2026, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A
Computer-aided design of impedance matching networks for RF applications
Author(s): Oliver James Richardson, Charlotte Elizabeth Hughes, William Alexander Bennett and Eleanor Victoria Hartley
Abstract: Impedance matching represents a fundamental challenge in radio frequency circuit design, where mismatches between source and load impedances cause signal reflections that degrade system performance and efficiency. This research presents a computer-aided design methodology for synthesising optimal impedance matching networks across multiple topology classes including L-networks, pi-networks, T-networks, and transmission line configurations [1]. The developed software implements analytical synthesis algorithms derived from classical network theory combined with numerical optimisation routines that refine component values for maximum bandwidth and minimum return loss. Testing encompassed 150 design scenarios spanning frequencies from 100 MHz to 6 GHz with diverse source and load impedance combinations representative of practical RF applications [2]. The proposed CAD approach achieved median return loss of -33 dB for hybrid topologies, exceeding the -28 dB performance of simple L-networks and substantially surpassing the typical -20 dB specification for RF systems. Bandwidth comparisons demonstrated 149% improvement over manual design methods, with the CAD-optimised networks achieving 112 MHz average bandwidth compared to 45 MHz for manually designed equivalents [3]. Design time averaged 2.3 minutes per network including full electromagnetic simulation and parasitic extraction, representing dramatic acceleration compared to traditional iterative bench-top methods requiring hours of adjustment [4]. The software exports standard netlist formats compatible with commercial simulation tools alongside component bill-of-materials for procurement automation. Validation against fabricated prototypes confirmed agreement within 1.2 dB for return loss and 8% for bandwidth, establishing the methodology as suitable for production design workflows. The research demonstrates that systematic CAD approaches can substantially outperform traditional manual design whilst reducing engineering effort and accelerating time-to-market for RF products [5].
DOI: 10.22271/27084531.2026.v7.i1a.110
Pages: 23-27 | Views: 21 | Downloads: 11
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How to cite this article:
Oliver James Richardson, Charlotte Elizabeth Hughes, William Alexander Bennett, Eleanor Victoria Hartley. Computer-aided design of impedance matching networks for RF applications. Int J Res Circuits Devices Syst 2026;7(1):23-27. DOI: 10.22271/27084531.2026.v7.i1a.110
