Optimum lossy matching networks for resonant antennas

The problem of optimizing the design of a fixed matching network located between the transmission line and a resonant antenna is addressed. The matching network contains a transformer and a resonator. Although the network is very simple, it yields dramatic match bandwidth improvement. The analysis yields explicit formulas which provide maximum match bandwidth and account for the incidental losses in the matching network. The results apply to any case where the driving point impedance of the antenna can be approximated by a series RLC circuit. Fortunately, such a simplification yields sufficiently accurate results to be useful in many practical applications. An example of a center-fed half-wave dipole is given to illustrate this point.<>