microwave software®
Introduction to SmithMatch®
"We do Smith Charts - nicely!"
FACT:
Did you know that classic papers by Phillip H. Smith, (referenced below), mark a major milestone in the design of complex impedance matching networks?
What Smith did was to create a chart, aptly called a "Smith Chart," to map the impedance plane onto the reflection coefficient plane. In plain language, he gave us visual insight into what had been, up till then, just obscure mathematical manipulation. With Smith's Chart you could actually see a complex network take form as you added elements, one at a time, until the final goal was achieved.
Back in those days his chart was used manually, and although it took time, (and some getting used to), the visual insight into complex impedance matching problems provided by the Smith Chart quickly made knowledge of its use a required skill for all microwave professionals. What was true then is still true now. The Smith Chart has been re-discovered by designers of high speed computer chips and young RF/Microwave engineers!
We did something that would make old Phil smile! We computerized his chart! In his honor, we call our program SmithMatch. It gives you real visual insight! We put everything on-screen for you, a nice clearly labeled chart, a tabular display of frequency, impedance, and VSWR data, and even the circuit file you're designing! Then, we give you a library of lumped and distributed elements, and useful time saving macro commands. The net result is match network design simplified!
QUESTION:
Why isn't SmithMatch in your tool box? At only $29.50, its a steal! It will earn its keep by letting you see what you are doing! All prices are in USD, and for a single-user license.
2. P.H. Smith, "An Improved
Transmission Line Calculator," Electronics, Vol.
17, No. 1, January 1944, pp. 130-133,
318-325.
SIMULATED SCREEN DISPLAY:
The simulated screen display shows a plot of a series RC network. It is a first order approximation to the input impedance of a GaAs FET over the range of 8-18 GHz. The small circle at one end of the plot, (in the 3rd quadrant of the screen), marks the low end frequency of 8 GHz. As a design aid, we've added a VSWR = 2 circle. The line at the very bottom of the simulated display that reads "Ckt.\Load" shows that we are looking at a load impedance file named "VENDELIN." When you add elements, (using the Element Library), and the match network begins to take form, this line will grow towards the right, and you'll see each element in the current network along with its value.
MACRO COMMANDS:
In addition to an Element Library, there is a File Utility to help you enter and edit load impedance data, and, when you run SmithMatch, there are several on-screen commands to make life easier. You can refresh the screen, add VSWR circles, save data, etc. We've done everything possible to make this a good low cost design tool!
EASE OF USE:
This program is menu driven and very simple to use. The User Manual is clearly written, (you can READ IT on-line), and tutorial in nature. If you are rusty, and need a quick refresher course in how to use a Smith Chart, our examples will help you!
MATERIAL INCLUDED:
The program, and its support files, can be downloaded, by you, direct from our server. The User Manual for SmithMatch is available on-line. You can view it or print it out at your leisure. By having an on-line manual, you're assured that you will get any typo error corrections or tips instantly! Your manual will never be "out of date." You may view the User Manual for SmithMatch by clicking on the link below:
ORDERING INFORMATION:
SmithMatch is priced at $29.50. To place an order, please visit our Order Info page. All prices are in USD, and for a single-user license.
NOTE:
Our software is for use on Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Me, NT, 2000, and XP PC's, where the programs run in a DOS window.
Did you know that classic papers by Phillip H. Smith, (referenced below), mark a major milestone in the design of complex impedance matching networks?
What Smith did was to create a chart, aptly called a "Smith Chart," to map the impedance plane onto the reflection coefficient plane. In plain language, he gave us visual insight into what had been, up till then, just obscure mathematical manipulation. With Smith's Chart you could actually see a complex network take form as you added elements, one at a time, until the final goal was achieved.
Back in those days his chart was used manually, and although it took time, (and some getting used to), the visual insight into complex impedance matching problems provided by the Smith Chart quickly made knowledge of its use a required skill for all microwave professionals. What was true then is still true now. The Smith Chart has been re-discovered by designers of high speed computer chips and young RF/Microwave engineers!
We did something that would make old Phil smile! We computerized his chart! In his honor, we call our program SmithMatch. It gives you real visual insight! We put everything on-screen for you, a nice clearly labeled chart, a tabular display of frequency, impedance, and VSWR data, and even the circuit file you're designing! Then, we give you a library of lumped and distributed elements, and useful time saving macro commands. The net result is match network design simplified!
QUESTION:
Why isn't SmithMatch in your tool box? At only $29.50, its a steal! It will earn its keep by letting you see what you are doing! All prices are in USD, and for a single-user license.
.
1. P.H. Smith, "Transmission Line
Calculator," Electronics, Vol. 12, January 1939,
pg. 29.
SIMULATED SCREEN DISPLAY:
The simulated screen display shows a plot of a series RC network. It is a first order approximation to the input impedance of a GaAs FET over the range of 8-18 GHz. The small circle at one end of the plot, (in the 3rd quadrant of the screen), marks the low end frequency of 8 GHz. As a design aid, we've added a VSWR = 2 circle. The line at the very bottom of the simulated display that reads "Ckt.\Load" shows that we are looking at a load impedance file named "VENDELIN." When you add elements, (using the Element Library), and the match network begins to take form, this line will grow towards the right, and you'll see each element in the current network along with its value.
MACRO COMMANDS:
In addition to an Element Library, there is a File Utility to help you enter and edit load impedance data, and, when you run SmithMatch, there are several on-screen commands to make life easier. You can refresh the screen, add VSWR circles, save data, etc. We've done everything possible to make this a good low cost design tool!
EASE OF USE:
This program is menu driven and very simple to use. The User Manual is clearly written, (you can READ IT on-line), and tutorial in nature. If you are rusty, and need a quick refresher course in how to use a Smith Chart, our examples will help you!
MATERIAL INCLUDED:
The program, and its support files, can be downloaded, by you, direct from our server. The User Manual for SmithMatch is available on-line. You can view it or print it out at your leisure. By having an on-line manual, you're assured that you will get any typo error corrections or tips instantly! Your manual will never be "out of date." You may view the User Manual for SmithMatch by clicking on the link below:
ORDERING INFORMATION:
SmithMatch is priced at $29.50. To place an order, please visit our Order Info page. All prices are in USD, and for a single-user license.
NOTE:
Our software is for use on Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Me, NT, 2000, and XP PC's, where the programs run in a DOS window.