The Impedance-Matching Wizard is used to synthesize lumped-element, distributed or mixed lumped/distributed matching networks.

A wizard is provided for setting up the specifications for distributed | microstrip solutions. Pads and connecting lines, as well as parasitic inductance for capacitors and parasitic capacitance for inductors, can be specified for the networks to be synthesized.

Matching problems must be specified in "real-frequency" format (that is, the impedance to be matched must be listed at a number of frequencies over the frequency range of interest with the transducer power gain required). The required data can also be imported from Touchstone^TM "*.s1p" or "*.s2p" files.

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 low-pass 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.

Commensurate (equal line length) and non-commensurate networks can be synthesized. With non-commensurate networks, the line widths are set by the user and the line lengths are used as variables. With commensurate networks, the line lengths are fixed and the widths are used as variables. 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, different lengths can be set for the main-line sections, the open-ended stubs and the short-circuited stubs. When mixed lumped/distributed networks (non-commensurate) are synthesized, pads can be specified for the lumped elements and parasitic inductance can be specified for the capacitors used. 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 final results can be displayed on the screen,  can be printed or can be copied to the clipboard. The relative sensitivity to component changes is also listed when a solution is displayed. Preference should be given to solutions with lower sensitivity factors.

Be equipped with powerful synthesis features without sacrificing flexibility. With the MultiMatch IMW, pads and connecting lines, as well as parasitic inductance for capacitors and parasitic capacitance for inductors, can be specified for the networks to be synthesized. Shunt overlay capacitors and stepped main line sections may also be used. Different types of networks can be synthesized, affording you greater flexibility. The network allowed are:

• Lumped-element networks
• Commensurate distributed/microstrip networks (line lengths specified, widths used as variables)
• Non-commensurate distributed/microstrip networks (line widths specified, lengths used as variables)
• Mixed lumped/distributed networks.

Broadband Impedance Matching. With the MultiMatch IMW, impedance matching targets can be set over any frequency range. Matching networks are synthesized to minimize the gain error over the specified frequency range. A gain target of unity is usually used when the input or output reflection should be low.

Comprehensive export capabilities. If required, the microstrip | stripline circuit designed can be processed further with a general-purpose microwave simulator. To ease the transition, the following export capabilities are provided:

• The impedance-matching problem to be solved can be specified directly (“real-frequency” format) or data can be imported from Touchstone™ .s1p or .s2p files.
•  Microwave Office^TM schematic scripts can be created for most MultiMatch circuits.
• The Multimatch artwork can be exported in DXF or HPGL format. The DXF files can be imported into many EM simulators, including CST^TM and Momentum^TM.
• Multimatch circuits can be exported as Super Compact^TM or Touchstone^TM nodal analysis circuit files.

Overview

The MultiMatch Impedance-Matching Wizard is a Visual C++ 2008 Unicode MFC (Microsoft Foundation Class) Windows^TM application, with a user-friendly interface.

A Windows^TM operating system (Windows XP/Vista^TM/7^TM) is required to run the MultiMatch Impedance-Matching Wizard. Windows 7^TM is recommended for the Impedance-Matching Wizard.

Overview