Abstract: An impedance tuner may include a transmission media for propagating RF signals, a reflection magnitude control device mounted in a fixed position relative to a direction of signal propagation along said transmission media, and a phase shifter to control a reflection phase. A multi-section probe for an impedance tuner system may include a plurality of probe sections and a holder structure for mechanically supporting the plurality of probe sections.

Abstract: A method for detecting inductive elements in a communication line, including the processes of: inputting a detecting signal to an end of the communication line; sampling the time domain voltage vector of one end of the communication line; generating the amplitude-frequency characteristic curve of the differential input impedance of one end of the communication line according to the time domain voltage vector; determining the number of the inductive elements in the communication line according to the number of the apexes or zeros on the curve. The present invention also discloses a device for detecting inductive elements in a communication line. By the present invention, the automatic detections of the number of inductive elements such as load coils or phone splitters in the communication line are implemented with the exact detection and the high efficiency, thereby lowering the cost of detecting failures of communication line.

Abstract: A segmented, electro-mechanical, remotely controlled programmable impedance tuner for the frequency range between 10 and 200 MHz uses a cascade of three continuously variable mechanical capacitors interconnected by a set of two low loss flexible or semi-rigid cables; the electrical length of the interconnecting cables between the capacitors determines the frequency at which tuning coverage of the entire area of the Smith chart is optimum; for maximum impedance coverage the length is to be chosen such as to generate a transmission phase shift of 60 degrees at the center frequency between each capacitor stage. Remote tuning is possible by changing the value of the capacitors using electrical stepper motors. The tuner is calibrated using a vector network analyzer and the data are saved in the memory of the control computer, which then allows tuning to any user defined impedance within the tuning range. Reflection factor values between 0 and higher than 0.9 can be obtained using this tuner.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical harmonic load pull tuner uses three variable and adjustable shunt air capacitors and three variable and adjustable series phase shifters and creates independently controllable impedances at three harmonic frequencies in the frequency range between 30 and 250 MHz. Independent harmonic tuning is possible because the combination of adjustable shunt capacitors and series phase shifters allows generating more than 1019 impedance states at each frequency covering the entire Smith chart; appropriate impedance-search Error Function-based optimization algorithms allow fast harmonic tuning for impedance tuning and matching the output of RF transistors and amplifiers at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Stepper motors, drivers and control software are used to automate, calibrate and use the harmonic tuner in an automated harmonic load pull measuring setup.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a class of independent or linked facing tuning elements to be used in loadpull high gamma slide-screw tuner consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) transmission media comprising impedance tuning elements such as probes, corrugated probes, multi-section probes or single stub/double stub harmonic resonators. Multiple carriages can support multiple pairs of independent or dependent facing tuning elements. This invention, by decreasing the distances between the probes, allows the increasing of the modulus of the VSWR/Gamma. Also two dependent probes can be controlled with only two remote controls, one for the VSWR/Gamma phase control and another one for the VSWR/Gamma amplitude control.

Abstract: This invention effectively prevents potential fluctuation in the power supply terminal of a semiconductor device, that is, noise from flowing out to a main power supply wiring. A multilayer print circuit board includes a first power supply via hole which connects to the power supply terminal of a semiconductor integrated circuit on a first surface layer and extends from the first surface layer to a second surface layer, a ground via hole which connects to a ground conductive layer, extends from the ground conductive layer to the second surface layer, and connects to the first power supply via hole on the second surface layer through a bypass capacitor, a first clearance hole which is formed in a power supply conductive layer, and a second clearance hole which is formed in the ground conductive layer. The first clearance hole is larger than the second clearance hole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a class of independent or linked facing tuning elements to be used in loadpull high gamma slide-screw tuner consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) transmission media comprising impedance tuning elements such as probes, corrugated probes, multi-section probes or single stub/double stub harmonic resonators. Multiple carriages can support multiple pairs of independent or dependent facing tuning elements. This invention, by decreasing the distances between the probes, allows the increasing of the modulus of the VSWR/Gamma. Also two dependent probes can be controlled with only two remote controls, one for the VSWR/Gamma phase control and another one for the VSWR/Gamma amplitude control.

