Rigorous mathematical simulation of microstrip-like lines

The method of vector integral equations for partial overlapping regions is presented for the rigorous analysis of microstrip-like transmission lines. A general approach for a multiconductor microstrip structure is verified for a number of transmission lines, including ridge, traditional, and buried microstrip lines as well as coplanar waveguide and slot microstrip line. Numerical results for dispersion characteristics are obtained for dominant, E/sub n/-even-H/sub n/-odd, and E/sub n/-odd-H/sub n/-even higher order modes for different thickness and width of strips. It is shown that an increase of strip thickness causes increased coupling of E/sub n/-even-H/sub n/-odd modes in ridge structures and decreased coupling of E/sub n/-odd-H/sub n/-even modes in buried structures. Changes in strip width lead to significant changes of E/sub n/-odd-H/sub n/-even modes.