Once again, can't thank you enough for another great explanation. I've spent considerable time reading about Smith charts and watching many videos on impedance matching. Your explanations, along with the practical use applications, answer many of the questions that remain unanswered from the other sources.Throwing some wire up into a tree to make an antenna is fun, but there is an inexplicable joy in learning the theory and design. Your contribution to the hobby, and to those of us who wish to learn is immeasurable. I hope you find the same joy in creating these videos.
I haven't seen a VSWR chart(that's what I called it) since I was taking microwave theory while in electrical engineering at university back in the mid '80's. This brings back a lot of memories. I recall the first one I ever saw, it scared the hell outta me. It was the most complicated graph paper I'd ever seen. It turned out to be very simple and handy. The elegance of it is amazing.
Blessed you man, Damn I was so confused when my lecture teaches this through online class. With unclear video quality and constant internet lagging my god I was dying. You save my day!
Well Done Alan. This video along with the previous will go on my 'recommended list' to hams that are looking for more information on the subjects of complex impedance and transmission line theory. This is the type of stuff the ARRL should be doing. I am genuinely impressed.
I’ve always had trouble with Smith Charts. Maybe because the text writers didn’t have much experience with smith charts themselves. I will be saving this video. Very understandable detailed explanation. Thanks.
Excellent explanation. I somewhat know how to use a Smith chart. In my last project I built matching networks each time we needed to use this special antenna. My best tool for know which way to go, and how much, with either inductance or capacitance in a network under construction, was the Smith chart. I am still learning thanks to guys like you
I am completely new to this, and don't understand more than a small part of what you discuss in the video. But it is really exciting and I'm hoping to learn it soon enough when it becomes relevant! Thank you very much!
A little late seeing this video, you gave practical uses for the Smith chart. I haven't looked at this since college in the early 80's and only vaguely remember the name. I worked in control systems and some digital design but find this interesting. I have thought about a nanoVNA just to play with some concepts. Your video(s) make it easier to experiment with these concepts.
Great! Started watching these after our discussion. I will practice with Smith charts in the future. I always was in rush to just put up an easy antenna before and that was good enough. I've know found a new thrill in learning how it all works. Thanks!
I would be very interested in seeing a direct application of a smith chart to RF circuit design. For example, design a matching network to go between an antenna and IC. Thanks for your videos!
w2aew thanks for that! something that confused me in the past when doing the same sort of design was microstrip, stripline, etc for transmission lines in conjunction with antenna baluns to integrated circuit designs. Any content including this stuff in your examples as well would be helpful content.
@@moustaphamuhammad7013 Seek and ye shall find - here are a few videos. The first two lay the ground work, and the last is a design example: ruclips.net/video/gw1TYWwfvGk/видео.html ruclips.net/video/ImNRca5ecF0/видео.html ruclips.net/video/IgeRHDI-ukc/видео.html
Awesome job explaining the practical uses of a smith charts, my personal epiphany moment understanding smith charts came when I was trimming a 1/4 wave matching length of coax for a delta loop that I was experimenting with, it is so funny how one little insight like that can make everything else just fall into place. Again, great job and thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for all the hard work you have done in making all of your videos!!! They have been extremely helpful to me in the field when I need to brush up on things. Stay healthy my friend.
Hi Alan, well explained as usual with a very good sequence. I put it into practice on a laminated diagram. I am now waiting for the third of the série!! many thanks Alan.
FWIW, on a related subject: For V/UHF work, cut your test jumpers to a multiple of a half wavelength; it'll make your measurements and tunings better and easier. For HF, you can cobble a set of extension jumpers to add to your 10-meter jumper.
It's strange this content was not considered "sensitive, proprietary, national security" by some three-letter-agency and blocked for viewers outside US. Superb!
A really cool web-based Smith chart simulator can be found here: niyeradori.github.io/QuickSmith-Web/index.html SimSmith, a phenomenal FREE Smith Chart simulator for Windows: ae6ty.com/Smith_Charts.html Great RUclips videos on SimSmith, by Larry W0QE: ruclips.net/channel/UCKSyLSu4fm_1RHoO3Jvk4YQ
Alan, this series is a good example of ham spirit. I suspect Smith charts are the amateur radio equivalent of eating your vegetables. Thanks for making it palatable! Btw, your draftsmanship is impressive! de K5ROE
I always look forward to your videos! thanks again for creating these thorough explanations that you clearly spend a great deal of time preparing. The educational value of your content should be commended and I'm glad to see the comments here at you tube doing just that. Have you considered starting a Patreon? I know I'd be happy to donate to help you help me!
