Progress In Electromagnetics Research, PIER 88, 121134, 2008

A COMPACT PI-STRUCTURE DUAL BAND

TRANSFORMER
Y. Wu, Y. Liu, and S. Li
School of Electronic Engineering
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Beijing, China
AbstractA compact Pi-structure transformer operating at arbitrary
dual band is proposed in this paper. To achieve the ideal impedance
matching, the exact design formulas with no restrictions are obtained.
In addition, it is found that there are innite solutions for this novel
transformer considering the fact that three independent variables exist
in two equations. Furthermore, to verify the design formulas, the
reection characteristics in dierent cases are shown by numerical
simulations. The horizontal length of this transformer is half of the
Monzons dual band transformer. The proposed dual band transformer
can be used in many compact dual band components such as antennas,
couplers and power dividers.

1. INTRODUCTION
With the development of mobile communication, the utility ratio of
the frequency band has been improved dramatically. In many cases,
devices are required to work at two dierent frequencies (namely dual
band)[1-5]. Based on the principle of two-section transformers, Chow
et al. proposes a novel transformer of one-third wavelength in two
sections for a frequency and its rst harmonic [6]. However, the
performance of the transformer designed by the inexact method in
[6] is deteriorated by an elevating ratio between the input and load
impedance. And then, [7] and [8] represent comprehensive analysis and
exact solutions of exible dual band transformer. Recently, this small
dual band transformer has been applied in dual band power dividers
[911] and unequal dual band power dividers [12, 13].
In this paper, we present a novel Pi-structure transformer
operating at arbitrary dual band which is more compact than one
in [8]. By solving the matching equations, it is found that there are

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Wu, Liu, and Li

innite numbers of solutions for this novel transformer considering the

fact that three independent variables exist in two equations. Since
dierent matching parameters can be obtained from close-form design
formulas in dierent cases, this compact transformer can be designed
conveniently and exibly in compact dual band components design.
For example, in the special case when characteristic impedances of the
matching stubs are equal, the proposed transformer has been used in
dual band couplers [14] and power dividers [15], which have certied
this dual frequency Pi structure design concept simultaneously. In
addition, it is necessary to point out that the eects of circuit layouts
are not considered in the analysis of transmission lines to obtain nal
closed-form design equations.
2. DESIGN EQUATIONS
The Pi-structure dual band transformer is illustrated in Fig. 1.
Considering that the transmission lines are connected in parallel, the
admittances are applied to analyze the design equations.
Y1 ,1

Z 1 , 1

Z0

Z 2 , 2

Z3 , 3

RL

Figure 1. Circuit of Pi-structure dual

band transformer.

Y2

Y3

Figure 2. Equivalent circuit

of Fig. 1.

In order to be analyzed conveniently, the circuit shown in Fig. 1

can be represented as an equivalent one shown in Fig. 2, whose
admittances can be expressed as [16]:
1
tan(2 )
+j
,
Z0
Z2
(1)
1
tan(3 )
+j
.
Y3 = g3 + jb3 =
RL
Z3
The input impedance is desired to equal to Z0 at dual band. Therefore,
this design goal can be given equivalently by
Y1 =

1
,
Z1

Y2 = g2 + jb2 =

Y2 = Y1

Y3 + jY1 tan(1 )
,
Y1 + jY3 tan(1 )

(2)

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123

where the asterisk denotes the complex conjugate symbol. This

matching problem is similar to the single transmission line
transformation in [17, 18]. From (1) and (2), the following equation
can be obtained as
g2 jb2 = Y1

g3 + j(b3 + Y1 tan(1 ))
.
Y1 b3 tan(1 ) + jg3 tan(1 )

(3)

Separating and rearranging the real and imagine parts of (3), the
equations can be obtained as

Y1 (g2 g3 ) = (g2 b3 g3 b2 ) tan(1 ),


(4)
Y1 (b2 + b3 ) = b2 b3 + g2 g3 Y12 tan(1 ).
Substituting (1) into (4), and after some straightforward manipulation,
Equation (4) in terms of characteristic impedances can be expressed
as,

Z2 Z3 (RL Z0 ) = Z1 tan(1 )[Z2 RL tan(3 ) Z3 Z0 tan(2 )],

Z Z R [Z tan(2 ) + Z2 tan(3 )]
(5)
 0 1 L2 3
 2

= Z1 Z0 RL Z2 Z3 + Z1 Z0 RL tan(2 ) tan (3 ) tan(1 ).

