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{{Use American English|date = March 2019}}
{{Short description|Telecommunications device}}
{{Short description|Telecommunications device}}
{{Antennas|components}}
[[File:Kenwood AT-230 antenna-tuner-inside.jpg|right|thumb|300px|alt=Gray cabinet front panel with knobs, meter and switches|Antenna tuner front view, with partially exposed interior.]]
An '''antenna tuner''', a '''matchbox''', '''transmatch''', '''antenna tuning unit''' ('''ATU'''), '''antenna coupler''', or '''feedline coupler''' is a device connected between a [[radio transmitter]] or receiver and its [[radio antenna|antenna]] to improve power transfer between them by [[Impedance matching|matching]] the [[Electrical impedance|impedance]] of the radio to the antenna's feedline. Antenna tuners are particularly important for use with transmitters. Transmitters feed power into a resistive [[load pull|load]], very often 50 ohms, for which the transmitter is optimally designed for power output, efficiency, and low distortion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Load Pull for Power Devices|website=microwaves101.com|url=https://www.microwaves101.com/encyclopedias/load-pull-for-power-devices|access-date=26 August 2024}}</ref> If the load seen by the transmitter departs from this design value due to improper tuning of the antenna/feedline combination the power output will change, distortion may occur and the transmitter may overheat.


ATUs are a standard part of almost all radio transmitters; they may be a [[electric circuit|circuit]] included inside the transmitter itself or a separate piece of equipment connected between the transmitter and the antenna. In transmitters in which the antenna is mounted separate from the transmitter and connected to it by a [[transmission line]] ([[feedline]]), there may be a second ATU (or [[matching network]]) at the antenna to match the impedance of the antenna to the transmission line. In low power transmitters with attached antennas, such as [[cell phone]]s and [[walkie-talkie|walkie-talkies]], the ATU is fixed to work with the antenna. In high power transmitters like [[radio station]]s, the ATU is adjustable to accommodate changes in the antenna or transmitter, and adjusting the ATU to match the transmitter to the antenna is an important procedure done after any changes to these components have been made. This adjustment is done with an instrument called a [[SWR meter]].
'''Antenna tuner''', '''[[matching network]]''', '''matchbox''', '''transmatch''', '''antenna tuning unit''' ('''ATU'''), '''antenna coupler''', and '''feedline coupler''' are all equivalent names for a device connected between a [[transmitter|radio transmitter]] and its [[antenna (radio)|antenna]], to improve power transfer between them by [[Impedance matching|matching]] the specified load [[Electrical impedance|impedance]] of the radio to the combined input impedance of the feedline and the antenna.


In [[radio receiver]]s ATUs are not so important, because in the low frequency part of the [[radio spectrum]] the [[signal to noise ratio]] (SNR) is dominated by [[radio noise|atmospheric noise]]. It does not matter if the impedance of the antenna and receiver are mismatched so some of the incoming power from the antenna is reflected and does not reach the receiver, because the signal can be amplified to make up for it. However in high frequency receivers the receiver's SNR is dominated by noise in the receiver's [[RF front end|front end]], so it is important that the receiving antenna is impedance-matched to the receiver to give maximum signal amplitude in the front end stages, to overcome noise.
Antenna tuners are particularly important for use with transmitters. Transmitters are typically designed to feed power into a [[reactance (electronics)|reactance]]-free, resistive [[load pull|load]] of a specific value, very often 50&nbsp;[[ohm]]s.<ref name=MW101_Load_pull/> However the antenna and feedline impedance can vary depending on frequency and other factors. If the [[electrical impedance|impedance]] seen by the transmitter departs from the design load, circuits in modern transmitters automatically cut back the power output to protect the equipment from the consequences of the [[Impedance matching|impedance mismatch]].

In addition to reducing the power radiated by the antenna, the mismatch can distort the signal, and in high power transmitters may overheat the transmitter. Because of this, ATUs are a standard part of almost all radio transmitting systems. They may be a [[electric circuit|circuit]] incorporated into the transmitter itself, or a separate piece of equipment connected between the transmitter and the antenna. In transmitting systems with an antenna separated from the transmitter and connected to it by a [[transmission line]] ([[feedline]]), there may be yet another [[matching network]] (or ATU) where the feedline connects to the antenna, to match the transmission line's impedance to the antenna.

Transmitters in [[cell phone]]s and [[walkie-talkie]]s have an ATU circuit inside permanently set to work with the installed antenna.{{efn|name=cell_walkie_ATU}} In multi-frequency communication stations like [[amateur radio]] stations, and high power transmitters like [[radio broadcasting]] [[radio station|stations]], the ATU is adjustable to accommodate changes in the transmitting system. Matching the transmitter, feedline, antenna, or their environment by adjustment of the ATU is an important procedure done after any change the system, with an instrument called an [[SWR meter]] typically used to measure the degree of match or mismatch.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
An antenna's [[Impedance matching|impedance]] is different at different frequencies. An antenna tuner matches a radio with a fixed impedance (typically 50&nbsp;[[Ohm]]s for modern transceivers) to the ''combination'' of the feedline and the [[antenna (radio)|antenna]]; useful when the impedance seen at the input end of the feedline is unknown, [[Complex impedance|complex]], or otherwise different from the transceiver. Coupling through an ATU allows the use of one antenna on a broad range of frequencies. However, despite its name, an antenna '''tuner''&nbsp;' actually matches the transmitter only to the complex impedance reflected back to the input end of the feedline. If both tuner and transmission line were lossless, tuning at the transmitter end would indeed produce a match at every point in the transmitter-feedline-antenna system.<ref>[http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~jstiles/723/handouts/section_5_1_Matching_with_Lumped_Elements_package.pdf Stiles, J. Matching with Lumped Elements]</ref> However, in practical systems feedline losses limit the ability of the antenna 'tuner' to match the antenna or change its [[Electrical resonance|resonant frequency]].
Antenna tuners are particularly important for use with transmitters. Transmitters are designed to feed power into a resistive [[load pull|load]] of a specific value, very often 50&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ohms]].<ref name=MW101_Load_pull>{{cite web |url=https://www.microwaves101.com/encyclopedias/load-pull-for-power-devices |title=Load-pull for power devices}}</ref> If the [[electrical impedance|impedance]] seen by the transmitter departs from this design value due to improper tuning of the combined feedline and antenna, overheating of the transmitter final stage, distortion and loss of output power may occur.


If the loss of power is very low in the line carrying the transmitter's signal into the antenna, a tuner at the transmitter end can produce a worthwhile degree of matching and tuning for the antenna and feedline network as a whole.<ref name=W2DU_Reflections>Maxwell, W. M. W2DU (1990). ''Reflections: Transmission lines and antennas'', 1st&nbsp;ed. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. {{ISBN|0-87259-299-5}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.w5dxp.com/OWT1.htm |title=Moore, Cecil. (2014-01-09). Old XYL's tales in amateur radio. |access-date=2016-05-08 |archive-date=2019-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602112506/http://www.w5dxp.com/OWT1.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> With lossy feedlines (such as commonly used 50&nbsp;Ohm [[coaxial cable]]) maximum power transfer only occurs if matching is done at both ends of the line.<ref>[http://www.fars.k6ya.org Foothills Amateur Radio Society.]</ref>
===Use in transmitters===
Antenna tuners are used almost universally with transmitters. Without an ATU, in addition to reducing the power radiated by the antenna, the reflected current can overheat transformer cores and cause signal distortion. In high power transmitters it may overheat the transmitter, or cause self-protection circuits in the transmitter to automatically reduce power to safe levels that reduce even further the power of the signal leaving the antenna.


If there is still a high [[Standing wave ratio|SWR]] (multiple reflections) in the feedline beyond the ATU, any loss in the feedline is multiplied several times by the transmitted waves reflecting back and forth between the tuner and the antenna, heating the wire instead of sending out a signal. Even with a matching unit at both ends of the feedline &ndash; the near ATU matching the transmitter to the feedline and the remote ATU matching the feedline to the antenna &ndash; losses in the circuitry of the two ATUs will reduce power delivered to the antenna. Therefore, operating an antenna far from its design frequency and compensating with a transmatch between the transmitter and the feedline is not as efficient as using a [[Electrical resonance|resonant]] antenna with a [[Impedance matching|matched-impedance]] feedline, nor as efficient as a matched feedline from the transmitter to a remote antenna tuner attached directly to the antenna.
Because of this, ATUs are a standard part of almost all radio transmitting systems. They may be a [[electric circuit|circuit]] incorporated into the transmitter itself,{{efn|name=cell_walkie_ATU|Transmitters with built-in antennas that only cover a narrow frequency band, such as [[cell phone]]s and [[walkie-talkie]]s, have a non-user adjustable ATU circuit inside, permanently set to work with the installed antenna.}} or a separate piece of equipment connected between the transmitter and the antenna. In transmitting systems with an antenna separated from the transmitter and connected to it by a [[transmission line]] ([[feedline]]), there may be another [[matching network]] (or ATU) at the antenna that matches the transmission line's impedance to the antenna.

High power transmitters like [[radio broadcasting]] [[radio station|stations]] have a matching unit that is adjustable to accommodate changes in the frequency, the transmitter, the antenna, or the antenna's environment. Adjusting the ATU to match the transmitter to the antenna is an important procedure which is done after any work on the transmitter or antenna occurs. The effect of this adjustment is typically measured using an instrument called an [[SWR meter]], which indicates the degree of mismatch between a reference impedance (typically 50&nbsp;+&nbsp;''{{math|j}}''&nbsp;0&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ohms]]) and the complex impedance at the point of insertion of the [[SWR meter]].

===What an "antenna tuner" actually tunes===
Despite its name, an antenna "tuner" does not actually tune the antenna. It matches the complex impedance of the transmitter to that of the input end of the feedline. The input impedance of the transmission line will be different than the [[characteristic impedance]] of the feedline if the impedance of the antenna on the other end of the line does not match the line's characteristic impedance. The consequence of the mismatch is that the line's impedance (voltage to current ratio and phase) will oscillate along the line, or equivalently, out-of-phase standing waves of voltage and current along the feedline.

