Simple method for the variational analysis of a generalised N-dielectric-layer transmission line

A simple method which facilitates the variational analysis of a generalised N-layer (dielectric) transmission line is described. The numerical computations of the capacitance, effective permittivity and the characteristic impedance can be easily performed on a digital computer. It should be realised that the method presented in this letter does, indeed, tremendously simplify the formidable task of the determination of the potential distribution function which meets the boundary conditions of the multilayer inhomogeneous dielectric configuration.