Thank you. Undecided about Patreon at the moment. I do have a "donate" button via PayPal on the channel page - at the moment this is the only way to financially support the channel. I'll keep Patreon in mind...
Alan, excellent video, as usual. Maybe Andrew already suggested this but, in my words, it would be great to know how to use the charts to 'fix' an antenna (ie, make it resonant at the desired frequency). Once having the complex impedance of the [non resonant] antenna [or load] at that given frequency, let the charts show us what to put in parallel o series (an L, a C, a combination or even a piece of a coax of a different characteristic impedance) to fix the antenna. Thanks !!!
Excelente explicacion del uso del carta de Smith en lineas de transmisión..., muy bueno...!!, un resumen de menos de 20 minutos en una clase que dura dos semanas entenderlo..., estupendo..!!, gracias
Absolutely clear and inspiring. It prompted me to think how to use Smith chart if Z0 of the transmission line does not equal to Z0 of the system, for example adding a 75 Ohm line to a 50 Ohm generator. Any suggestions?
Thanks A lot Sir The ways you explains every thing was just awesome. it was really helpful. You deserve more then a Thumbs. I wish to be your student! Thanks Again.
Wow! Just found the website you got your smith chart from (url bottom left corner of chart). Been looking for a high quality smith chart image for awhile.
Hello Alan, thanks for the great video. I watched it more than once and every time I grab a concept that I missed before. One question: in the last example of the 1m coax cable, is it's characteristic impedance irrelevant for the calculations of the impedance seen from the generator? It would be nice to see a video on the theory and practice of using cables with different Z0.
The Z0 actually does affect the impedance seen by the generator. It is normally simply factored in by normalizing the chart to Z0 (Z0 in the center of the Smith chart). If you plot the impedance seen at the generator as a function of transmission line length - you'll get a circle that is centered on Z0. If you have a transmission line that is not at the same Z0 as the chart, then you'll get a circle centered on the line's Z0 value.
@w2aew could you show, in a future video, of designing a matching network to place at the antenna feed-point. I think I understood this video #275 until the end when you discussed designing a matching network to be placed at the antenna feed-point.
If you watch my videos 276, 278, 297, you'll see how to design matching networks, and how to predict the feedpoint impedance. Once you know the feedpoint impedance, then use that as your starting point for designing the L network as shown in the videos.
@@w2aew Thank you for the response, Alan; I re-watched your video #278 (I must have already watched #278, since sometime in the past I had "liked" the video); this video #278 answered many of the questions I had on using the SimSmith software. Alan, you also mentioned WOQE Larry Benko's RUclips channel, and also linked to his channel in your notes for #278. As you stated, Mr. Benko's RUclips channel is also an excellent source of material on using the SimSmith software. Sorry for not paying better attention to your released materials on RUclips, which would have saved me from asking a redundant question.
Video on the design and construction on an L matching network on a PCB (without components but traces) Then demonstrate it in operation using your other equipment
Alan, this is flabbergasting! How did Mr Smith figure this intricate chart out snd still have time to develop those great cough drops with his brother? : -} Seriously, it is a very good explanation of a fascinating subject. It would be interesting to understand the math and geometry behind the Smith chart.
While solving for the input impedance at the generator side, 8:40, did you assume the characteristic impedance of the coax to be 50 ohms? What if the charecteristic impedance is not the same as the source impedance?
Hey! w2eaw , I am a big fan of your videos. I have been watching your videos from 2 years. What makes me think is, what made you return back to basics?
I try to do videos on topics that interest me, and that I think will be of interest to my subscribers and viewers based on the comments and questions that I have gotten over the years.
That's very nice! I really love them. I have a very nice idea for your video series, can you cover "Methods For Unambiguous Electrical Delay Measurements Using A Vector Network Analyzer" It will ve a very nice addition to your channel. Thanks, keep up the good work
Do you have any videos addressing the interaction of frequency with all those other variables? Such as when a vna performs a sweep to determine optimal frequency resonance of antennas? Also, why do you call it “real”? Reading the Smith Chart chapter in ARRL Ant. Book ch. 28 they only refer to reactance and resistance.