If both the tuner and the feedline were lossless, tuning at the transmitter end would indeed produce a perfect match at every point in the transmitter-feedline-antenna system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~jstiles/723/handouts/section_5_1_Matching_with_Lumped_Elements_package.pdf |author=Stiles, J. |title=Matching with lumped elements |df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, in practical systems lossy feedlines limit the ability of the antenna tuner to change the antenna's [[Electrical resonance|resonant frequency]]. If the loss of power is low in the line carrying the transmitter's signal to the antenna, a tuner at the transmitter end can produce a worthwhile degree of matching and tuning for the antenna and feedline network as a whole.<ref name=W2DU_Reflections>{{cite book |author=Maxwell, W. M. |year=1990 |title=Reflections: Transmission lines and antennas |edition=1st |location=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=0-87259-299-5}}</ref><ref name=Moore2014>{{cite web |url=http://www.w5dxp.com/OWT1.htm |author=Moore, Cecil |date=2014-01-09 |title=Old XYL's tales in amateur radio |df=dmy-all}}</ref> But with lossy, low-impedance feedlines like the commonly used 50&nbsp;Ohm [[coaxial cable]], maximum power transfer only occurs if matching is done at the antenna in conjunction with a matched transmitter and feedline, producing a match at both ends of the line.

In any case, regardless of its placement, an ATU does not alter the gain, efficiency, or directivity of the antenna, nor does it change the internal complex impedance of the antenna itself.

===Efficiency and SWR===
If there is still a high [[Standing wave ratio|standing wave ratio (SWR)]] in the feedline beyond the ATU, any loss in that part of the feedline is typically increased by the transmitted waves reflecting back and forth between the tuner and the antenna, causing resistive losses in the wires and possibly the insulation of the transmission line. Even with a matching unit at both ends of the feedline &ndash; the near ATU matching the transmitter to the feedline and the remote ATU matching the feedline to the antenna &ndash; losses in the circuitry of the two ATUs will slightly reduce power delivered to the antenna.

Hence, operating an antenna far from its design frequency and compensating with an ATU between the transmitter and the feedline is not as efficient as using a [[Electrical resonance|resonant]] antenna with a [[Impedance matching|matched-impedance]] feedline, nor as efficient as a matched feedline from the transmitter to a remote antenna tuner attached directly to the antenna.

===Use in receivers===
ATUs are not widely used in [[shortwave]] receivers, and almost never used in [[mediumwave]] or [[longwave]] receivers. They are, however, needed for receivers operating in the upper [[high frequency|HF]] and [[very high frequency|VHF]] and above.

In a receiver, if the complex impedance of the antenna is not a conjugate match for the complex input impedance at the antenna end of the transmission line, then some of the incoming signal power will be reflected back out to the antenna and will not reach the receiver. However this is only important for frequencies at and above the middle [[High frequency|HF band]]. In [[radio receiver]]s working below 20&nbsp;MHz, [[radio noise|atmospheric radio noise]] dominates the [[signal to noise ratio]] (SNR) of the incoming radio signal, and the power of the atmospheric noise that arrives with the signal is far greater than the inherent [[radio noise|thermal radio noise]] generated within the receiver's own circuitry. Therefore, the receiver can amplify the weak signal to compensate for any inefficiency caused by impedance mismatch without perceptibly increasing noise in the output.

At higher frequencies, however, receivers encounter very little atmospheric noise and noise added by the receiver's own [[RF front end|front end]] amplifier dominates the signal to noise ratio. At frequencies above 20&nbsp;MHz the internal circuit noise is the factor limiting sensitivity of the receiver for weak signals, and so as the frequency rises it becomes increasingly important that the antenna complex impedance be conjugately matched to the input impedance at the antenna end of the transmission line, to transfer the maximum available power from a weak signal into the first [[antenna amplifier|amplifier]] to provide a stronger signal than its own internally-generated noise. So impedance-matching circuits ''are'' incorporated in some receivers for the [[High frequency|upper HF band]], such as [[citizens band radio|CB radio]], and for most VHF and higher frequency receivers, such as FM broadcast receivers, and scanners for [[airband|aircraft]] and [[police radio|public safety]] radio.


== {{anchor|Basic principle of wide-band designs}}Broad band matching methods==
== {{anchor|Basic principle of wide-band designs}}Broad band matching methods==
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===Ferrite transformers===
===Ferrite transformers===
Solid-state power amplifiers operating from 1&ndash;30&nbsp;[[MHz]] typically use one or more wideband transformers wound on [[Ferrite (magnet)|ferrite]] cores. [[MOSFET]]s and [[bipolar junction transistor]]s typically used in modern radio frequency amplifiers are designed to operate into a low impedance, so the transformer primary typically has a single turn, while the 50&nbsp;Ohm secondary will have 2 to 4&nbsp;turns. This design of feedline system has the advantage of reducing the retuning required when the operating frequency is changed.
Solid-state power amplifiers operating from 1&ndash;30&nbsp;[[MHz]] typically use one or more wideband transformers wound on [[Ferrite (magnet)|ferrite]] cores. [[MOSFET]]s and [[bipolar junction transistor]]s are designed to operate into a low impedance, so the transformer primary typically has a single turn, while the 50&nbsp;[[Ohm]] secondary will have 2 to 4&nbsp;turns. This feedline system design has the advantage of reducing the retuning required when the operating frequency is changed. A similar design can match an antenna to a [[transmission line]]; For example, many [[TV antenna]]s have a 300&nbsp;Ohm impedance and feed the signal to the TV via a 75&nbsp;Ohm coaxial line. A small ferrite core transformer makes the broad band impedance transformation. This transformer does not need, nor is it capable of adjustment. For receive-only use in a TV the small [[Standing wave ratio|SWR]] variation with frequency is not a major problem.

A similar design can match an antenna to a [[transmission line]]: For example, many [[television antenna|TV antennas]] have a 300&nbsp;Ohm impedance but feed the signal to the TV through a 75&nbsp;Ohm coaxial line. A small ferrite core transformer makes the broad band impedance transformation. This transformer does not need, nor is it capable of adjustment. For receive-only use in a TV the small [[Standing wave ratio|SWR]] variation with frequency is not a major problem.


Also note that many ferrite transformers perform a [[balun|balanced-to-unbalanced transformation]] in addition to the impedance change. When the ''bal''anced to ''un''balanced function is present these transformers are called a ''[[balun]]'' (otherwise an '''unun'''). The most common [[balun]]s have either a 1:1 or a 1:4 ''impedance'' transformation.
It should be added that many ferrite based transformers perform a balanced to unbalanced transformation along with the impedance change. When the ''bal''anced to ''un''balanced function is present these transformers are called a '''[[balun]]''' (otherwise an '''unun'''). The most common [[balun]]s have either a 1:1 or a 1:4 ''impedance'' transformation.


===Autotransformers===
===Autotransformers===
There are several designs for impedance matching using an [[autotransformer]], which is a simple, single-wire transformer with different connection points or ''taps'' spaced along the coil windings. They are distinguished mainly by their ''impedance'' transform ratio (1:1, 1:4, 1:9, etc., the square of the winding ratio), and whether the input and output sides share a common ground, or are matched from a cable that is grounded on one side ([[Unbalanced line|unbalanced]]) to an ungrounded (usually [[Balanced line|balanced]]) cable. When autotransformers connect ''bal''anced and ''un''balanced lines they are called ''[[balun]]''s, just as two-winding transformers are.
There are several designs for impedance matching using an [[autotransformer]], which is a single-wire transformer with different connection points or ''taps'' spaced along the windings. They are distinguished mainly by their ''impedance'' transform ratio (1:1, 1:4, 1:9, etc., the square of the winding ratio), and whether the input and output sides share a common ground, or are matched from a cable that is grounded on one side ([[Unbalanced line|unbalanced]]) to an ungrounded (usually [[Balanced line|balanced]]) cable. When autotransformers connect ''bal''anced and ''un''balanced lines they are called '''[[balun]]'''s, just as two-winding transformers. When two differently-grounded cables or circuits must be connected but the grounds kept independent, a full, two-winding transformer with the desired ratio is used instead.


[[File:widebandatu.svg|300px|right|thumb|1:1, 1:4 and 1:9 [[autotransformer]]|alt=Schematic diagram of automatic transformer]]
When two differently-grounded cables or circuits must be connected but the grounds kept independent, a full, two-winding transformer with the desired ratio is used instead.
The circuit pictured at the right has three identical windings wrapped in the same direction around either an "air" core (for very high frequencies) or ferrite core (for middle, or low frequencies). <!-- It would be better for the reader to see a picture of an only 1:1 autotransformer, wired as a balun (center tap is ground). The picture used seems too elaborate to start at. --> The three equal windings shown are wired for a common ground shared by two unbalanced lines (so this design is called an '''unun'''), and can be used as 1:1, 1:4, or 1:9 impedance match, depending on the tap chosen. (The same windings could be connected differently to make a [[balun]] instead.)


For example, if the right-hand side is connected to a resistive load of 10&nbsp;[[Ohm]]s, the user can attach a source at any of the three ungrounded terminals on the left side of the autotransformer to get a different impedance. Notice that on the left side, the line with more windings measures greater impedance for the same 10 Ohm load on the right.
[[File:widebandatu.svg|300px|right|thumb|1:1, 1:4 and 1:9 [[autotransformer]]|alt=Schematic diagram of autotransformer]]
The circuit pictured at the right has three identical windings wrapped in the same direction around either an "air" core (for very high frequencies) or ferrite core (for middle frequencies) or a powdered-iron core (for very low frequencies).<!-- The picture provided seems too elaborate as a starting point for a casual reader. It would be better for the reader to see a picture of an only 1:1 autotransformer, wired as a balun (center tap is ground). --> The three equal windings shown are wired for a common ground shared by two unbalanced lines (so this design is an ''unun''), and can be used as 1:1, 1:4, or 1:9 impedance match, depending on the tap chosen.<ref group=lower-alpha>The same windings could be connected differently to make a [[balun]] instead.</ref>

For example, if the right-hand side is connected to a resistive load of 10&nbsp;Ohms, the user can attach a source at any of the three ungrounded terminals on the left side of the autotransformer to get a different impedance. Notice that on the left side, the line with more windings between the line's tap-point and the ground tap measures greater impedance for the same 10&nbsp;Ohm load on the right.


