A generalized method for distinguishing between radiation and surface-wave losses in microstrip discontinuities

A generalized method for calculating both radiation and surface-wave losses is developed for microstrip discontinuities. The losses are determined by a rigorous Poynting vector analysis where the current distribution over the microstrip discontinuities is a result of a full-wave moment method solution. The power loss mechanism of such microstrip discontinuities as open-end, right-angle-bend, gap and stub lines, EMC lines, and rectangular patches are investigated. A self-consistency check of the result based on power conservation is performed to confirm the numerical results. It is found that, above a certain frequency, the surface-wave loss becomes more important than the radiation loss.<
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