Tutorial

T-Network Impedance Matching Design

T-network (series-shunt-series) impedance matching design: choose Q, calculate three element values, verify bandwidth, and compare with Pi-network alternative.

T-Network Topology

  Port 1 ── L₁ ── Node ── L₂ ── Port 2
                   │
                   C (shunt)
                   │
                  GND

  T-network: series-shunt-series = L₁, C (shunt), L₂
  Provides high-impedance virtual node → good for bandpass behavior
  Q can be set independently of impedance ratio (like Pi)

Design Equations

  Given: Z_source = 50Ω, Z_load = 50Ω, design Q = 3 (bandpass)
  (Note: T-network can match equal impedances with nonzero Q → bandpass filter behavior)
  
  Virtual resistance R_v at node: R_v = Z_source × (1 + Q²) = 50 × 10 = 500Ω
  
  Left side (Z_source to R_v):
    X_series_L1 = Q × Z_source = 3 × 50 = 150Ω → L₁ = 150/(2π×900MHz) = 26.5nH
    X_shunt = R_v / Q = 500/3 = 166.7Ω (half, shunted) → actual C depends on both sides
  
  Shunt element C (at node):
    X_C = Z_source × (1 + Q²) / Q = 50 × 10/3 = 166.7Ω → C = 1/(2π×900MHz×166.7) = 1.06pF
  
  Right side (R_v to Z_load):
    X_series_L2 = Q × Z_load = 150Ω (same as L₁ for equal impedances)
    → L₂ = 26.5 nH

T-Network vs Pi-Network Choice

CriteriaChoose T-NetworkChoose Pi-Network
Source/load impedanceHigh source impedanceLow source impedance
LayoutSeries elements easier to placeShunt elements easier to ground
Harmonic suppressionModerateBetter (shunt elements at both ends)
RF View: Auto Match can synthesize T-networks as an option. Build manually in Circuit Simulator: Series L₁ → Shunt C → Series L₂. Verify S11 and BW. Free on Android.

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