Analytical characteristic impedance determination method for microstrip lines fabricated on printed circuit boards

An analytical method for determining the characteristic impedance of microstrip lines fabricated on printed circuit board technology is presented. The method is based on a rigorous analysis of the equations involved with the coplanar‐waveguide to microstrip transitions composing an actual radio‐frequency test fixture, and allows the simultaneous determination of the characteristic impedance and the dominant pad parasitics. The extracted data agree well with the values expected from time domain data, verifying the validity of the method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2009.