I do have other videos showing the operation of a VNA to do frequency sweeps. When I refer to "real", I am referring to the resistance part of the impedance. Complex impedance consists of Resistance and reactance, and are expressed mathematically with complex numbers consisting of "real" and "imaginary" parts.
Very usefull video. But i have two questions. Let supposed that we have an antenna with transmission line which give us a good swr factor, (1,2) and z, (aprox 50Ωμ), but we have a small value of capacitance, (200pF for example), to smith graph. Is this value of capacitance affects the tramsmission signal or not? Furthermore this capacitance caused due transmission line or antenna?
The 200pF of capacitance measured in your system is likely due to the antenna not being perfectly matched to the transmission line impedance. This mis-match causes a reflection, which alters the impedance seen at the transmitter end of the line. The actual impedance seen at the tx end of the line will depend on the antenna's actual impedance and the line's length in wavelengths (thus, it is dependent on the operating frequency). Whether this 200pF will affect the signal transmission depends on a number of factors - primarily the frequency of operation. At a few MHz, it won't matter much. At VHF frequencies, it can matter a lot.
@@w2aew Thank you for quick reply. If i would like to eliminate this capacitance which is easiest way to do it? Consider that i can't replace or varying the transmission line. The only thing that i could play is antenna length which is ground plane.
One stupid question, when you said load. means antenna, right? Lets assume you have source, then go to wires, then this wire connected to antenna. The load here means antenna?
hi dear can we calculate the absorbed power by absorber from only the reflection coefficient? for example calculate the absorbed power by absorber when the reflection coefficient is -20dB
this 15min video did a better job of explaining smith charts and how to use them than my EM professor did in 3 hours worth of lectures. Great work!
This channel is like an RF version of the channel “Applied Science” and I love it. Every video has such an amazing value. Thank you!
You have the most lucid explanations of all things electronic. Absolutely love your videos!
My "Intro to RF circuits" class just started this precise topic - you explanation is a great help. Thank you.
Hi Alan,
You deserve two thumbs up for that explanation and examples. You made it easily understood and I've been a ham for 40 years. 73 WB3BJU
Once again, can't thank you enough for another great explanation. I've spent considerable time reading about Smith charts and watching many videos on impedance matching. Your explanations, along with the practical use applications, answer many of the questions that remain unanswered from the other sources.Throwing some wire up into a tree to make an antenna is fun, but there is an inexplicable joy in learning the theory and design. Your contribution to the hobby, and to those of us who wish to learn is immeasurable. I hope you find the same joy in creating these videos.
I haven't seen a VSWR chart(that's what I called it) since I was taking microwave theory while in electrical engineering at university back in the mid '80's. This brings back a lot of memories. I recall the first one I ever saw, it scared the hell outta me. It was the most complicated graph paper I'd ever seen. It turned out to be very simple and handy. The elegance of it is amazing.
Blessed you man, Damn I was so confused when my lecture teaches this through online class. With unclear video quality and constant internet lagging my god I was dying. You save my day!
Well Done Alan. This video along with the previous will go on my 'recommended list' to hams that are looking for more information on the subjects of complex impedance and transmission line theory. This is the type of stuff the ARRL should be doing. I am genuinely impressed.
The ARRL IS doing this, just not as elegantly (in the engineering sense).
I’ve always had trouble with Smith Charts. Maybe because the text writers didn’t have much experience with smith charts themselves. I will be saving this video. Very understandable detailed explanation. Thanks.
Excellent explanation. I somewhat know how to use a Smith chart. In my last project I built matching networks each time we needed to use this special antenna. My best tool for know which way to go, and how much, with either inductance or capacitance in a network under construction, was the Smith chart. I am still learning thanks to guys like you
Thank you for explaining something that I've never been able to understand on my own. You are a good teacher.
I always love your content. Smith charts was one of my weakest areas on the Extra exam, but I find I understand it a lot better now.
I am completely new to this, and don't understand more than a small part of what you discuss in the video. But it is really exciting and I'm hoping to learn it soon enough when it becomes relevant! Thank you very much!
