Characterization of radiation loss from microstrip discontinuities using a multiport network modeling approach

A convenient method for evaluating radiation loss from microstrip discontinuities is presented. A planar multiport network model of the discontinuity configuration and the segmentation method are used to evaluate the voltage distribution around the edges of the discontinuity. This voltage distribution is expressed as an equivalent magnetic current line source distribution which is used to calculate the far-zone field (for radiation loss). As an example, the results show that for a 90° bend in a 50-Ω line on a 10-mil-thick substrate with ε_r =2.2, the radiation loss is 0.1 dB at 30 GHz. Typical power levels radiated by several other discontinuities are reported. The analysis model was verified experimentally by fabricating microstrip resonators with discontinuities incorporated therein and measuring the Q factors of these resonators