Improving Computer-Aided Design Accuracy with Planar Analysis Models of Junctions and Discontinuities

Conventional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs for stripline and rnicrostrip circuit design have only a few circuit models for junctions and discontinuities, and these are not accurate at frequencies and geometries where the junctions are distributed rather than lumped. Planar analysis can be used to study moderately complex junction and circuit shapes composed of distributed elements and the resulting S-parameters used by other programs in further analysis. This paper describes the procedure for performing a planar analysis, assuming that a computer program is available. This procedure is applied to the designs of an equal split power divider and a compensated ring hybrid as exarnples. The results are compared with designs made with lumped element junctions and with measured data. It is shown that plannar analysis can produce a more accurate circuit design in less time than previous methods, and that the calculated performance predictions are more accurate than current measurement practice can achieve.