Abstract: An impedance tuner may include a transmission media for propagating RF signals, a reflection magnitude control device mounted in a fixed position relative to a direction of signal propagation along said transmission media, and a phase shifter to control a reflection phase. A multi-section probe for an impedance tuner system may include a plurality of probe sections and a holder structure for mechanically supporting the plurality of probe sections.

Abstract: A harmonic rejection tuner, used for reflecting RF power at the harmonic frequencies in a load pull measurement setup, uses adjustable capacitive loading of open quarter wavelength long resonator stubs in order to vary the electrical length and thus the resonant frequency of the resonators. Since the resonators themselves are by nature narrowband, this frequency adjustability allows for a higher frequency bandwidth and better coverage of operational frequency range of the test setup. Since load pull measurements are carried out mostly at fixed frequencies, adjustment of the capacitive loading can be either manual or by remote control. Capacitive loading the resonator stubs allows DC bias to be applicable to the device under test through the tuner.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) includes at least one signal layer, a ground layer, at least two signal lines, and at least one grounded line. The signal lines are arranged on the signal layer for transmitting signals. The grounded line is arranged on the signal layer and between the signal lines. A plurality of vias are defined in the grounded line, and the vias are connected to the ground layer. A distance between each two adjacent vias is so arranged that a resonant frequency of an electromagnetic wave transmitted on the grounded line must greater than a highest frequency of the signals transmitted on the signal lines. A related method for designing the PCB is also provided.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor device and an adjusting method for a semiconductor device wherein power source noises and noises radiated as radio waves can be reduced and power source noises inside the semiconductor device can be cut. The open stub OS1 is formed in the upper wiring layer of the semiconductor device 1. The stub length L1 is set to a length of ¼ of the wavelength of the known frequency containing peak components of noises. The noise receiving part AT1 is disposed adjacent to the open stub OS1. The open stub OS1 is connected to the power source wiring 4 by an interlayer wiring 6. The noise receiving part AT1 is biased to a ground potential. The basic wave component and odd-number harmonic waves of noises that are generated from the PLL circuit 11 and propagate (the arrow Y1 of FIG. 2) in the power source wiring 4 are reflected (arrow Y2 of FIG. 2) by the open stub OS1 so as to return to the PLL circuit 11, and do not reach the filter circuit 12.

Abstract: A segmented stub has at least one serpentine signal path that increases the effective electrical length of the stub without increasing the overall physical length or area of the stub. This permits more compact monolithic millimeter-wave and microwave integrated circuit design.

Abstract: An adjustable filter includes an outer conductor, a first inner conductor, and a second inner conductor. The inner conductors are capacitively coupled on the same axis. The further may further include a third inner conductor capacitively coupled to both the first and second inner conductor. The third inner conductor is axially displaceable with respect to the first and second inner conductors. With this configuration, generation of intermodulation products can be minimized.

Abstract: A digital variable capacitor package is provided as having a ground plane disposed on predetermined portion of the top surface of a substrate. An elongated signal electrode may also be disposed on the substrate and including a first end defining an input and a second end extending to a substantially central region of the top surface of the substrate. This elongated signal electrode is disposed to be electrically isolated from the ground plane. A number of elongated cantilevers are disposed on the substrate and each include first ends coupled to the second end of the signal electrode and each further include second ends suspended over different predetermined portions of the ground plane. In operation, one or more of the cantilevers may be actuated to move portion thereof into close proximity to the ground plane for providing one or more discrete capacitance values.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a class of RF corrugated probes to be used in load-pull slide-screw tuner consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) or microwave slotted airline (slabline) comprising at least one RF corrugated probe controlled horizontally and vertically by remote electric control, allowing the creation of impedances which are distributed over and cover the entire Smith chart, from perfect transparency to high reflection factors. The class of RF corrugated probes disclosed in this invention includes a single RF tuning element composed of at least two RF probes fixed together with a separate probe holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for adjusting the size of clearance holes for impedance control in multilayer electronic packaging and printed circuit boards. The method comprises: providing parameters for a structure having a clearance hole and at least one via passing through the clearance hole; calculating a characteristic impedance for the at least one via; and adjusting at least a size of the clearance hole until the characteristic impedance for the at least one via is approximately equal to a desired characteristic impedance.