A little late seeing this video, you gave practical uses for the Smith chart. I haven't looked at this since college in the early 80's and only vaguely remember the name. I worked in control systems and some digital design but find this interesting. I have thought about a nanoVNA just to play with some concepts. Your video(s) make it easier to experiment with these concepts.
Great! Started watching these after our discussion. I will practice with Smith charts in the future. I always was in rush to just put up an easy antenna before and that was good enough. I've know found a new thrill in learning how it all works. Thanks!
I would be very interested in seeing a direct application of a smith chart to RF circuit design. For example, design a matching network to go between an antenna and IC. Thanks for your videos!
I'm planning on such videos - just need to lay the ground work first....
w2aew thanks for that! something that confused me in the past when doing the same sort of design was microstrip, stripline, etc for transmission lines in conjunction with antenna baluns to integrated circuit designs. Any content including this stuff in your examples as well would be helpful content.
@@w2aew we are waiting for your delicious videos!
@@moustaphamuhammad7013 Seek and ye shall find - here are a few videos. The first two lay the ground work, and the last is a design example:
ruclips.net/video/gw1TYWwfvGk/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/ImNRca5ecF0/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/IgeRHDI-ukc/видео.html
As always, great tutorial. I wish you were my instructor when I was still in college. Thank you very much.
Awesome job explaining the practical uses of a smith charts, my personal epiphany moment understanding smith charts came when I was trimming a 1/4 wave matching length of coax for a delta loop that I was experimenting with, it is so funny how one little insight like that can make everything else just fall into place. Again, great job and thanks for sharing.
This video provides a gold mine of insights; bringing 'long past learnt skills' back to life & fun to reconsider ... Thank you.
Very well prepared and performed video.
Your sonorous lectures really are really restorative for brain & soul.
Old video, but extremely well done for me as I try to catch up... 👍
Clearest explanation I've seen / heard. Brilliant.
Two fantastic videos on Smith Charts - thanks Alan, I look forward to more on the subject.
Hello Alan,
Thank you again for another superb video! Your videos are an invaluable resource for students and practicing engineers alike.
Thank you so much for all the hard work you have done in making all of your videos!!! They have been extremely helpful to me in the field when I need to brush up on things. Stay healthy my friend.
Great instructional video. Thank you!
WOW! expertly explained! Where were you back in 1994 when I had to do this in school?!
Hi Alan,
well explained as usual with a very good sequence. I put it into practice on a laminated diagram. I am now waiting for the third of the série!!
many thanks Alan.
What can I say, Smith chart is awesome. Makes it easy to get values that are real pain to calculate.
FWIW, on a related subject: For V/UHF work, cut your test jumpers to a multiple of a half wavelength; it'll make your measurements and tunings better and easier. For HF, you can cobble a set of extension jumpers to add to your 10-meter jumper.
This is the most thorough tutorial on the Smith chart that I've seen. Thanks again. va7deo
Thanks - there will be more to come in the future....
thank you my friend may you have a wonderful day
It's strange this content was not considered "sensitive, proprietary, national security" by some three-letter-agency and blocked for viewers outside US. Superb!
A great continuing saga, TNX Alan, look forward to future installments! 73 - Dino KL0S
Oh man. Can I call you proffesor?
I really apreciate what you do. Keep it going.
And a big thank you.
Finally I can understand Smith Charts. 🙏
This video helps me out so much. I will be watching again with a lot of other videos you have made. Thanks for the added notes also.
I have been looking for a video like this for years! Thank you very much 73 NE5U Mike
Awesome. I really enjoyed this lecture for breakfast this morning.
A really cool web-based Smith chart simulator can be found here:
niyeradori.github.io/QuickSmith-Web/index.html
SimSmith, a phenomenal FREE Smith Chart simulator for Windows:
ae6ty.com/Smith_Charts.html
Great RUclips videos on SimSmith, by Larry W0QE:
ruclips.net/channel/UCKSyLSu4fm_1RHoO3Jvk4YQ
Thanks for the links Sir.
WOW !!! Never realized there was that much capability in a Smith Chart.
Makes it painful to think about how much I don't know what I don't know.
This is the tip of the iceberg on the Smith chart - there's more it can do....
Thanks w2aew! This is a great teaching video.
