Computer-Aided Design of Electrodynamical Delay Lines

Electrodynamical delay lines used in signal paths must ensure necessary delay time and minimal distortions of propagating signals. In order to avoid phase-frequency distortions, variation of delay time must be small in the pass-band of the signal path. This chapter considers the principles of computer-aided design of wide-band meander and helical delay lines. Computer-aided design allows engineers to create detailed designs with maximum efficiency and minimal cost. Computer-aided design is followed by manufacturing and experimental investigation of delay line samples. Information about the potentiality of the technological processes that can be used for manufacturing of the delay lines must be taken into account in the design. Information about necessary electrical parameters and characteristics of the delay line must be entered at the beginning of the design process. The input impedance of the microstrip delay line depends on the thickness of the substrate width of the meander strips, and width of gaps among the meander and shielding strips.