Abstract: An impedance matching network and network assembly employ one or more variable inductive elements, wherein one or more of the variable inductive elements includes a high temperature ferrite core, a helical coil, and a means for physically translating the magnetic core through the helical coil. An impedance matching network may alternatively or additionally employ one or more variable inductive elements, wherein one or more of the variable inductive elements is cooled using a fan assembly. Further, the impedance matching network and network assembly may alternatively or additionally employ one or more variable inductive elements, wherein the cooling of one or more of the variable inductive elements is facilitated by increasing the surface area of the variable inductive element core.

Abstract: A capacitively loaded multilevel transmission line network for operation at a microwave frequency f is disclosed wherein microstrip conductors are disposed over or under a uniplanar transmission line (UTL), electrically connected thereto at or near opposing ends of the UTL and coupled to portions of the UTL separated therefrom by a thin dielectric film. The microstrip conductors and the portions of the UTL coupled thereto form thin-film microstrip (TFMS) shunt stubs capacitively loading the ends of the UTL for increasing its electrical length. The present invention enables considerable size reduction of microwave circuits having uniplanar transmission lines.

Abstract: An automatic, electromechanical microwave tuner, used for load pull transistor testing, employs three horizontally and vertically adjustable RF probes; the tuner creates very low mechanical vibrations, because it is capable of generating all microwave reflection factors required for complete load pull and noise measurement operations, using only vertical probe movement; it also provides high tuning dynamic range, large frequency bandwidth and continuous choice of tuning target areas.

Abstract: A circuit and method for transmitting an output signal utilizes an inductive device connected in series with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) varactor to increase the potential difference across the MEMS varactor due to the output signal by introducing inductance-capacitance resonant behavior. The MEMS varactor is configured to be actuated exclusively by the output signal to effectuate a change in capacitance of the MEMS varactor. The MEMS varactor is used to provide a variable impedance transformation.

Abstract: A mechanically balanced automatic microwave tuner is used in on-wafer device testing. Using low loss rigid airlines to connect the tuner and the devices improves the tuning range at the DUT reference plane but causes mechanical movements of the wafer probes, when the tuner mobile carriage moves horizontally. Balancing the tuner by means of exactly positioned and dimensioned mobile counterweights, driven by the same mechanism as the tuner carriage itself, allows for compensation of the probe movement and safe on wafer operation.

Abstract: An impedance transformation network, power amplifier and method for efficiently transmitting an output signal utilizes a series varactor device to provide a variable impedance transformation. The series varactor device may include a number of stacked ferroelectric varactors that function as a variable capacitor to provide the variable impedance transformation in response to the power level of the output signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a harmonic rejection tuner system consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) or microwave transmission line having a longitudinal axis, containing at least one harmonic resonator sliding on the central conductor, said harmonic resonator is a pair of shorted-stubs, said shorts are adjustable, making the electromagnetic length of the shunt shorted-stubs variable, therefore making the resonant frequency of the harmonic resonator variable. The harmonic resonator will reflect a harmonic frequency nF0 of a base frequency F0. The harmonic rejection tuner of this invention has an input and output, and is connected in series between the DUT and the large band fundamental tuner.

Abstract: Automatic microwave pre-matching tuners with new zero positioning capability allowing for a minimum idle airline section between pre-matching and tuning section, thus minimizing insertion loss and enhancing high reflection tuning capability at high frequencies and tuner calibration algorithm of the pre-matching section over one half of a wavelength and of the tuning section over one full wavelength at each operation frequency and associated tuning and measurement operation algorithms.

Abstract: A connection pad, an insulating film, a ground layer a protective film, first to third wirings and posts S0, S1, G, D on the wirings are disposed on a semiconductor substrate. In this case, the first wiring transmits a high frequency signal, and a dummy pad portion and dummy post D for restraining attenuation of the high frequency signal are disposed midway in the wiring and not connected to external, circuits. An opening for decreasing a floating capacity is disposed in the ground layer under the posts S0, D.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a harmonic reflective tuner system consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) or microwave transmission line having a longitudinal axis, containing two harmonic resonators sliding on the central conductor, where the harmonic resonators are comprising a pair of identical RF slugs, mechanically attached together. The two harmonic resonators will reflect two harmonic frequencies of a base frequency F0. The harmonic reflective tuner of this invention has an input and output, said input being connected to the DUT trough a diplexer in parallel with the fundamental tuner.

