An analysis of the performance of linear transmission line transformers

The use of lengths of transmission line to construct fast pulse transformers is a widely used technique in pulsed power. Although simple to construct, a full analysis of the way in which these devices work is surprisingly complex. The main problem is the presence of parasitic lines in these transformers which can have major effect on the way a given transformer operates. This paper is concerned with a full analysis of the operation of linear transmission line transformers (TLTs) in which straight, parallel lengths of line are connected to construct a transformer. The effect of the parasitic lines are fully accounted for in the analysis. In addition, the frequency response of these devices is of particular interest and a method of deriving it from the impulse response of transformer is also presented. From this theory, it is shown that it should possible to build a new class of power transformers capable of operating at low and medium frequencies