=={{anchor|Basic principle of narrow-band designs}}Narrow band design==
=={{anchor|Basic principle of narrow-band designs}}Narrow band design==
The "narrow-band" methods described below cover a very much smaller span of frequencies, by comparison with the broadband methods described above.
The "narrow-band" methods described below cover a very much smaller span of frequencies, by comparison with the broadband methods described above.


Antenna matching methods that use transformers tend to cover a wide range of frequencies. A single, typical, commercially available balun can cover frequencies from 3.5&ndash;30.0&nbsp;[[MHz]], or nearly the entire [[shortwave]] band. Matching to an antenna using a cut segment of transmission line (described below) is perhaps the most efficient of all matching schemes in terms of electrical power, but typically can only cover a range about 3.5&ndash;3.7&nbsp;[[MHz]] wide in the HF band &ndash; a very small range indeed, compared to the 27&nbsp;MHz bandwidth of a well-made broadband balun.
Antenna matching methods that use transformers tend to cover a wide range of frequencies. A single, typical, commercially available balun can cover frequencies from 3.5&ndash;30.0&nbsp;[[MHz]], or nearly the entire [[shortwave]] radio band. Matching to an antenna using a cut segment of transmission line (described below) is perhaps the most efficient of all matching schemes in terms of electrical power, but typically can only cover a range about 3.5&ndash;3.7&nbsp;[[MHz]] wide &ndash; a very small range indeed, compared to a broadband balun. Antenna coupling or feedline matching circuits are also narrowband for any single setting, but can be re-tuned more conveniently. However they are perhaps the least efficient in terms of power-loss (aside from having no impedance matching at all!).

Antenna coupling or feedline matching circuits are also narrowband for any single setting, but can be re-tuned more conveniently. However they are perhaps the least efficient in terms of power-loss (aside from having no impedance matching at all!).


===Transmission line antenna tuning methods===
===Transmission line antenna tuning methods===
[[File:Kenwood AT-230 antenna-tuner-inside.jpg|thumb|300px|alt=Gray cabinet front panel with knobs, meter and switches|Antenna tuner front view, with partially exposed interior]]
There are two different impedance matching techniques using sections of feedline: either the original feedline can have a deliberately mismatched section of line spliced into it (called ''section matching''), or a short stub of line can branch off from the original line, with the stub's end either shorted or left unconnected (called ''stub matching''). In both cases, the length of the section of extra line and its location on the original feedline require careful adjustment.
The insertion of a special section of transmission line, whose characteristic impedance differs from that of the main line, can be used to match the main line to the antenna. An inserted line with the proper impedance and connected at the proper location can perform complicated matching effects with very high efficiency, but spans a very limited frequency range.<ref>Silver, H. Ward [Ed] (2011). ''ARRL Antenna Book'', p.&nbsp;22&ndash;24. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. {{ISBN|978-0-87259-694-8}}</ref>


The simplest example this method is the [[quarter-wave impedance transformer]] formed by a section of mismatched transmission line. If a quarter-wavelength of 75&nbsp;Ohm coaxial cable is linked to a 50&nbsp;Ohm load, the [[standing wave ratio|SWR]] in the 75&nbsp;Ohm quarter wavelength of line can be calculated as 75Ω&nbsp;/&nbsp;50Ω&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.5; the quarter-wavelength of line transforms the mismatched impedance to 112.5&nbsp;Ohms (75&nbsp;Ohms&nbsp;×&nbsp;1.5&nbsp;=&nbsp;112.5&nbsp;Ohms). Thus this inserted section matches a 112&nbsp;Ohm antenna to a 50&nbsp;Ohm main line.
====Section matching====
A special section of transmission line can be used to match the main line to the antenna, if that line section's characteristic impedance is different from that of the main line. The technique is essentially to fix a mismatch by creating an opposite mismatch: A line segment with the proper impedance and proper length, inserted at the proper distance from the antenna, can perform complicated matching effects with very high efficiency. The drawback is that matching with line segments only works for a very limited frequency range for which the segment's length and position are appropriate.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Silver, H. Ward |year=2011 |title=ARRL Antenna Book |pages=22–24 |location=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-0-87259-694-8}}</ref>


The {{frac|1|6}}&nbsp;wavelength coaxial transformer is a useful way to match 50 to 75&nbsp;Ohms using the same general method.<ref>[http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=19648.0 Cathey, T. (2009-05-09). How to match a 50&nbsp;Ohm coax to 75&nbsp;Ohm coax, 35&nbsp;Ohm Yagis, etc. ''AM Forum''.]</ref> The theoretical basis is discussion by the inventor, and wider application of the method is found here: [http://cds.cern.ch/record/214383/files/p1.pdf Branham, P. (1959). ''A Convenient Transformer for matching Co-axial lines''. Geneva: CERN.]<ref>Branham, P. (1959). ''A Convenient Transformer for matching Co-axial lines''. Geneva: [[CERN]].[http://cds.cern.ch/record/214383/files/p1.pdf matching with {{frac|1|6}}-wave co-axial lines.]</ref>
The simplest example this method is the [[quarter-wave impedance transformer]] formed by a section of mismatched transmission line. If a quarter-wavelength of 75&nbsp;Ohm (75&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]]) coaxial cable is linked to a 50&nbsp;Ω load, the [[standing wave ratio|SWR]] in the 75&nbsp;Ω quarter wavelength of line can be calculated as {{frac|75&nbsp;Ω|50&nbsp;Ω}}&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.5; the quarter-wavelength of line transforms the mismatched impedance to 112.5&nbsp;Ω (75&nbsp;Ω&nbsp;×&nbsp;1.5&nbsp;=&nbsp;112.5&nbsp;Ω). Thus this inserted section matches a 112&nbsp;Ω antenna to a 50&nbsp;Ω main line.


A second common method is the use of a [[Stub (electronics)|stub]]: A shorted, or open section of line is connected in parallel with the main line. With coax this is done using a 'T'-connector. The length of the stub and its location can be chosen so as to produce a matched line below the stub, regardless of the complex impedance or [[Standing wave ratio|SWR]] of the antenna itself.<ref>[http://www.arcticpeak.com/antennapages/single_stub_match.html Storli, Martin. (2017-05-13). Single stub match calculator.]</ref> The [[J-pole antenna]] is an example of an antenna with a built-in stub match.
The {{frac|1|6}}&nbsp;wavelength coaxial transformer is a useful way to match 50 to 75&nbsp;Ω using the same general method.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=19648.0 |author=Cathey, T. |date=2009-05-09 |title=How to match a 50&nbsp;Ohm coax to 75&nbsp;Ohm coax, 35&nbsp;Ohm Yagis, etc. |department=AM Forum |website=amfone.net |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>The theoretical basis is discussion by the inventor, and wider application of the method for matching with {{frac|1|6}}-wave co-axial lines is found here: {{cite web |url=http://cds.cern.ch/record/214383/files/p1.pdf |author=Branham, P. |year=1959 |title=A Convenient Transformer for matching Co-axial lines |publisher=[[CERN]] |location=Geneva, CH}}</ref>

====Stub matching====
A second common method is the use of a [[Stub (electronics)|stub]]: Either a shorted or open section of line is connected in parallel with the main feedline, forming a dead-end branch off the main line. With coax this is done using a ‘T’-connector. A stub less than a quarter wave whose end is short-circuited acts as an [[inductor]]; if its end is left unconnected (open), the stub acts as a [[capacitor]]; for lengths between a quarter and a half wave, the [[Electrical reactance|reactive behavior]] is opposite.<ref name=Storli2017/>{{efn|In general, a stub's change in [[Electrical reactance|reactance]] with changing frequency differs from the corresponding lumped component [[inductor]]s and [[capacitor]]s.}}{{efn|To avoid high voltage at the end of an open stub, it is sometimes best to use the shorted stub between a quarter and a half wave in length for the capacitive stub. With low power applications, the open stub between a quarter and a half wave may be chosen for the inductive effect, as it is easier to trim for best match.}}

The length of the stub and its location is chosen so that its reactance will be equal-and-opposite to the reactance at that point on the line, and the remaining, non-reactive impedance will match the line below the stub, removing the effects of the complex impedance or [[Standing wave ratio|SWR]] from the antenna.<ref name=Storli2017>{{cite web |url=http://www.arcticpeak.com/antennapages/single_stub_match.html |author=Storli, Martin |date=2017-05-13 |title=Single stub match calculator |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The [[J-pole antenna]] and the related [[Zepp antenna]] are both examples of an antenna with a built-in stub match.


===Basic lumped circuit matching using the L network===
[[File:Ldg-antenna-tuner-0a.jpg|thumb|300px|Automatic ATU for [[Amateur radio|amateur]] transceiver|alt=Inside of antenna tuner, viewed from above]]
[[File:Ldg-antenna-tuner-0a.jpg|thumb|300px|Automatic ATU for [[Amateur radio|amateur]] transceiver|alt=Inside of antenna tuner, viewed from above]]
The basic circuit required when lumped capacitances and inductors are used is shown below. This circuit is important in that many automatic antenna tuners use it, and also because more complex circuits can be analyzed as groups of L-networks.


