EE201 - Introduction to the Smith Chart

The Smith chart, invented by Phillip H. Smith, is a graphical tool used to perform certain calculations in RF and microwave engineering. This is the first course in a series of courses on the Smith chart. This introductory course will show how to plot points, read information, and perform simple transmission line calculations using the Smith chart.

The course outline is as follows:

• Introduction
• Review
  • Reflection Coefficient and Impedance
  • VSWR
  • Admittance
• Polar Reflection Coefficient Plots
  • General plots of reflection coefficient
  • Plots of reflection coefficient of constant resistance
  • Plots of reflection coefficient of constant reactance
  • Plots of reflection coefficient of constant conductance
  • Plots of reflection coefficient of constant susceptance
• The Smith Chart
  • History
  • Basic Components
    • The Impedance Grid
    • The Phase Scale
    • The Wavelength Scales
    • The VSWR Scale
    • The Magnitude Scales
  • Plotting and Reading
    • Basic Procedure
      1. Plot the point
         • Plotting Impedance
         • Plotting Admittance
         • Plotting Reflection Coefficient
      2. Draw the VSWR circle
      3. Read and record the Reflection Coefficient Magnitude and desired associated parameters
      4. Draw a line across the chart going through the point and the center
      5. Read and Record the Reflection Coefficient Phase
      6. Read and Record the Admittance/Impedance Value
    • Plotting and Reading Exercises
  • Transmission Line Calculations
    • Theory Review
    • Determining Input Impedance
    • Determining Load Impedance
    • Transmission Line Exercises
• Summary

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