Abstract: A signal transmission structure includes at least one reference plane with a non-reference area, and a signal line with a salient protruding over the edge of the signal line and the salient is corresponding to the position of the non-reference area. When a signal passes through the signal line, the effect of the parasitic capacitance between the salient and the reference plane can improve the characteristic impedance mismatch. Therefore, the signal transmission structure can reduce the insertion loss and increase the reduction of the return loss in order to locally compensate the impedance mismatch.

Abstract: A circuit for processing radio frequency signals that includes an adjustable transmission line stub (104). The adjustable transmission line stub (104) has an input (106) at one end, an electrical length and a termination (112). The circuit also includes a signal return conductor (124) and at least one fluid conduit (114) extending from the transmission line stub (104) to the signal return conductor (124). A fluid control system (150) is provided for selectively moving a conductive fluid (126) from a first position to a second position. The fluid control system is responsive to a control signal (174) for selectively moving the conductive fluid (126) between the first and second position. The fluid control system (150) can include a pump (154, 158, 156) for moving the conductive fluid (126) between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interferometric load-pull tuner system consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) or microwave transmission line containing a pair of identical RF slugs sliding on the central conductor, said slugs surrounding partially the central conductor, being extractable from the transmission line, and the corresponding exact three-terms cascade procedure based on the scattering transfer parameters (T-Parameters) multiplication in order to calculate the scattering parameters (S-Parameters) of the interferometric load-pull tuner for any positions of the two slugs in the transmission line. The interferometric load-pull tuner of this invention provides improved measurement accuracy, enhanced reliability, and allows lower cost of manufacture and maintenance.

Abstract: An impedance adjustment system comprising current source, a first series and a second series connected string of predetermined number of resistors, a first and second switch network, a first, second and third logic circuit and a comparator. By applying the principles of the present invention, embodiments can be made in which variations in a Silicide block of resistors used to terminate a signal line are “tuned out” to get a more precise termination impedance. Embodiments may be made that hold the termination impedance substantially constant over time by continually adjusting in response to variations in process, temperature and supply voltage. IDDQ requirements can be met by latching, by double buffering, the outputs of comparators providing an encoded resistor network setting for the termination impedance, and then powering down the circuit. Embodiments of the present invention avoid the use of trims and fuses, thus reducing fabrication cost.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a load-pull slide-screw tuner consisting of a radio-frequency (RF) or microwave slotted airline (slabline) containing a single corrugated RF slug, said corrugated RF slug being controlled horizontally and vertically by remote electric control, allowing the creation of impedances which are distributed over and cover the entire Smith chart, from perfect transparency to high reflection factors. The corrugation structure of the RF slug of this invention provides the slide-screw tuner, with a single RF slug, the same electromagnetic performances than double slugs slide-screw tuner, i.e. same frequency bandwidth of use and equivalent high gamma performances, at a much lower cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method stabilizes a pair of parallel coaxial lines for an antenna having a tower. An upper portion of each coaxial line is suspended from the tower. A lower end of the coaxial lines is free to move vertically relative to the tower. The apparatus has an expandable element disposed along a first portion of the length of one coaxial line and a frame which rigidly ties together the two coaxial lines at a second portion of each of the lines below the expandable element. One type of expandable element includes telescoping inner conductors and telescoping outer conductors.

Abstract: A continuously variable quarter-wave transformer (103) including a quarter-wave element (110). The quarter-wave transformer has a characteristic impedance and is at least partially coupled to a fluidic dielectric (108). A controller (136) is provided for controlling a composition processor (101) which is adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric (108) to vary the permittivity and permeability in response to a control signal (137). The permeability and permittivity can be varied together to maintain approximately constant impedance and length in wavelengths at different operating frequencies, or to vary impedance and maintain constant length at a given frequency. The quarter-wave transformer (103) can be coupled to a solid dielectric substrate material. A plurality of component parts can be dynamically mixed together in the composition processor (101) responsive to the control signal (137).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable tuned transmission line stub (102). The transmission line stub (102) has an input (104) at one end, an electrical length, and a termination at an opposing end (122). A fluid dielectric (108) is electrically and magnetically coupled to the transmission line stub (102) in a first position to produce a first tuned response. The fluid dielectric (108) is electrically and magnetically decoupled from the transmission line stub (102) in a second position to produce a second tuned response which is distinct from the first tuned response.

