Efficient Calculation of a Step Discontinuity for Shielded-Microstrip using Vector Finite Element (VFEM) and Mode Matching Method

Efficient Calculation of a Step Discontinuity for Shielded-Microstrip using Vector Finite Element (VFEM) and Mode Matching Method

In this paper, we proposed a procedure to analyze a shielded-microstrip step discontinuity using the mode matching method (MMM) combined with the vector finite element method (VFEM), which is used to find the equivalent waveguide-model for a microstrip. In order to calculate the effective-widths and -dielectric permittivity of the equivalent waveguide-model corresponding shielded-microstrip, the propagation constant and characteristic impedance are calculated from the VFEM. MMM is then applied to find the scattering parameter in the planar waveguide. This technique makes it possible to take advantage of the high accuracy of the VFEM as well as the high efficiency of the MMM.