To express briey, the normalized coecients, which are signicant
when they are positive and real, are dened as,
k=

RL
,
Z0

z1 =

Z1
,
Z0

z2 =

Z2
,
Z0

z3 =

Z3
.
Z0

Substituting (6) into (5), the Equation (5) can be simplied as,

z2 z3 (k 1) = z1 tan(1 ) [z2 k tan(3 ) z3 tan(2 )] ,

z k [z3 tan(2 ) + z2 tan(3 )]
 2
 1

= z1 k z2 z3 + z12 k tan(2 ) tan(3 ) tan(1 ).

(6)

(7)

It should be pointed out that n , n = 1, 2, 3 are nf1 and nf2 while

operating at dual frequencies f1 , f2 . Solutions of (7) will be discussed
in the following sections.
3. SOLUTIONS OF DESIGN EQUATIONS
There are three variables in the design equation (7) for this dual band
transformer. So we can determine one variable manually and consider
it as an independent variable.

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Wu, Liu, and Li

3.1. The Electrical and Physical Length Solutions

To assure (7) can be satised in dual band (supposed center frequencies
satisfy f2 f1 , namely, f2 = pf1 , p 1), the following equation should
be applied,
tan nf 1 = tan nf 2 ,

n = 1, 2, 3.

(8)

The solution of (8) is given by

nf 1 nf 2 = m,

n = 1, 2, 3. m N + .

(9)

Since small transformer is helpful for microwave engineers to fulll

miniaturization, the situation that the + sign and m = 1 [8] is chosen
and from (9) the physical lengths can be obtained as follows,
l = l1 = l2 = l3 =

1
1 ,
2(1 + p)

(10)

where 1 is the wavelength of f1 . With the line lengths known, we can

obtain the following parameters,


.
(11)
= tan 1 = tan 2 = tan 3 = tan
1+p
It is necessary to note that the li , i = 1, 2, 3 can also be unequal (For
example: l1 = ml2 ), as long as the nal expression (7) is unchanged
with operating at both f1 and f2 . Considering that the corresponding
physical lengths are large, this unequal li case will not be discussed in
the following sections.
3.2. The Characteristic Impedances Discussion
Using (11), (7) can be expressed as

z2 z3 (k 1) = z1 2 (z2 k z3 ),
z1 k(z3 + z2 ) = (z12 k)z2 z3 + z12 k2 .

(12)

Because there are three variables namely z1 , z2 , z3 in (12), it is

necessary to dene one of the variables for obtaining the other ones.
We suppose that z1 is known here, the solution of (12) can be discussed
in the following dierent cases of k:
A. One case: when k = 1, namely, Z0 = RL , (12) can be rewritten
as

z2 = z3 , 

(13)
2z1 z2 = z12 1 z22 + z12 2 .

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125

To assure z2 and z3 are positive and real, the values can be obtained
as,



2 )2

1
+
(1

z
z

1
1

, 0 < z1 1.

2
(z1 1)


(14)
z2 = z 3 =



z1 1 1 + (1 z12 )2
2

1+

.
, 1 < z1

2
2
(z1 1)
B. Another case: when k = 1, namely, Z0 = RL , (12) can be
rewritten as,

Cz22 + Dz2 + E = 0,
(15)
z3 = Az2 + B.
where
z12 k2 k 2 2 k 2 + k
z1 k2 (k 1)
,
B
=
,
2
2
z1 2 k2 + k 2 k
z1 2 k2 + k 2 k
C = A(k 1), D = 2B, E = z1 2 B.
A=

The solution of (15) can be obtained as,

B B 2 CE
z2 =
,
A(k 1)

z3 = Az2 + B.

