Radio-frequency transmission line engineering

In the development of a transmission line, the engineer attempts to establish a criterion for minimum attenuation; minimum discontinuities, or minimum VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio); maximum power handling capability; maximum frequency range; ease of manufacture; and the ability to attach connectors having consistent and reliable electrical and mechanical qualities. This paper will discuss the development of a semi-flexible, semisolid dielectric coaxial transmission line and its associated connectors, with particular reference to obtaining minimum discontinuities. A cycling method of measurement is used to ensure complete frequency coverage as well as to distinguish discontinuities between connectors and those inherent in the coaxial transmission line. The first part of the paper will consider the general aspects of the coaxial transmission line and its associated connectors; the second part will discuss a specific consideration of the problem of analyzing cycling traces in determining over-all discontinuity effects.