A simplified model for nonuniform multiconductor transmission lines using the method of characteristics

In this work a simplified model for the simulation of electromagnetic transients on non-uniform multiconductor transmission lines is presented. The proposed model is based on the method of characteristics of partial differential equations theory. Using the method of characteristics to rigorously model nonuniform multiconductor transmission lines requires calculating the space derivatives of the modal transformation matrices. Since such derivatives are calculated numerically, the method can become prone to numerical oscillations. The new procedure presented here does not require the space derivatives, therefore is less prone to numerical oscillations and leads to computing time savings. Results obtained with the proposed model are compared with those from the numerical Laplace transform method.