(16)

To assure z2 , z3 are positive and real, and after some straightforward

manipulation, (16) can be rewritten as,

 


2 1 (k+2 kz 2 2 )

1
k+2 k1

,
0
<
z

2
z12 2 k2 k+1

 

z2 =

2 1
2 kz 2 2 )

(k+
z
2 k1

1
1
k+
k+2 k

,
<
z
<
.
1

2
2
2
z1 2 k2 k+1
z3 = Az2 + B.

(17)

Obviously, there are two solutions in (14) and (17) in dierent cases.
Considering the practical microwave implementation, one of them will
be discarded, which will be discussed in the following.

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Wu, Liu, and Li

3.3. The Final Characteristic Impedances Solutions

From the above discussion, it is interesting that (17) includes (14).
Combining (14) and (17), we can choose (17) to analyze nally. And
then (17) is separated into two dierent parts, which follow as
 


z1 2 1
k + 2 k z12 2
k + 2 k

.
(18a)
,
0
<
z
z2 =
1
2
z12 2 k2 k + 1
 
 

z1 2 1+
k+2 kz12 2
k+2 k1
k+2 k
,
<z
<
.(18b)
z2 =
1
2
2
z12 2 k2 k+1
If z1 is in the scope of (18b), the subtraction of (18b) and (18a) is


k + 2 k z12 2
2z1 2
> 0,
(19)
z2 =
z12 2 k2 k + 1
(19) means that the value of (18b) is larger
of (18a) when
than one
z1 is the same. Especially, when z1 k + 2 k 1/ 2 in (18b),
z2 can be obtained. But in (18a), z2 will be a positive and real
number, which is more practical in microwave engineering. Considering
practical realization in terms of microstrip line, the values of z1 , z2 , z3
should be in the adequate range. Apparently, (18b) is not suitable to
practical design because the characteristic impedances are very high.
So, we only choose (18a) as the nal design for dierent values of z1 in
this paper.
Here, the aforementioned discussion can be summarized. If z1 is
known and in the range of (20a), the nal generalized design equations
of z2 and z3 can be expressed as:

k + 2 k
0 < z1
,
(20a)
2




k + 2 k z12 2
z1 2 1
z2 =
,
(20b)
z12 2 k2 k + 1



kz1 2 k k + 2 k z12 2
z3 =
.
(20c)
z12 2 k2 + k 2 k
So, we can obtain dierent impedances solutions with dierent
values of z1 according to (20). When the values of impedances are
very large or small, they can be adjusted using dierent values of z1 .
This is the main advantage of this proposed dual band transformer.

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127

3.4. Special Cases of Solutions

Let us consider some
special cases of (20).
When z1 = k, (20) can be simplied as the following equation,
2

k
k2
, z3 =
.
(21)
z1 = k, z2 =
1+ k
1+ k


When z1 = k(1 + 2 ) 1/ 2 , (k 1), (20) can be simplied as
the following equation based on the limitation characteristic,

k(1 + 2 ) 1
z1 2
kz1 2
z1 =
,
z
=
=
,
z
.
(22)
2
3
2
2
k+1


When z1 = k(1 + 2 )/ 2 , (20) can become as follows,

k(1 + 2 )
, z2 = z3 = z1 2 .
(23)
z1 =
2
This special case including (23) is the same with the results of [14]
and [15], and (23) has been applied in dual band couplers and power
dividers in compact structure.
4. ANALYSIS OF SOLUTIONS
In this section, using (11), we analyze the characteristics of (20) against
dierent p and k.
4.1. Single Matching Band
The p will be very large when f2
f1 . Considering /(1 +
p) 0, the electrical length of this transformer will become very
small. When f2 , the total transformer will be considered as
a lumped inductance and capacitance transforming network, namely
the resistances are connected directly with lumped components. This
characteristic is similar with the dual band transformer in two sections
when f2 [8].
In addition, in the case that p is very large, we can increase the
length of transmission lines by choosing a larger m to avoid too small
physical length,
l=

m
1 .
2(1 + p)

