Time-Varying Matching Networks for Antennas

In this paper a time-varying matching network is proposed for signal-centric systems. This antenna matching network achieves significantly higher bandwidth than conventional designs with the same circuit topology and complexity. This is achieved by exploiting information about the incident pulse. Time- varying elements control the initial conditions of the reactive components so that excellent matching is obtained over a very wide frequency range. In particular, experimental and theoretical results show that a single-stage LC ladder with one single-pole double-through switch achieves a nearly perfect match for a monocycle with a 10:1 10-dB bandwidth. Unlike conventional matching networks, time-varying designs are not limited by the Bode-Fano gain-bandwidth restriction but only by the nonidealities of their circuit components.