The Multimatch Impedance-Matching Wizard (document type .mmi) can be used to synthesize lumped-element,  distributed or mixed lumped/distributed matching networks. Commensurate (equal line length) and non-commensurate networks can be synthesized. When non-commensurate networks are designed, the line widths are set by the user. The line lengths are fixed when commensurate networks are synthesized. When commensurate networks are synthesized, different lengths can be set for the main-line sections, the open-ended stubs and the short-circuited stubs. Connecting lines can be added in both cases to the input and the output ports to ensure that all the networks synthesized will effectively start and end with series elements. The option to terminate any short-circuited stubs used with single hole vias or by using  inductors (bond wires) is also provided in both cases. 

When commensurate networks are synthesized, the lowest and highest characteristic impedances allowable and the length of the commensurate lines must be specified (variable characteristic impedances, fixed line lengths). Similar to the line lengths, different constraints can be imposed on the characteristic impedances of the main-line sections and the open-ended and short-circuited stubs. The length option can be used to force the lengths of any stubs used to be electrically short. The stub impedance/susceptance will approximate that of the equivalent lumped component closely if this is done. This opens the possibility of replacing the stubs required in the synthesized solutions with lumped components or with stubs of different width or length.

When non-commensurate distributed solutions are synthesized, fixed characteristic impedances or line widths are used for the distributed solutions (variable line lengths). As mentioned above, the characteristic impedances | lines widths to be used must be specified by the user (In general, the characteristic impedance used for the main-line sections and the short-circuit stubs should be high, and that for the open-ended stubs should be low). The characteristic impedance of the main-line sections can be different from that of the shorted stubs and the open-ended stubs. The widths of the main-line sections can be also be tapered. The line lengths are used as variables, but the lengths of the different main-line sections can be constrained. The minimum length must be long enough to provide the physical separation required to prevent overlap and to prevent coupling between the stubs. When a microstrip solution is required, a rendering of the line widths and the minimum length of the main-line sections is displayed graphically for verification purposes. The electrical parameters associated with the width and length specifications, and the associated T-junctions, are also calculated and can be displayed.

When mixed lumped/distributed networks (non-commensurate) are synthesized, the distributed synthesis approach is followed too, but the line lengths are reduced by using inductors and/or capacitors when the required values are within the constraints specified. The options to reduce the lengths of open-ended stubs and/or shorted stubs and/or the main-line sections are provided. Options are also provided to replace any shunt capacitors required with overlay capacitors, or any open-ended stubs required with stepped transmission-line sections. The stepped transmission-line option is useful when matching networks for power amplifiers are synthesized. Pads can also be specified for the lumped components used in distributed solutions. An extra connecting line can also be specified for stubs (This option can be used to separate the shunt component pad from the main-line junction, mainly for solder reflow purposes). A rendering of the pad sizes specified is also displayed graphically for verification purposes.

When mixed lumped/distributed networks (non-commensurate) are synthesized, pads can be specified for the lumped elements. Parasitic inductance can also be specified for the capacitors used.

Each matching problem must be specified in real-frequency format. Data can also be imported from "*.s1p" or "*.s2p" files. A wide range of amplifier matching problems can also be set up automatically in the Amplifier Design Wizard.

A wizard is provided for setting up the specifications for distributed | microstrip solutions.

Solutions to the matching problem defined are synthesized by doing synthesis-based systematic searches, followed by finer searches and then optimization of the best solutions found.  The systematic search can be done globally over the different topologies or can be restricted to lowpass or high-pass topologies, or topologies without any series capacitors or without any shunt inductors. The option to use topologies suitable for inter-stage biasing (four or more element are required in this case) is also provided. These constraints are only active during the search phase.

The solutions synthesized can be displayed on the screen, can be printed or can be copied to the clipboard. The terminations presented by the matching network selected can also be displayed graphically. A worst-case tolerance analysis can also be done on the solutions synthesized.

The solution selected can be exported as a MultiMatch circuit file, in Touchstone^TM netlist format, Super Compact^TM netlist format, DXF format (artwork) and HPGL format (artwork). Microwave Office^TM scripts can also be created for the solutions synthesized.