Introduction to Synthesized Transmission Lines

In modern communication systems, the rapid evolution of integrated circuit (IC) and packaging technologies have driven more and more function blocks to be integrated into a single chip/module. Synthesized transmission lines can be developed with or without periodicity. In a broad sense, it could be either right‐handed or left‐handed depending on the forming blocks. This chapter describes the general concept from Maxwell's equations and discusses the analog between plane wave propagation in a material media and the TEM mode in a parallel‐plate waveguide. The parameters associated with the wave propagation and their corresponding circuit parameters in a transmission line are linked herein. Based on the fundamental principle, design formulae for periodic and non‐periodic synthesized transmission lines are summarized. Classical design approaches are reviewed to demonstrate how synthesized transmission lines are realized practically. A brief review of left‐handed synthesized lines, or metamaterial structures, is also provided.