Interactive "visual" design of matching and compensation networks for microwave active circuits

A new interactive "visual" technique is presented for designing lossless two-port matching and passive two-terminal compensation networks used in different RF and microwave active circuits. It relies on a visual representation of design process. The technique allows the user to select a suitable network configuration and to directly control all the network elements for successful fabrication. Lumped, distributed noncommensurate-line and mixed (lumped-distributed) networks of moderate complexity can be designed. The approach is implemented in the software tool LOCUS, offering a simple and fast means to produce solutions without the need for complicated circuit theory and mathematics.