Abstract: A transmission line transformer (102) having an electrical length and a fluid dielectric (108). A fluid control system (150) is also provided for selectively moving the fluid dielectric (108) from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the fluid dielectric (108) is electrically and magnetically coupled to the transmission line transformer (102) to produce a first impedance transformation. In the second position, the fluid dielectric is electrically and magnetically decoupled from the transmission line transformer (102) to produce a second impedance transformation distinct from the first impedance transformation. The fluid control system (150) can be responsive to a control signal (174) and can include a pump (154) for moving the fluid dielectric from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A circuit for processing radio frequency signals. The circuit is a transmission line stub (110) coupled to a fluidic dielectric (108) and includes a composition processor (101) for selectively varying a composition of the fluidic dielectric. Varying the fluid dielectric composition allows the electrical characteristics of the transmission line stub (110) to be dynamically varied in response to a control signal 137. The electrical characteristics that can be varied with the fluid dielectric include, but are not limited to, an electrical length of the stub, a characteristic impedance of the stub, and a frequency response of the stub. The transmission line stub (110) can be electrically shorted to ground or electrically open with respect to ground.

Abstract: A computer power supply system for reducing the AC impedance of a DC power supply (52) at inputs pins of a computing device (54) such as a processor. A quarter wavelength transmission line stub (58) is connected to a computing device DC power supply input pin. The stub is open circuited at its end opposite the pin. The wavelength is selected to match a frequency at which power supply impedance is known to be high. The stub appears as a low impedance at the selected frequency. Multiple stubs at different frequencies may be used to provide reduced impedance over a broader frequency band. Stubs may be formed from printed circuit board traces on a motherboard of from metalization patterns on a computing device package.

Abstract: A method for tuning parameter of RF transmission line and a structure thereof for a printed circuit board (PCB) are provided. When the PCB is being laid out, a transmission line and a plurality of copper foils are formed on the PCB in advance, and at least one tune metal, which is welded directly to the transmission line and partial or at least a copper foil, is used to replace a discrete component such as a transistor, a capacitor, or an inductor, which is working in a low frequency. Therefore, the operation of tuning parameter of the RF element on the PCB makes good use of the open stub or short stub effect occurred between the transmission line and the copper foils, so as to modify the characteristic parameter of the RF transmission line.

Abstract: A circuit for processing radio frequency signals. The circuit is a transmission line stub (110) coupled to a fluidic dielectric (108) and includes a composition processor (101) for selectively varying a composition of the fluidic dielectric. Varying the fluid dielectric composition allows the electrical characteristics of the transmission line stub (110) to be dynamically varied in response to a control signal 137. The electrical characteristics that can be varied with the fluid dielectric include, but are not limited to, an electrical length of the stub, a characteristic impedance of the stub, and a frequency response of the stub. The transmission line stub (110) can be electrically shorted to ground or electrically open with respect to ground.

Abstract: A broadband impedance matching circuit for use with an optical device such as an electroabsorption optical modulator comprises a microstrip transmission line, including pairs of like-sized open stubs disposed on opposite sides of the transmission line along its length. The number of open stubs, as well as their dimensions and location are chosen to provide for broadband impedance matching (from dc to several GHz) between an external electrical signal source and the optical device.

Abstract: A shim-tuned transformer for matching the impedance of a generator and a load coupled to the generator via a transmission line. The transformer includes an outer conductor having an inner surface and an inner conductor positioned within the outer conductor. The transformer further includes at least one shim disposed on the inner surface of the outer conductor and encircling the inner conductor. The at least one shim is slideable along the inner surface of the outer conductor for matching the impedance of the generator and the impedance of the load.

