Program Overview

SmithMatch is an interactive impedance match network design program for the RF/Microwave engineer. It is very useful in the analysis and synthesis of narrow or broadband impedance match networks. These networks can be either single-ended or of the complex interstage type.

When you enter the SmithMatch Module, you are presented with a detailed Smith Chart on your screen. As a visual aid, one or more VSWR circles may then be added to the chart. Then, using a library of lumped and distributed elements, you can analyze or synthesize an impedance match networks.

In the analysis mode, just enter the element values right from your paper design, or, perhaps, you might want to work thru a design shown in a magazine or textbook.

In the synthesis mode, when you add an element, you'll immediately see what it does; both the chart display and the on-screen tabular data are up-dated. If you like what happened, save the element; if you don't, choose "N," and both the display and tabular data will revert back to what they were.

If you are new to Smith Charts, you'll find that trial and error is a good way to learn your way around!


Special Features

In addition to the SmithMatch Module, a File Utility allows you to create or make modifications to impedance data files. We call these .IMP files, and they are discussed in Appendix C.

Note that Users can, if they wish, use Windows Notepad to edit and/or print .IMP files. However, if you do this, be careful, you cannot change the file format, and you cannot use an editor that adds control characters to the file. You can only use a simple ascii text file editor like NotePad.

A built-in Element Library, (see Appendix A), allows you to create ladder networks using both lumped and distributed elements. This lets you easily analyze networks or synthesize them empirically.

The Startup Utility lets you specify a 'Windows' display setting for a Windows PC -  800 X 600 to 1024 X 768 display settings work well.

Our SmithPlot Utility will then draw a Smith Chart for you to use on your screen. If needed, our Screen Utility will help you make a range of aspect ratio adjustments to get as close to a circular chart as possible.

Finally, the System File lets you check the aspect ratio and other parameters currently in use.

Note: Your screen display will be in a black DOS window. We use color boxes, on occasion, to make the menus and tabular output stand out from the white page background.