Characteristic impedance determination using propagation constant measurement

A method by which the characteristic impedance of transmission lines may be easily determined from a measurement of the propagation constant is demonstrated. The method is based on a rigorous analysis using realistic approximations to account for the effects of imperfect conductors. Numerical studies which indicate that high accuracy is possible are discussed. Experiments using a coplanar waveguide which demonstrate a significant improvement in the measurement of S-parameters are described.>