally spaced between the ground planes. In the general case, the dielectric material may be different above and below the central conductor.