[[File:basicnetworkatu.svg|300px|centre|thumb|Basic network|alt=Schematic diagram of basic matching network]]
===Basic lumped circuit matching using the L-network{{anchor|L_network}}===
An ‘L’-network is the simplest circuit that will achieve the desired transformation; for any one given antenna and frequency, once a circuit is selected from the eight possible configurations (of which six are shown in the [[#L-network-diagrams|diagram below]]) only one set of component values will match the '''in''' impedance to the '''out''' impedance. Commercially available automatic antenna tuners most often are ‘L’-networks, since they involve the least number of parts and have a unique setting for the adjustment circuitry to seek out.


This is called an L network not because it contains an inductor, (in fact some L-networks consist of two capacitors), but because the two components are at right angles to each other, having the shape of a rotated and sometimes reversed English letter&nbsp;'L'. The 'T' ("Tee") network and the [[Pi (letter)|<big>π</big> ("Pi")]] network also have a shape similar to the English and Greek letters they are named after.
The basic circuit required when lumped capacitances and inductors are used is shown in the schematic below. This circuit is important in that many automatic antenna tuners use it, and also because more complicated circuits can be analyzed as groups of L-networks.


This basic network is able to act as an [[Electrical impedance|impedance]] transformer. If the output has an impedance consisting of resistance ''R''<sub>load</sub> and reactance ''j''&nbsp;''X''<sub>load</sub>, while the input is to be attached to a source which has an impedance of ''R''<sub>source</sub> resistance and ''j''&nbsp;''X''<sub>source</sub> reactance, then
This circuit is called an “L” network not because it contains an inductor (in fact some L-networks consist of two capacitors) but rather because in the schematic the two components are at right angles to each other, having the shape of a rotated and sometimes reversed Roman letter&nbsp;‘L’. The ‘T’ (“Tee”) network and the [[Pi (letter)|‘<big>π</big>’ (“Pi”)]] network also have their parts laid out in a shape similar to the Roman and Greek letters they are named after.


:<math>X_\text{L} = \sqrt{\Big(R_\text{source}+jX_\text{source}\Big)\Big((R_\text{source}+jX_\text{source})-(R_\text{load}+jX_\text{load})\Big)}</math>
[[File:basicnetworkatu.svg|300px|centre|thumb|Basic network|alt=Schematic diagram of basic matching network]]
This basic network is able to act as an [[Electrical impedance|impedance]] transformer. If the output has an impedance consisting of resistive part ''R''<sub>load</sub> and reactive part ''j''&nbsp;''X''<sub>load</sub>, which add to make a single complex number (&#x202f;''j''&#x202f;²&nbsp;=&nbsp;&minus;1&#x202f;). The input is to be attached to a source which has an impedance of ''R''<sub>source</sub> resistance and ''j''&nbsp;''X''<sub>source</sub> reactance, then

:<math>X_\text{L} = \sqrt{\Big(R_\text{source} + j X_\text{source}\Big)\Big((R_\text{source} + j X_\text{source}) - (R_\text{load} + j X_\text{load})\Big)}</math>


and
and


:<math>X_\text{C} = (R_\text{load} + j X_\text{load}) \sqrt{\frac{(R_\text{source} + j X_\text{source})}{(R_\text{load} + j X_\text{load}) - (R_\text{source} + j X_\text{source})}}</math>.
:<math>X_\text{C} = (R_\text{load}+jX_\text{load})\sqrt{\frac{(R_\text{source}+jX_\text{source})}{(R_\text{load}+jX_\text{load})-(R_\text{source}+jX_\text{source})}}</math>.


In this example circuit, ''X''<sub>L</sub> and ''X''<sub>C</sub> can be swapped. All the ATU circuits below create this network, which exists between systems with different impedances.
In this example circuit, ''X''<sub>L</sub> and ''X''<sub>C</sub> can be swapped. All the ATU circuits below create this network, which exists between systems with different impedances.


For instance, if the source has a resistive impedance of 50&nbsp;Ω and the load has a resistive impedance of 1000&nbsp;Ω&nbsp;:
For instance, if the source has a resistive impedance of 50&nbsp;Ω and the load has a resistive impedance of 1000&nbsp;Ω&nbsp;:


:<math>X_\text{L} = \sqrt{(50)(50-1000)} = \sqrt{(-47500)} = j\, 217.94\ \text{Ohms}</math>
:<math>X_\text{L} = \sqrt{(50)(50-1000)} = \sqrt{(-47500)}= j\, 217.94\ \text{Ohms}</math>


:<math>X_\text{C} = 1000 \sqrt{\frac{50}{(1000-50)}} = 1000\,\times\,0.2294\ \text{Ohms} = 229.4\ \text{Ohms}</math>
:<math>X_\text{C} = 1000 \sqrt{\frac{50}{(1000-50)}} = 1000\,\times\,0.2294\ \text{Ohms} = 229.4\ \text{Ohms}</math>
Line 113: Line 72:


As,
As,
:<math>X_\text{C} = \frac{1}{2 \pi f C}</math>
:<math>X_\text{C} = \frac{1}{2\pi fC}</math>


then, <math>2 \pi f X_\text{C} = \frac{1}{C}</math>
then, <math>2\pi fX_\text{C} = \frac{1}{C}</math>


So, <math>\frac{1}{2 \pi f X_\text{C}} = C = 24.78\ p \text{F}</math>
So, <math>\frac{1}{2\pi fX_\text{C}} = C = 24.78\ p \text{F}</math>


While as, <math>X_\text{L} = 2 \pi f L\!</math>
While as, <math>X_\text{L} = 2\pi fL\!</math>


then, <math> L = \frac{X_\text{L}}{2 \pi f} = 1.239\ \mu \text{H}</math>
then, <math> L = \frac{X_\text{L}}{2\pi f} = 1.239\ \mu \text{H}</math>


==={{anchor|How it works}}Theory and practice===
{{anchor|How it works}}
===Theory and practice===
A parallel network, consisting of a resistive element (1000&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]]) and a reactive element (&minus;''j''&nbsp;229.415&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]]), will have the same impedance and power factor as a series network consisting of resistive (50&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]]) and reactive elements (&minus;''j''&nbsp;217.94&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]]).
A parallel network, consisting of a resistive element (1000&nbsp;Ω) and a reactive element (&minus;''j''&nbsp;229.415&nbsp;Ω), will have the same impedance and power factor as a series network consisting of resistive (50&nbsp;Ω) and reactive elements (&minus;''j''&nbsp;217.94&nbsp;Ω).


[[File:ATUhowitworks1.svg|300px|centre|thumb|Two networks in a circuit; both have the same impedance|alt=Schematic diagrams of two matching networks with the same impedance]]
[[File:ATUhowitworks1.svg|300px|centre|thumb|Two networks in a circuit; both have the same impedance|alt=Schematic diagrams of two matching networks with the same impedance]]


By adding another element in series (which has a reactive impedance of +''j''&nbsp;217.94&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]]), the impedance is 50&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]] (resistive).
By adding another element in series (which has a reactive impedance of +''j''&nbsp;217.94&nbsp;Ω), the impedance is 50&nbsp;Ω (resistive).


[[File:ATUhowitworks2.svg|300px|centre|thumb|Three networks in a circuit, all with the same impedance|alt=Schematic diagrams of three matching networks, all with the same impedance]]
[[File:ATUhowitworks2.svg|300px|centre|thumb|Three networks in a circuit, all with the same impedance|alt=Schematic diagrams of three matching networks, all with the same impedance]]


===Types of L-networks and their uses===
===Types of L networks and their use===
The L-network can have eight different configurations, six of which are shown in [[#L-network-diagrams|the diagrams at the right]]. The two omitted configurations are the same as the bottom row, but with the parallel element (wires vertical) on the right side of the series element (wires horizontal), instead of on the left, as shown.
The L-network can have eight different configurations, six of which are shown here. The two missing configurations are the same as the bottom row, but with the parallel element (wires vertical) on the right side of the series element (wires horizontal), instead of on the left, as shown.


In discussion of the diagrams that follows the '''''in''''' connector comes from the transmitter or "source" on the left; the '''''out''''' connector goes to the antenna or "load" on the right.
In discussion of the diagrams that follows the '''in''' connector comes from the transmitter or "source"; the '''out''' connector goes to the antenna or "load".
The general rule (with some exceptions, described below) is that the horizontal element of an L-network goes in series with the side that has the lowest resistive impedance.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Silver, H.L. |year=2011 |title=The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications |edition=88th |publisher=American Radio Relay League |location=Newington, CT}}</ref>
The general rule (with some exceptions, described below) is that the series element of an ''L''-network goes on the side with the lowest impedance.<ref>Silver, H.L. (Ed.) (2011). ''The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications'', 88th&nbsp;ed. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League.</ref>
{{anchor|L-network-diagrams}}[[File:L network, six configurations.png|400px|right|Six of the eight possible ‘L’-network circuits]]
[[File:L network, six configurations.png|400px|right|six common L-network circuits]]
So for example, the three circuits in the left column and the two in the bottom row have the series (horizontal) element on the '''out''' side are generally used for '''step'''ping '''up''' from a low-impedance input (transmitter) to a high-impedance output (antenna), similar to the example analyzed in the section above. The top two circuits in the right column, with the series (horizontal) element on the '''in''' side, are generally useful for '''step'''ping '''down''' from a higher input to a lower output impedance.
So for example, the three circuits in the left column and the two in the bottom row have the series (horizontal) element on the '''out''' side are generally used for '''step'''ping '''up''' from a low-impedance input (transmitter) to a high-impedance output (antenna), similar to the example analyzed in the section above. The top two circuits in the right column, with the series (horizontal) element on the '''in''' side, are generally useful for '''step'''ping '''down''' from a higher input to a lower output impedance.