Alan, this series is a good example of ham spirit. I suspect Smith charts are the amateur radio equivalent of eating your vegetables. Thanks for making it palatable! Btw, your draftsmanship is impressive! de K5ROE
I always look forward to your videos! thanks again for creating these thorough explanations that you clearly spend a great deal of time preparing. The educational value of your content should be commended and I'm glad to see the comments here at you tube doing just that. Have you considered starting a Patreon? I know I'd be happy to donate to help you help me!
Thank you. Undecided about Patreon at the moment. I do have a "donate" button via PayPal on the channel page - at the moment this is the only way to financially support the channel. I'll keep Patreon in mind...
Alan, excellent video, as usual. Maybe Andrew already suggested this but, in my words, it would be great to know how to use the charts to 'fix' an antenna (ie, make it resonant at the desired frequency). Once having the complex impedance of the [non resonant] antenna [or load] at that given frequency, let the charts show us what to put in parallel o series (an L, a C, a combination or even a piece of a coax of a different characteristic impedance) to fix the antenna. Thanks !!!
I do plan on doing a video or two on designing matching circuits using the Smith chart...
Really looking forward to those videos! Great as always, thanks!
thanks for your explanation. much easy understand than my teacher! best regards from Canada
Excelente explicacion del uso del carta de Smith en lineas de transmisión..., muy bueno...!!, un resumen de menos de 20 minutos en una clase que dura dos semanas entenderlo..., estupendo..!!, gracias
Amazing. Invaluable informations. Thanks also for the pdf notes.
73s
I love it soo much! Awesome work Alan. Eager to see a video on Design of matching N/W !!!! :) :)
Nice video. Would have been great to see the return loss plot on the vna. But thanks for the smith chart series.
The video is just great and to the point, very helpful at the same time. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations, it helps me in the classess of Microwaves and Transmission Lines.
Excellent refresher. Thumbs up given, as usual!
thanks for this. watching it in April 2024!
Hats off!
What a wonderful explanation of a complex topic.
I would LOVE to see a video on PCB rf voodo elements. Maybe an example on a PCB directional coupler or a h/4 transformer.
Absolutely clear and inspiring. It prompted me to think how to use Smith chart if Z0 of the transmission line does not equal to Z0 of the system, for example adding a 75 Ohm line to a 50 Ohm generator. Any suggestions?
Thanks A lot Sir The ways you explains every thing was just awesome. it was really helpful. You deserve more then a Thumbs. I wish to be your student! Thanks Again.
The way u explain it with physical examples are a boon for us....
We haven't introduced to physical labs for these due to COVID
Great explanation! Thank heavens for antenna analyzers, since this amount of math makes my head spin! lol
You explained it way better than the prof.
Honestly! How can someone gave thumbs down on a video like this one??
genius in facilitating complex subjects....
Wow! Just found the website you got your smith chart from (url bottom left corner of chart). Been looking for a high quality smith chart image for awhile.
Excellent video, again! Thanks for your works.
Vy 73 de CT7AFR, Emmanuel.
Hello Alan, thanks for the great video. I watched it more than once and every time I grab a concept that I missed before.
One question: in the last example of the 1m coax cable, is it's characteristic impedance irrelevant for the calculations of the impedance seen from the generator?
It would be nice to see a video on the theory and practice of using cables with different Z0.
The Z0 actually does affect the impedance seen by the generator. It is normally simply factored in by normalizing the chart to Z0 (Z0 in the center of the Smith chart). If you plot the impedance seen at the generator as a function of transmission line length - you'll get a circle that is centered on Z0. If you have a transmission line that is not at the same Z0 as the chart, then you'll get a circle centered on the line's Z0 value.
Excellent video! I really enjoy your channel. Thanks!
This was a really nice explanation.
Great video Alan, this helps a lot!
@w2aew could you show, in a future video, of designing a matching network to place at the antenna feed-point. I think I understood this video #275 until the end when you discussed designing a matching network to be placed at the antenna feed-point.
If you watch my videos 276, 278, 297, you'll see how to design matching networks, and how to predict the feedpoint impedance. Once you know the feedpoint impedance, then use that as your starting point for designing the L network as shown in the videos.