Abstract: A microelectro-mechanical device which includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, the fixed electrode including a transparent, high resistance layer, and a moveable electrode formed with an anisotropic stress in a predetermined direction and disposed adjacent the fixed electrode. The device includes first and second electrically conductive regions which are isolated from one another by the fixed electrode. The moveable electrode moves to cover the fixed electrode and to electrically couple to the second conductive region, thus electrically coupling the first and second conductive regions, in response to a potential being applied across the fixed and moveable electrodes. The fixed electrode is transparent to electromagnetic signals or waves and the moveable electrode impedes or allows transmission of electromagnetic signals or waves.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and probe devices for electronic monitoring and characterization using absorbent media confined by a metallic mesh. The mesh allows a stream of liquid or gas to pass through the structure, so that the media will adsorb the material to which it is specific. This changes the permittivity of the media in which the electromagnetic field is propagating. This change in permittivity can be seen through the use of classical microwave methods such as phase shift, amplitude changes, frequency changes in a cavity or the frequency of an unbuffered oscillator. Some embodiments use a two cylinder structure, where an outer cylinder contains a material which selectively removes a chemical which may be in conflict with or would contaminate the sensing of the desired chemical. This outer cylinder does not play a part in the measurement because it is outside the metal shield which contains the measurement adsorbent, and is thus outside the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A signal transmission unit includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a tapered transmission line coupling the first transmission line to the second transmission line. The tapered transmission line has a width and a length and the width changes along the length according to one or more functions. The one or more functions include but are not limited to linear functions, non-linear functions, hyperbolic functions, and exponential functions.

Abstract: A broadband impedance matching circuit for use with an optical device such as an electroabsorption optical modulator comprises a microstrip transmission line, including pairs of like-sized open stubs disposed on opposite sides of the transmission line along its length. The number of open stubs, as well as their dimensions and location are chosen to provide for broadband impedance matching (from dc to several GHz) between an external electrical signal source and the optical device.

Abstract: A method of tuning transmission line impedance includes the step of determining a desired impedance for a transmission line. A capacitive stub is periodically added to the transmission line. A physical quantity to be removed from each of the capacitive stubs to achieve the desired impedance is identified. The identified physical quantity is then removed to establish the desired transmission line impedance. A method of forming an impedance bridge includes the step of affixing a set of capacitive stubs to a bridging transmission line that has a first end and a second end. The vertical height of the set of capacitive stubs is tapered from the first end to the second end to form an increasingly high impedance between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: In an impedance matching device having at least two stubs serially provided to a main coaxial tube so as to be separated from each other with a predetermined interval in a tube axial direction, each stub is composed of a variable capacity capacitor to be jointed to an inner conductor of the main coaxial tube, an electrically conductive capacitor cover to be jointed to an outer conductor of the main coaxial tube so as to cover a surrounding of the variable capacity capacitor, and a drive motor arranged on an outside of the capacitor cover so as to drive a movable side electrode of the variable capacity capacitor. The movable side electrode of the variable capacity capacitor is driven directly by the drive motor so that the impedance matching device is made to be compact and response of impedance matching to a fluctuation of a load impedance such as a behavior of a plasma load is improved, and the life is lengthened and degrees of freedom of installation is widened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small-sized oscillator facilitating the adjustment of a resonance frequency, permitting mass productivity to be improved, sufficiently suppressing a fundamental wave, and permitting cost reduction, and provides radio equipment using the oscillator. In this oscillator, an oscillation circuit is formed by providing a line and a Gunn diode on a dielectric substrate. An NRD guide serving as an output transmission line is formed by disposing a dielectric strip between upper and lower conductor plates, and the above-mentioned line and the NRD guide are coupled. The cut-off frequency of this NRD guide is determined so that the fundamental wave component of an oscillation signal from the oscillation circuit is cut off, so that higher harmonic components are propagated.

Abstract: A signal transmission unit includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a tapered transmission line coupling the first transmission line to the second transmission line. The tapered transmission line has a width and a length and the width changes along the length according to one or more functions. The one or more functions include but are not limited to linear functions, non-linear functions, hyperbolic functions, and exponential functions.

Abstract: An impedance selector includes an input port receiving input signals. An outer conductor electrically communicates with the input port. A dielectric material is encircled by the outer conductor. An inner conductive core is encircled by the outer conductor and electrically communicates with the input port. An output port electrically communicates with the input port via the outer conductor and the inner core. A characteristic impedance of the outer conductor and the inner core is selectively set as a function of a minimum distance between the inner core and the outer conductor.