(24)

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Wu, Liu, and Li

And the corresponding parameter becomes,



m
.
= tan
1+p

(25)

Based on (24), the value of m can increase along with the value of p, it
is suitable that m satises 4m < p + 5 [9] because the physical length
should be kept in the adequate range.
4.2. Equal Dual Band and Quarter Wavelength Transformer
If f2 = f1 , then p = 1 and , the electrical length is /2 which
stands for one quarter wavelength of f1 . Based on the results of (21)

(23) and conventional transmission line matching concept, z1 = k

is only chosen in this case and z2 , z3 can be obtained. So, this
transformer in this case can be considered as the conventional single
band quarter wavelength transformer [16].
4.3. Symmetry Properties
Similar with the transformer of [8], this proposed compact transformer
is also symmetry. If the k in (20) is replaced by k0 and 1/k0 . The
following relationship can be expressed as,
z1 |k=k0 = k0 z1 |k=1/k0 ,
k0 z2 |k=k0 = z3 |k=1/k0 .

(26)
(27)

In fact, the results of the impedances in the case k = k0 < 1 can be

obtained by changing the sequence of ones in the case k1 = 1/k0 > 1.
5. NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS
In this section, some numerical examples are presented based on (20)
(23). In these examples, the reections coecients || are with respect
to normalized transmission line characteristic impedance Z0 = 1.
Therefore, it is convenient to use the normalized parameters (6).
5.1. Example 1
Considering that the example f1 = 1 GHz, f2 = 2 GHz, k= 4, we
can obtain that the physical length is 1 /6 and equals
3. Four
dierent solutions
with
dierent z1 , where case 2 is z1 = k and case

4 is z1 = k + 2 k/ 2 , are presented in Table 1. The responding

Progress In Electromagnetics Research, PIER 88, 2008

129

reection coecients are shown in Fig. 3. We can nd that the

matching bandwidth of case 4 is wider than the other cases. However,
the corresponding characteristic impedances are larger which makes it
dicult to be fabricated in practical microstrip lines.
Table 1. Solutions of Example 1.
Case 1
z1 = 1
0.651
1.578

Case 3
z1 = 2.2
2.978
5.061

-5

-5

-10

-10

Case 4

z1 = 4/ 3
6.928
6.928

| |(dB )

| |(dB )

z2
z3

Case 2
z1 = 2
2.000
4.000

-15

-15
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
Case 4

-20

-25
0.5

1.5
Frequency (GHz)

2.5

Figure 3. Reection coecients

of Case 14 in Example 1.

5.2. Example 2

Case
Case
Case
Case

-20

-25
0.5

1
2
3
4

1.5
Frequency (GHz)

2.5

Figure 4. Reection coecients

of Case 14 in Example 2.

Let us consider the example f1 = 1 GHz, f2 = 2 GHz, where = 3

can be obtained. The special solution (23)
(namely, the case 4 in

example 1) is adopted, and that is z1 = 2 k/ 3. But the parameter
k is variable.
The corresponding results are listed in Table 2, and the reection
coecients are shown in Fig. 3. It can be observed from Fig. 3 that
the bandwidth will become narrow as the parameter k increases.