@@w2aew Thank you for the response, Alan; I re-watched your video #278 (I must have already watched #278, since sometime in the past I had "liked" the video); this video #278 answered many of the questions I had on using the SimSmith software. Alan, you also mentioned WOQE Larry Benko's RUclips channel, and also linked to his channel in your notes for #278. As you stated, Mr. Benko's RUclips channel is also an excellent source of material on using the SimSmith software. Sorry for not paying better attention to your released materials on RUclips, which would have saved me from asking a redundant question.
Thank you so much for this video, this helped me a lot with my electronics homework
awesome! please keep them coming , thanks.
Beautifully done! Kudos.
👍Thank you sir.
Thanks for another nice video!
Thank you for making these great videos.
U are a saviour for us
Thanks w2aew!
Nicely done! Thank you!
It would be great if you can show us tuning some chip or PCB antena with VNA thanks for your videos
Video on the design and construction on an L matching network on a PCB (without components but traces)
Then demonstrate it in operation using your other equipment
Alan, this is flabbergasting! How did Mr Smith figure this intricate chart out snd still have time to develop those great cough drops with his brother?
: -}
Seriously, it is a very good explanation of a fascinating subject. It would be interesting to understand the math and geometry behind the Smith chart.
While solving for the input impedance at the generator side, 8:40, did you assume the characteristic impedance of the coax to be 50 ohms? What if the charecteristic impedance is not the same as the source impedance?
Hey! w2eaw , I am a big fan of your videos. I have been watching your videos from 2 years. What makes me think is, what made you return back to basics?
I try to do videos on topics that interest me, and that I think will be of interest to my subscribers and viewers based on the comments and questions that I have gotten over the years.
That's very nice! I really love them. I have a very nice idea for your video series, can you cover "Methods For Unambiguous Electrical Delay Measurements Using A Vector Network Analyzer" It will ve a very nice addition to your channel.
Thanks, keep up the good work
Very well explained. Thx
thank you for the lesson.
Hi, great video as always. Can you add a video explaining impedance matching for scrubs like me.😀
planning on it...
This was amazing and super helpful
Thank you sir.Very useful video..Great !! Subscribed !
very nice lecture
Do you have any videos addressing the interaction of frequency with all those other variables? Such as when a vna performs a sweep to determine optimal frequency resonance of antennas? Also, why do you call it “real”? Reading the Smith Chart chapter in ARRL Ant. Book ch. 28 they only refer to reactance and resistance.
I do have other videos showing the operation of a VNA to do frequency sweeps. When I refer to "real", I am referring to the resistance part of the impedance. Complex impedance consists of Resistance and reactance, and are expressed mathematically with complex numbers consisting of "real" and "imaginary" parts.
Very usefull video. But i have two questions. Let supposed that we have an antenna with transmission line which give us a good swr factor, (1,2) and z, (aprox 50Ωμ), but we have a small value of capacitance, (200pF for example), to smith graph. Is this value of capacitance affects the tramsmission signal or not? Furthermore this capacitance caused due transmission line or antenna?
The 200pF of capacitance measured in your system is likely due to the antenna not being perfectly matched to the transmission line impedance. This mis-match causes a reflection, which alters the impedance seen at the transmitter end of the line. The actual impedance seen at the tx end of the line will depend on the antenna's actual impedance and the line's length in wavelengths (thus, it is dependent on the operating frequency). Whether this 200pF will affect the signal transmission depends on a number of factors - primarily the frequency of operation. At a few MHz, it won't matter much. At VHF frequencies, it can matter a lot.
@@w2aew Thank you for quick reply. If i would like to eliminate this capacitance which is easiest way to do it? Consider that i can't replace or varying the transmission line. The only thing that i could play is antenna length which is ground plane.
One stupid question, when you said load. means antenna, right? Lets assume you have source, then go to wires, then this wire connected to antenna. The load here means antenna?
Yes, load can (and often does) refer to the antenna.
@@w2aew thank you, teacher~
thank you sr.
hi dear
can we calculate the absorbed power by absorber from only the reflection coefficient?
for example calculate the absorbed power by absorber when the reflection coefficient is -20dB
you made my day Boss
more circuit fun videos,Alan please
I certainly will be doing more in the future.
Thanks man. Straight up!!!
Point of confusion for me: Isn't the magnitude of Z what the antenna sees ?