The general rule only applies to loads that are mainly [[Electrical resistance and conductance|resistive]], with very little [[Electrical reactance|reactance]]. In cases where the load is highly [[Electrical reactance|reactive]] &ndash; such as an antenna fed with a signal whose frequency is far away from any resonance &ndash; the opposite configuration may be required. If far from resonance, the bottom two '''step down''' (high-in to low-out) circuits would instead be used to connect for a step up (low-in to high-out that is mostly reactance).<ref>{{cite book |author=Smith, Philip H. |year=1969 |title=Electronic applications of the Smith Chart |page=121 |location=Tucker, GA |publisher=Nobel Publishing |ISBN=1-884932-39-8 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The general rule only applies to loads that are mainly [[Electrical resistance and conductance|resistive]], with very little [[Electrical reactance|reactance]]. In cases where the load is highly [[Electrical reactance|reactive]] &ndash; such as an antenna fed with a signals whose frequency is far away from any resonance &ndash; the opposite configuration may be required. If far from resonance, the bottom two '''step down''' (high-in to low-out) circuits would instead be used to connect for a step up (low-in to high-out that is mostly reactance).<ref>Smith, Philip H. (1969). ''Electronic applications of the Smith Chart'', p.&nbsp;121. Tucker, GA: Nobel Publishing. {{ISBN|1-884932-39-8}}</ref>


The low- and high-pass versions of the four circuits shown in the top two rows use only one inductor and one capacitor. Normally, the low-pass would be preferred with a transmitter, in order to attenuate harmonics, but the high-pass configuration may be chosen if the components are more conveniently obtained, or if the radio already contains an internal low-pass filter, or if attenuation of low frequencies is desirable &ndash; for example when a local [[AM Broadcasting|AM station]] broadcasting on a [[medium frequency]] may be overloading a [[high frequency]] receiver.
The low- and high-pass versions of the four circuits shown in the top two rows use only one inductor and one capacitor. Normally, the low-pass would be preferred with a transmitter, in order to attenuate harmonics, but the high-pass configuration may be chosen if the components are more conveniently obtained, or if the radio already contains an internal low-pass filter, or if attenuation of low frequencies is desirable &ndash; for example when a local [[AM Broadcasting|AM station]] broadcasting on a [[medium frequency]] may be overloading a [[high frequency]] receiver.


In the bottom row, the '''Low ''R'', high ''C''''' circuit is shown feeding a short vertical antenna, such as would be the case for a compact, mobile antenna or otherwise on frequencies below an antenna's lowest natural [[Electrical resonance|resonant frequency]]. Here the inherent [[capacitance]] of a short, random wire antenna is so high that the L-network is best realized with two [[inductor]]s, instead of aggravating the problem by using a capacitor.
The '''Low ''R'', high ''C''''' circuit is shown feeding a short vertical antenna, such as would be the case for a compact, mobile antenna or otherwise on frequencies below an antenna's lowest natural [[Electrical resonance|resonant frequency]]. Here the inherent [[capacitance]] of a short, random wire antenna is so high that the L-network is best realized with two [[inductor]]s, instead of aggravating the problem by using a capacitor.


The '''Low ''R'', high ''L''''' circuit is shown feeding a small [[loop antenna]]. Below resonance this type of antenna has so much inductance, that more inductance from adding a coil would make the reactance even worse. Therefore, the L-network is composed of two capacitors.
The '''Low ''R'', high ''L''''' circuit is shown feeding a small [[loop antenna]]. Below resonance this type of antenna has so much inductance, that more inductance from adding a coil would make the reactance even worse. Therefore, the L-network is composed of two capacitors.


An L-network is the simplest circuit that will achieve the desired transformation; for any one given antenna and frequency, once a circuit is selected from the eight possible configurations (of which six are shown above) only one set of component values will match the '''in''' impedance to the '''out''' impedance. In contrast, the circuits described below all have three or more components, and hence have many more choices for inductance and capacitance that will produce an impedance match. The radio operator must experiment, test, and use judgement to choose among the many adjustments that produce the same impedance match.
==Unbalanced Line Tuners==
In contrast to two-element L-networks, the circuits described below all have three or more components, and hence have many more choices for inductance and capacitance that will produce an impedance match. The radio operator must experiment, test, and use judgement to choose among the many adjustments that match the same impedances. This section discusses circuit designs for unbalanced lines; it is followed by a section that discusses tuners for balanced lines.


==Antenna system losses==
==={{anchor|Classic circuit}}High-pass T-network===
===Loss in Antenna tuners===
[[File:utransmatch.png|300px|right|thumb|T-network transmatch|alt=Schematic diagram of the High-pass T-network]]
Every means of impedance match will introduce some power loss. This will vary from a few percent for a transformer with a ferrite core, to 50% or more for a complex ATU that is improperly tuned or working at the limits of its tuning range.<ref>Hallas, Joel R. (2010). ''The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners'', pg.&nbsp;4-3. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. {{ISBN|978-0-87259-098-4}}.</ref>
This configuration is currently popular because it is capable of matching a large impedance range with capacitors in commonly available sizes. However, it is a [[high-pass filter]] and will not attenuate spurious radiation above the [[cutoff frequency]] nearly as well as other designs (see the <big>π</big>-network section, below). Due to its low losses and simplicity, many home-built and commercial manually tuned ATUs use this circuit. The [[inductor|tuning coil]] is normally also adjustable (not shown).


With the narrow band tuners, the L-network has the lowest loss, partly because it has the fewest components, but mainly because it necessarily operates at the lowest <math>Q</math> possible for a given impedance transformation. With the L-network, the loaded <math>Q</math> is not adjustable, but is fixed midway between the source and load impedances. Since most of the loss in practical tuners will be in the coil, choosing either the low-pass or high-pass network may reduce the loss somewhat.
===={{anchor|How it works}}Theory and practice====
If a source impedance of 200&nbsp;Ω and a resistive load of 1000&nbsp;Ω are connected (via a capacitor with an impedance of &minus;''j''&nbsp;200&nbsp;Ω) to the inductor of the transmatch, [[Vector (geometric)|vector]] mathematics can transform this into a [[series and parallel circuits#Parallel circuits|parallel]] network consisting of a resistance of 1040&nbsp;Ω and a capacitor with an [[admittance]] of 1.9231×10<sup>&minus;4</sup>&nbsp;[[Siemens (unit)|siemens]] (''X''<sub>C</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;5200&nbsp;Ω).


The L-network using only capacitors will have the lowest loss, but this network only works where the load impedance is very inductive, making it a good choice for a [[Loop antenna#small_loop_ants|small loop antenna]]. Inductive impedance also occurs with straight-wire antennas used at frequencies slightly above a [[resonant frequency]], where the antenna is too long &ndash; for example, between a quarter and a half wave long at the operating frequency. However, problematic straight-wire antennas are typically too short for the frequency in use.
A resistive load (''R''<sub>L</sub>) of 1000&nbsp;Ω is in series with ''X''<sub>C</sub> &minus;''j''&nbsp;200&nbsp;Ω.


With the high-pass T-network, the loss in the tuner can vary from a few percent &ndash; if tuned for lowest loss &ndash; to over 50% if the tuner is not properly adjusted. Using the maximum available capacitance will give less loss, than if one simply tunes for a match without regard for the settings.<ref>Silver, H.W. (2014). ''The ARRL Handbook'', 2015&nbsp;Ed., pg.&nbsp;20-16. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. {{ISBN|978-1-62595-019-2}}.</ref> This is because using more capacitance means using fewer inductor turns, and the loss is mainly in the inductor.
:<math>Z = \sqrt{R_L^2\ +\ X_C^2} = 1020\, \Omega</math>


With the SPC&nbsp;tuner the losses will be somewhat higher than with the T-network, since the added capacitance across the inductor will shunt some reactive current to ground which must be cancelled by additional current in the inductor.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://fermi.la.asu.edu/w9cf/articles/tuner.pdf |title=Kevin Schmidt, W9CF. ''Estimating T-network losses at 80 and 160 meters''. |access-date=2014-10-20 |archive-date=2021-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204133806/http://fermi.la.asu.edu/w9cf/articles/tuner.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The trade-off is that the effective inductance of the coil is increased, thus allowing operation at lower frequencies than would otherwise be possible.
The [[phase angle]] is


If additional filtering is desired, the inductor can be deliberately set to larger values, thus providing a partial band pass effect.<ref>Stanley, J. (2015-09). Technical Correspondence: Antenna Tuners as Preselectors. ''QST'', September 2015, pg.&nbsp;61.</ref> Either the high-pass&nbsp;T, low-pass&nbsp;π, or the SPC&nbsp;tuner can be adjusted in this manner. The additional attenuation at harmonic frequencies can be increased significantly with only a small percentage of additional loss at the tuned frequency.
:<math>\theta = \tan^{-1} \left(\frac{X_\text{C}}{R_\text{L}}\right) = 11.31^\circ </math>


When adjusted for minimum loss, the SPC&nbsp;tuner will have better harmonic rejection than the high-pass&nbsp;T due to its internal tank circuit. Either type is capable of good harmonic rejection if a small additional loss is acceptable. The low-pass&nbsp;π has exceptional harmonic attenuation at ''any'' setting, including the lowest-loss.
:''Y'' = {{frac|1|''Z''}} = 9.8058×10<sup>&minus;4</sup>&nbsp;[[Siemens (unit)|S]]


{{anchor|Connecting an ATU}}
To convert to a parallel network


===ATU location===
:<math>X_\text{C}' = \frac{1}{Y \sin\ \theta }</math>
An ATU will be inserted somewhere along the line connecting the [[radio]] [[transmitter]] or [[receiver (radio)|receiver]] to the antenna.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/9508067.pdf |title=Dave Miller. (1995-08). "Back to Basics". ''QST'', August 1995 |access-date=2011-10-29 |archive-date=2013-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622234232/http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/9508067.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The antenna feedpoint is usually high in the air (for example, a [[dipole antenna]]) or far away (for example, an end-fed [[random wire antenna]]). A transmission line, or feedline, must carry the signal between the transmitter and the antenna. The ATU can be placed anywhere along the feedline: at the transmitter, at the antenna, or somewhere in between.


