Time domain characterization of lossy arbitrary characteristic impedance transmission lines

This paper deals with the characterization of lossy transmission lines. The method developed here delivers the complex propagation constant /spl gamma/ of any arbitrary length and characteristic impedance transmission line, embedded in an arbitrary environment. This approach is based upon time domain analysis of short pulse propagation. Measurements are done with a commercial digital sampling oscilloscope. Only two transmission lines of different lengths are required in order to extract /spl gamma/ and to correct systematic errors of the measurement system. The problem of random errors is also addressed. The method is demonstrated with microstrip lines. A comparison of the developed technique with an other existing time domain approach and a classical frequency domain extraction is also carried out.<>