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Wu, Liu, and Li

Table 2. Solutions of Example 2.

z1
z2 = z 3

Case 1
k=1
1.155
3.464

Case 2
k=2
1.633
4.899

Case 3
k=3
2.000
6.000

Case 4
k=5
2.582
7.746

5.3. Example 3
Let us consider the example f1 = 1 GHz, f2 = pf1 , k = 4, which two
kinds of the parameter p (p is close to 1 (A) and p is very large (B))
are used, the special solution (23) is only considered.
Table 3. Solutions of Example 3(A).

z1
z2 = z 3
l/1

Case 1
p=1
2.000

1/4

Case 2
p = 1.5
2.103
19.919
1/5

Case 3
p = 2.5
2.558
4.022
1/7

Case 4
p=3
2.828
2.828
1/8

It is interesting that case 1 is similar with case 4 in Fig. 5. They

are all matched at 1 and 3 GHz. It is necessary to point out that case 1
is the same with quarter wavelength transformer, which can match at
its odd harmonics. The dierence between case 1 and case 4 is that the
reection coecient bandwidth of case 4 is smaller than case 1. And
the stubs are necessary in case 4 while the stubs do not exist in case 1.
Table 3 shows the design parameters employed in the example 3(A).
When p is very large (3B) and m = 1, the design parameters
are listed in Table 4 and the corresponding reections coecients are
shown in Fig. 6.
Figure 6 shows that the matching frequency f2 is much higher and
the matching characteristics at f1 of case 14 change little when p
1.
The curve of case 4 overlaps the one of case 3 shown in Fig. 6 when
f < 10 GHz because p
10 in case 3 and 4, which means that the
reection coecients of case 3 and 4 is very similar in the frequency
range f < 10 GHz.

Progress In Electromagnetics Research, PIER 88, 2008

131

Table 4. Solutions of Example 3(B).

Case 1
p=5
4.000
1.333
1/12

Case 3
p = 20
13.419
0.305
1/42

-5

-5

-10

-10
||(dB )

| |( dB )

z1
z2 = z 3
l/1

Case 2
p=9
6.472
0.683
1/20

-15
Case
Case
Case
Case

-20

-25
0.5

Case
Case
Case
Case

-15

1.5

1
2
3
4

Case 4
p = 100
64.309
0.062
1/202

1
2
3
4

-20

2
2.5
Frequency

3.5

Figure 5. Reection coecients

of Case 14 in Example 3(A).

-25

4
5
6
7
Frequency (GHz)

10

Figure 6. Reection coecients

of Case 14 in Example 3(B).

5.4. Example 4
Let us consider the example f1 = 1 GHz, f2 = pf1 , k = 4.
Dierent from example 3(A), the solution (21) is chosen and it can
be obtained that z1 = 2. The other parameters are listed in Table 5.
The corresponding reection characteristics are shown in Fig. 7.
Comparing with the results of the example 3(A), the transformer with
lower impedances in this example is easier to be fabricated, but the
bandwidth will become narrower slightly.
Table 5. Solutions of Example 4.

z2
z3
l/1

Case 1
p = 1.5
6.315
12.630
1/5

Case 2
p = 2.5
1.048
2.097
1/7

Case 3
p=3
0.667
1.333
1/8

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Wu, Liu, and Li

0

-5

| |(dB )

-10

-15

-20

-25
0.5

Case 1
Case 2
Case 3

1.5
2
2.5
Frequency (GHz)

3.5

Figure 7. Reection coecients of Case 13 in Example 4.

6. CONCLUSIONS
A novel compact Pi-structure transformer operating at arbitrary dual
band has been presented. This design can shorten the horizontal
length of a traditional Monzons two-section dual band transformer
by 50%. In addition, the number of solutions of this transformer can
be innite, which increases the exibility of applications. This dual
band transformer will provide various applicable advances in compact
dual band components including antennas matching, power dividers
and couplers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was supported in part by National High Technology
Research and Development Program of China (863 Program,
No. 2008AA01Z211) and Project of Guangdong Province Education
Ministry Demonstration Base of Combining Production, Teaching
and Research (No. 2007B090200012) and National Natural Science
Foundation of China (No. 60736002).
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