Antenna tuning is best done as close to the antenna as possible to minimize loss, increase bandwidth, and reduce voltage and current on the transmission line. Also, when the information being transmitted has frequency components whose wavelength is a significant fraction of the electrical length of the feed line, distortion of the transmitted information will occur if there are standing waves on the line. Analog&nbsp;TV and FM stereo broadcasts are affected in this way. For those modes, matching at the antenna is required.
:<math>R_\text{L}' = \frac{1}{Y \cos\ \theta } = 1040\ \Omega </math>


When possible, an automatic or remotely-controlled tuner in a weather-proof case at or near the antenna is convenient and makes for an efficient system. With such a tuner, it is possible to match a wide range of antennas<ref>[http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Books/hfguidebook.pdf SGC World: ''HF Users' Guide'']</ref> (including stealth antennas).<ref>[http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Manuals/stealthman.pdf SGC World: Stealth Kit.]</ref><ref>[http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Books/stealthbook.pdf SGC World: Smart Tuners for Stealth Antennas.]</ref>
If the reactive component is ignored, a 1040&nbsp;Ω to 200&nbsp;Ω transformation is needed (according to the equations above, an inductor of +''j''&nbsp;507.32&nbsp;Ω). If the effect of the capacitor (from the parallel network) is taken into account, an inductor of +''j''&nbsp;462.23&nbsp;Ω is needed. The system can then be mathematically transformed into a series network of 199.9&nbsp;Ω resistive and +''j''&nbsp;409.82&nbsp;Ω reactive.


When the ATU must be located near the radio for convenient adjustment, any significant SWR will increase the loss in the feedline. For that reason, when using an ATU at the transmitter, low-loss, high-impedance feedline is a great advantage (open-wire line, for example). A short length of low-loss coaxial line is acceptable, but with longer lossy lines the additional loss due to SWR becomes very high.<ref>Hallas, Joel R. (2010). ''The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners'', pg.&nbsp;7-4. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League, {{ISBN|978-0-87259-098-4}}</ref>
A capacitor (&minus;''j''&nbsp;409.82) is needed to complete the network. The steps are shown here. Hover over each circuit for captions.


It is very important to remember that when matching the transmitter to the line, as is done when the ATU is near the transmitter, there is no change in the SWR in the feedline. The backlash currents reflected from the antenna are retro-reflected by the ATU &ndash; usually several times between the two &ndash; and so are invisible on the transmitter-side of the ATU. The result of the multiple reflections is compounded loss, higher voltage or higher currents, and narrowed bandwidth, none of which can be corrected by the ATU.
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="120">
File:utranshowitworks1.png|Circuit as seen by user; parts impedance shown on diagram
File:utranshowitworks2.png|After one transformation (unlabeled part impedance is -j 5200Ω)
File:utranshowitworks3.png|After two transformations
File:utranshowitworks4.png|After three transformations
File:utranshowitworks5.png|After four transformations
</gallery>


{{anchor|ATU and SWR}}
===Low-pass π network===
[[File:pimatch.png|300px|right|thumb|The <big>π</big>-network |alt=Schematic diagram of <big>π</big>-network antenna tuner]]
A [[Pi (letter)|<big>π</big> (''pi'')]] network can also be used. This ATU has very good attenuation of harmonics and was incorporated into the output stage of tube-based ‘vintage’ transmitters and many modern tube-based RF amplifiers. However, the standard <big>π</big> circuit is not popular for stand-alone multiband antenna tuners, since the variable capacitors are inconveniently large for the lower Amateur bands.
{{clear}}


=== Standing wave ratio ===
===Drake’s modified π-network===
[[File:MFJ tuner.jpg|thumb|300px|alt=Backlit cross-needle SWR meter|Cross-needle SWR meter on antenna tuner]]
[[File:Drake ATU PI.png|right|thumb|Modified <big>π</big>-network circuit used in Drake tuners.]]
It is a common misconception that a high standing wave ratio (SWR) ''per se'' causes loss.<ref name=W2DU_Reflections/> A well-adjusted ATU feeding an antenna through a low-loss line may have only a small percentage of additional loss compared with an intrinsically matched antenna, even with a high SWR (4:1, for example).<ref>Hall, Jerry (Ed.). (1988). ''ARRL Antenna Book'', p.&nbsp;25–18ff. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. {{ISBN|978-0-87259-206-3}}</ref> An ATU sitting beside the transmitter just re-reflects energy reflected from the antenna ("backlash current") back yet again along the feedline to the antenna ("retro-reflection").<ref name=W2DU_Reflections /> High losses arise from RF resistance in the feedline and antenna, and those multiple reflections due to high SWR cause feedline losses to be compounded.
A modified version of the <big>π</big>-network is more practical as it uses a fixed input capacitor, which can be several thousand picofarads, allowing the two variable capacitors to be smaller. A band switch selects the input capacitor and inductor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radiomanual.info/schemi/ACC_matching/Drake_MN-4_user.pdf |title=Drake&nbsp;MN-4 Users’ Manual |publisher=[[R. L. Drake Company]] |website=radiomanual.info}}</ref> This circuit was used in tuners covering 1.8–30&nbsp;MHz made by the [[R. L. Drake Company]].
{{clear}}


Using low-loss, high-impedance feedline with an ATU results in very little loss, even with multiple reflections. However, if the feedline-antenna combination is 'lossy' then an identical high SWR may lose a considerable fraction of the transmitter's power output. High impedance lines &ndash; such as most parallel-wire lines &ndash; carry power mostly as high voltage rather than high current, and current alone determines the power lost to line resistance. So despite high SWR, very little power is lost in high-impedance line compared low-impedance line &ndash; typical coaxial cable, for example. For that reason, radio operators can be more casual about using tuners with high-impedance feedline.
===SPC tuner===
[[File:SPCmatch.png|240px|right|thumb|SPC transmatch|alt=Schematic diagram of SPC antenna tuner<ref name=deMaw1984/>]]
The '''Series Parallel Capacitor''' or '''SPC''' tuner uses a band-pass circuit that can serve both as an antenna coupler and as a [[preselector]].
The following is a simplified description of the SPC circuit:<ref group=lower-alpha>The functional description of the components is roughly correct, but too simple. In actual operation, the inductor and all of the capacitors interact to produce the overall result.</ref> In the diagram, the upper capacitor on the right matches impedance to the antenna, and the single capacitor on the left matches impedance to the transmitter. The coil and the lower-right capacitor form a [[tank circuit]] that drains to ground out-of-tune signals. The coil is usually also adjustable (not shown), in order to widen or narrow the band-pass and to ensure that the ganged right-hand capacitors will be able to both match to the antenna ''and'' tune to the transceiver's operating frequency without compromising one or the other.<ref name=deMaw1984>{{cite book |author=de&nbsp;Maw, Doug (W1FB) |year=1984 |contribution=Transmatch for balanced or unbalanced lines |title=The ARRL Handbook for the Radio Amateur |editor=Hutchinson, Charles L. |publisher=American Radio Relay League |location=Newington, CT |edition=62nd |ISSN=0890-3565 |at=Chapter&nbsp;22 - Station setup and accessory projects: A transmatch for balanced or unbalanced lines, Figure&nbsp;22.100}}</ref>


Without an ATU, the SWR from a mismatched antenna and feedline can present an improper load to the transmitter, causing distortion and loss of power or efficiency with heating and/or burning of the output stage components. Modern solid state transmitters will automatically reduce power when high SWR is detected, so some solid-state power stages only produce weak signals if the SWR rises above 1.5 to 1. Were it not for that problem, even the losses from an SWR of 2:1 could be tolerated, since only 11&nbsp;percent of transmitted power would be reflected and 89&nbsp;percent sent out through to the antenna. So the main loss of output power with high SWR is due to the transmitter "backing off" its output when challenged with backlash current.
===Ultimate Transmatch===
[[File:Ultimate Transmatch.png|thumb|Schematic diagram of the so called "Ultimate Transmatch"]]Originally, the ''Ultimate Transmatch'' was promoted as a way to make the components more manageable at the lowest frequencies of interest and also to get some harmonic attenuation. A version of McCoy's Ultimate Transmatch network is shown in the illustration to the right.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=McCoy, Lewis G. (W1ICP) |magazine=QST Magazine |title=Ultimate transmatch |date=July 1970 |pages=24–27, 58 |publisher=American Radio Relay League |location=Newington, CT}}</ref>


Tube transmitters and amplifiers usually have an adjustable output network that can feed mismatched loads up to perhaps 3:1 SWR without trouble. In effect the built-in [[Pi (letter)|<big>π</big>]]-network of the transmitter output stage acts as an ATU. Further, since tubes are electrically robust (even though mechanically fragile), tube-based circuits can tolerate very high backlash current without damage.
It is now considered obsolete; the design goals were better realized using identical parts by the ''[[#SPC tuner|Series-Parallel Capacitor (SPC) network]]'', shown [[#SPC tuner|above]], which was designed after the name ''Ultimate'' had already been used.<ref name=deMaw1984/>


=={{anchor|Applications of ATU}}Broadcast Applications ==
{{clear}}
==Balanced line tuners==
Balanced (open line) transmission lines require a tuner that has two "hot" output terminals, rather than one "hot" terminal and ground ("cold"). Since all modern transmitters have unbalanced (co-axial) output &ndash; almost always 50&nbsp;Ω &ndash; the most efficient system has the tuner provide a [[balun]] (balanced to unbalanced) transformation as well as providing an impedance match. The tuner usually includes a [[inductor|coil]], and the coil can accept or produce either balanced or unbalanced input or output, depending on where the tap points are placed on the coil.


===AM broadcast transmitters ===
===Optional and mandatory grounding connections===
[[File:Antenna Tuning Unit, 250 KW AM station, 6 tower array.jpg|thumb|350px|left|ATU for a 250&nbsp;KW, 6&nbsp;tower AM Antenna]]
The following balanced circuit types have been used for tuners, illustrated in the diagram below. All of the circuits show a ground connection (a downward pointing triangle) on the antenna side (right hand side). The antenna ground on the right is optional; if used it effectively forces balanced voltage against ground on the two output terminals.{{efn|name=voltage_balance|There is usually no benefit to forcing the two sides of an antenna to balance voltages. It is almost always better to allow the antenna to "float" with respect to an earth ground: Antenna performance that depends on balance always depends on balanced currents rather than balanced voltages, and forcing voltages to balance may unbalance currents.}} The triangle on the left represents a mandatory ground, and is wired to the signal line connected to the transmitter.{{efn|In the case of these circuits, it is almost always a bad idea to connect the equipment ground to the antenna ground, given the opportunity to keep the grounds separate. ''See''<ref name=voltage_balance group=lower-alpha/>}}{{efn|Removing the optional ground on the balanced (right) side of the circuit does require the dual-section variable capacitor to be mounted so that it can electrically "float", with its frame and tuning shaft insulated from the chassis and tuning knob. When such insulated mounting is provided, there is no reason to use a dual-section capacitor and it can be replaced by a less expensive single-section capacitor.}}
One of the oldest applications for antenna tuners is in AM and shortwave broadcasting transmitters. AM transmitters usually use a vertical antenna (tower) which can be from 0.20 to 0.68&nbsp;wavelengths long. At the base of the tower an ATU is used to match the antenna to the 50&nbsp;Ohm transmission line from the transmitter. The most commonly used circuit is a T-network, using two series inductors with a shunt capacitor between them. When multiple towers are used the ATU network may also provide for a phase adjustment so that the currents in each tower can be phased relative to the others to produce a desired pattern. These patterns are often required by law to include nulls in directions that could produce interference as well as to increase the signal in the target area. Adjustment of the ATUs in a multitower array is a complex and time consuming process requiring considerable expertise.
[[File:Circuit diagram for six types of balanced line antenna tuners.png|400 px|right|Six types of balanced tuners]]


=== {{anchor|Sample application: multiband shortwave transmitter}}High-power shortwave transmitters ===
===Fixed link with taps===
For International Shortwave (50&nbsp;kW and above), frequent antenna tuning is done as part of frequency changes which may be required on a seasonal or even a daily basis. Modern shortwave transmitters typically include built-in impedance-matching circuitry for SWR up to 2:1&nbsp;, and can adjust their output impedance within 15&nbsp;seconds.
The '''Fixed link with taps''' (top left on the diagram) is the most basic circuit. [[Q factor|The <math>Q</math> factor]] will be nearly constant and is set by the number of relative turns on the input link. The match is found by tuning the capacitor and selecting taps on the main coil, which may be done with a switch accessing various taps or by physically moving clips from turn to turn. If the turns on the main coil are changed to move to a higher or lower frequency, the link turns should also change.


The matching networks in transmitters sometimes incorporate a balun or an external one can be installed at the transmitter in order to feed a balanced line. Balanced transmission lines of 300&nbsp;Ohms or more were more-or-less standard for all shortwave transmitters and antennas in the past, even by amateurs. Most shortwave broadcasters have continued to use high-impedance feeds even before the advent of automatic impedance matching.
===Hairpin tuner===
The '''Hairpin tuner''' (top right) has the same circuit, but uses a “hairpin” inductor (a tapped transmission line, short-circuited at the far end).<ref>{{cite book |editor-first=H. Ward |editor-last=Silver |year=2011 |title=ARRL Antenna Book |page=24‑12 |location=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-0-87259-694-8}}</ref> Moving the taps along the hairpin allows continuous adjustment of the impedance transformation, which is difficult with a solenoid coil. It is useful for very short wavelengths from about 10&nbsp;meters to 70&nbsp;cm (frequencies about [[Very high frequency|30&nbsp;MHz to 430&nbsp;MHz]]) where the solenoid inductor would have too few turns to allow fine adjustment. These tuners typically operate over at most a 2:1&nbsp;frequency range.


The most commonly used shortwave antennas for international broadcasting are the
===Series cap with taps===
[[HRS antenna]] (curtain array), which cover a 2&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 frequency range and the [[log-periodic antenna]] which cover up to 8&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 frequency range. Within that range, the SWR will vary, but is usually kept below 1.7&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 &ndash; within the range of SWR that can be tuned by antenna matching built-into many modern transmitters. Hence, when feeding these antennas, a modern transmitter will be able to tune itself as needed to match at any frequency.
The illustration shows two versions of essentially the same circuit: '''Series cap with taps''' and an alternate configuration '''For low-Z lines'''. '''Series cap with taps''' (middle, left) adds a series capacitor to the input side of the ''Fixed link with taps''. The input capacitor allows fine adjustment with fewer taps on the main coil. An alternate connection (middle, right) for the series cap circuit is useful for low impedances only, but avoids the taps ('''For low-Z lines''' in the illustration).


==Automatic antenna tuning==
===Swinging link with taps===
Automatic antenna tuning is used in flagship mobile phones, transceivers for [[amateur radio]], and in land mobile, marine, and tactical HF radio transceivers.
'''Swinging link with taps''' (bottom left). A swinging link inserted into the Fixed Link With Taps also allows fine adjustment with fewer coil taps. The ''swinging link'' is a form of variable transformer, that moves the input coil in and out of the space between turns in the main coil to change their mutual inductance. The variable inductance makes these tuners more flexible than the basic circuit, but at some cost in complexity.


Each antenna tuning system (AT) shown in the figure has an "antenna port", which is directly or indirectly coupled to an antenna, and another port, referred to as "radio port" (or as "user port"), for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals through the AT and the antenna. Each AT shown in the figure has a single antenna-port, (SAP) AT, but a multiple antenna-port (MAP) AT may be needed for MIMO radio transmission.
===Fixed link with differential capacitors===
'''Fixed link with differential capacitors''' (bottom right). The circuit with differential capacitors was the design used for the well-regarded '''Johnson Matchbox''' (JMB) tuners.


[[File:Fig1bOfERPEE1.png|thumb|300px|Two possible configurations of a transmitter comprising an antenna, a single-antenna-port antenna tuner (AT), a sensing unit (SU), a control unit (CU) and a transmission and signal processing unit (TSPU).]]
The four output capacitors sections (C2) are a double-differential capacitor: The axes of the four sections are mechanically connected and their plates aligned so that as the top and bottom capacitor sections ''increase'' in value the two middle sections ''decrease'' in value, and vice versa. This provides a smooth change of loading that is electrically equivalent to moving taps on the main coil. The Johnson Matchbox used a band switch to change the turns on the main inductor for each of the five frequency bands available to hams in the 1950s. Later, similar designs also have switched taps on the link (input) inductor.


Several control schemes can be used in a radio transceiver or transmitter to automatically adjust an antenna tuner (AT).
The JMB design has been criticized since the two middle-section capacitors in C2 are not strictly necessary to obtain a match; however, the middle sections conveniently limit the disturbance of the adjustment for C1 caused by changes to C2.
The control schemes are based on one of the two configurations, (a) and (b), shown in the diagram. For both configurations, the transmitter comprises:
* antenna
* antenna tuner / matching network (AT)
* sensing unit (SU)
* control unit (CU)
* transmitter and signal processing unit (TSPU)
The TSPU incorporates all the parts of the transmitting not otherwise shown in the diagram.


The TX port of the TSPU delivers a test signal. The SU delivers, to the TSPU, one or more output signals indicating the response to the test signal, one or more electrical variables (such as voltage, current, incident or forward voltage, etc.). The response sensed at the ''radio port'' in the case of configuration&nbsp;(a) or at the ''antenna port'' in the case of configuration&nbsp;(b). Note that neither configuration&nbsp;(a) nor (b) is ideal, since the line between the antenna and the AT attenuates SWR; response to a test signal is most accurately tested at or near the antenna feedpoint.
===Z match===
[[File:Z match.png|thumb|Schematic of Z match antenna tuner]][[File:Z match tuner, double resonances in the response.png|thumb|The Z match tuner response]]
The Z-Match is an ATU widely used for low-power amateur radio which is commonly used both as an unbalanced and as a balanced tuner.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ad5x.com/images/Articles/Ztuner%20RevA.pdf |author=Salas, Phil. |title=A 100&nbsp;Watt compact Z-match antenna tuner}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qrpkits.com/blt_plus.html |title=Balanced line tuner}}</ref> The Z&nbsp;match has three tuning capacitors, two of which are ganged with separate connections to the primary transformer coil, producing two distinct resonant frequencies that enable it to cover a wide frequency range without switching the inductor. Because it uses a transformer on the output side, it can be used with either balanced or unbalanced transmission lines, without any modification to the tuner circuit. All of the capacitors must be isolated from ground.


:{| style="text-align:center;" class="wikitable"
The Z-match design is limited in its power output by the core used for the output transformer. A powdered iron or ferrite core about 1.6&nbsp;inches in diameter should handle 100&nbsp;Watts. A tuner built for low-power use ([[Q code|“QRP”]] – typically 5&nbsp;Watts or less) can use a smaller core.
|+ '''{{big|Control scheme types}}'''<ref name="Broydé-Clavelier-2020"/>
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
! Control scheme !! Configur{{shy}}ation !! Extremum-seeking?
|-
| Type&nbsp;0 || n/a || n/a
|-
| Type&nbsp;1 || (a) || No
|-
| Type&nbsp;2 || (a) || Yes
|-
| Type&nbsp;3 || (b) || No
|-
| Type&nbsp;4 || (b) || Yes
|}


Broydé & Clavelier (2020) distinguish five types of antenna tuner control schemes, as follows:<ref name="Broydé-Clavelier-2020">
===Balanced versions of unbalanced tuner circuits===
{{cite journal
All of the unbalanced tuner circuits described in the preceding main section can be converted to an equivalent balanced circuit, as follows:
|last1=Broydé |first1=F.
|last2=Clavelier |first2=E.
|date=June 2020
|title=A typology of antenna tuner control schemes, for one or more antennas
|journal=Excem Research Papers in Electronics and Electromagnetics
|issue=1
|doi=10.5281/zenodo.3902749
}}
</ref>


* Type&nbsp;0 designates the open-loop AT control schemes that do not use any SU, the adjustment being typically only based on previous knowledge programmed for each operating frequency
# In standard schematic drawings that have the ground connection as a line along the bottom, one merely draws an upside-down copy of the same circuit, beneath the original, with its ground-line running along the top, and with the components in the same left-to-right orientation.
* Type&nbsp;1 and type&nbsp;2 control schemes use configuration&nbsp;(a)
# In the second step both ground lines are erased and the descending ground connections from the original circuit are wired to their corresponding ascending ground connections in the new, upside-down circuit.
** type&nbsp;2 uses extremum-seeking control
# The components so-joined are either replaced with their combined equivalent, or optionally can have their junction connected to an RF ground.<ref name=voltage_balance group=lower-alpha/> Where paired components remain, they are "ganged" mechanically, so that one adjustment makes the same change to both.
** type&nbsp;1 does not seek an extreme
# In the final step, the unbalanced feed from the transmitter is coupled to the twinned circuit through a balun. The doubled output lines serve as the two "hot" feeds to the balanced antenna.
* Type&nbsp;3 and type&nbsp;4 control schemes use configuration&nbsp;(b)
** type&nbsp;4 uses extremum-seeking control
** type&nbsp;3 does not seek an extreme


The control schemes may be compared as regards:
Commercially available "inherantly balanced" tuners are made as balanced versions of L, T, and <big>&pi;</big> circuits. Their drawback is that the components used for the upper line and the lower line must be carefully matched and attached pairs, so that adjusting them causes an identical tuning change to both "hot" sides of the circuit. Hence, most "inherently balanced" tuners are more than twice as expensive as unbalanced tuners.
* use of closed-loop or open-loop control (or both)
* measurements used
* ability to mitigate the effects of the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings
* aim / goal
* accuracy and speed
* dependence on use of a particular model of AT or CU


===Unbalanced tuner and a balun===
Another approach to feeding balanced lines is to use an unbalanced tuner with a [[balun]] on either the input (transmitter) or output (antenna) side of the tuner. Most often using the popular '''[[#high pass T network|high pass T circuit]]''' described above, with either a 1:1 [[Balun#Transmission-line transformer type|current balun]] on the input side of the unbalanced tuner or a balun (typically 4:1) on the output side. It can be managed, but doing so both efficiently and safely is not easy.


====Balun between the antenna and the ATU====
Any balun placed on the output (antenna) side of a tuner must be built to withstand high voltage and current stresses, because of the wide range of impedances it must handle.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Hallas, Joel |date=2014-09-01 |title=The Doctor is In |magazine=QST |page=60 |location=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |df=dmy-all}}</ref>


For a wide range of frequencies and impedances it may not be possible to build a robust balun that is adequately efficient. For a narrow range of frequencies, using transmission line stubs or sections for impedance transforms (described above) may well be more feasible and will certainly be more efficient.

====Balun between the transmitter and the ATU====
The demands put on the balun are more modest if the balun is put on the input end of the tuner &ndash; between the tuner and the transmitter. Placed on that end it always operates into a constant 50&nbsp;[[Ohm (unit)|Ω]] impedance from the transmitter on one side, and has the matching network to protect it from wild swings in the feedline impedance on the other side. All to the good. Unfortunately, making the input from the transmitter balanced creates problems that must be remedied.

If an unbalanced tuner is fed with a balanced line from a balun instead of directly from the transmitter, then its normal antenna connection &ndash; the center wire of its output coaxial cable &ndash; provides the signal as usual to one side of the antenna. However the ground side of that same output connection must now feed an equal and opposite current to the other side of the antenna.

The "true" ground voltage at the antenna and transmitter must lie halfway between the two "hot" feeds, one of which is the internal ground: Inside the ATU, the matching circuit's "false" ground level is equally different from the "true" ground level at either the antenna or the transmitter as the original "hot" wire is (but with opposite polarity). Either the "hot" output wire or the matching circuit "ground" will give you exactly the same shock if you touch it.

The tuner circuit must "[[floating ground|float]]" above or below the exterior ground level in order for the ATU circuit ground (or ''common side'') to feed the second hot wire that formerly was attached to the output cable's ground wire: The circuit's [[floating ground]] must provide a voltage difference adequate to drive current through an output terminal to make the second output "hot".<ref>{{cite book |editor-first=H. Ward |editor-last=Silver |year=2011 |title=ARRL Antenna Book |page=24‑13 |location=Newington, Connecticut |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-0-87259-694-8}}</ref>

High voltages are normal in any efficient impedance matching circuit bridging a wide mismatch. Unless the incompatible grounds are carefully kept separate the high voltages present between this interior ''[[floating ground]]'' and the exterior transmitter and antenna grounds can lead to arcing, corona discharge, capacitively coupled ground currents, and electric shock.

====Keeping the mismatched grounds apart====
To reduce power loss and protect the operator and the equipment, the tuner chassis must be double-layered: An outer chassis and an inner chassis. The outer chassis must enclose and insulate the tuning circuit and its [[floating ground]] from the outside, while itself remaining at the level of the exterior ground(s). With the protective outer chassis, the inner chassis can maintain its own incompatible "floating ground" level, safely isolated.

The inner chassis can be reduced to nothing more than a mounting platform inside the outer chassis, elevated on insulators to keep distance between the "floating ground" and the "true" electrical ground line(s) wired to the outer chassis. The inner tuning circuit's metal mounting chassis, and in particular the metal rods connected to adjustment knobs on the outer chassis must all be kept separate from the surface touched by the operator and from direct electrical contact with the transmitter's ground on its connection cable ("true" ground).

Isolating the controls is usually done by replacing at least part of the metal connecting rods between knobs on the outside surface and adjustable parts on the inside platform with an insulated rod, either made of a sturdy ceramic or a plastic that tolerates high temperatures. Further, the metal inner and outer parts must be adequately distant to prevent current leaking out via capacitive coupling when the interior voltages are high. Finally, all these arrangements must be secured with greater than usual care, to ensure that jostling, pressure, or heat expansion cannot create a contact between the inner and outer grounds.

====Summary====
Using an inherently unbalanced circuit for a balanced tuner puts difficult constraints on the tuner's construction and high demands on the builder's craftsmanship. The advantage of such a design is that its inner, inherently unbalanced matching circuit always requires only a single component where a balanced version of the same circuit often requires two. Hence it does not require identical pairs of components for the two "hot" ends of the circuit(s) in order to ensure balance to ground within the ATU, and its output is inherently balanced with respect to the exterior "true" ground, even though the interior circuit is unbalanced with respect to the interior "false" ground.

==Antenna system losses==

{{anchor|Connecting an ATU}}
===ATU location===
An ATU can be inserted anywhere along the line connecting the [[radio]] [[transmitter]] or [[receiver (radio)|receiver]] to the antenna.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/9508067.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622234232/http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/9508067.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-06-22 |first=Dave |last=Miller |date=1995-08-01 |title=Back to Basics |magazine=QST |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The antenna feedpoint is usually high in the air (for example, a horizontal [[dipole antenna]]) or far away (for example, a ground-mounted [[monopole antenna]] used for receiving as well as transmitting). A transmission line, or feedline, must carry the signal between the transmitter and the antenna. The ATU can be placed anywhere along the feedline – at the transmitter output, at the antenna input, or anywhere in between – and if desired, two or more ATUs can be placed at different locations between the antenna and the transmitter (usually at the two ends of the feedline) and tuned so that they create an impedance match throughout the antenna system.

Antenna tuning is best done as close to the antenna as possible to minimize loss, increase bandwidth, and reduce voltage and current on the transmission line. Also, when the information being transmitted has frequency components whose wavelength is a significant fraction of the electrical length of the feed line, distortion of the transmitted information will occur if there are standing waves on the line. Analog&nbsp;TV and FM stereo broadcasts are affected in this way; for those modes, matching at the antenna is required.

When possible, an automatic or remotely-controlled tuner in a weather-proof case at or near the antenna is convenient and makes for an efficient system. With such a tuner, it is possible to match a wide variety of antennas over a broad range of frequencies<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Books/hfguidebook.pdf |website=SGC World |title=HF Users’ Guide}}</ref> (including stealth antennas).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Manuals/stealthman.pdf |website=SGC World |title=Stealth Kit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sgcworld.com/Publications/Books/stealthbook.pdf |website=SGC World |title=Smart tuners for stealth antennas}}</ref>

When the ATU must be located near the radio for convenient adjustment, any significant SWR will increase the loss in the feedline. For that reason, when using an ATU at the transmitter, low-loss, high-impedance feedline is a great advantage (open-wire line, for example). A short length of coaxial line with low loss is acceptable, but with longer coaxial lines the greater losses, aggravated by SWR, become very high.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hallas |first=Joel R., W1ZR |year=2010 |title=The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners |page=7‑4 |location=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-0-87259-098-4 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

It is important to remember that when an ATU is placed near the transmitter and far from the antenna, even though the ATU matches the transmitter to the line there is no change in the line beyond the ATU. The backlash currents reflected from the antenna are retro-reflected by the ATU and so are invisible on the transmitter-side of the ATU. Individual waves are usually reflected between the antenna and the ATU several times; the result of the multiple reflections is compounded loss, higher voltage and / or higher currents on the line and in the ATU, and narrowed bandwidth. None of these can be corrected by an ATU sitting beside the transmitter.

===Loss in antenna tuners===
Every means of impedance match will introduce some power loss. This will vary from a few percent for a transformer with a ferrite core, to 50% or more for a complicated ATU that is improperly adjusted, or working near the limits of its tuning range.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hallas |first=Joel R., W1ZR |year=2010 |title=The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners |page=4‑3 <!-- ARRL uses <section><dash><page> numbers in most of its publications, including its handbook; “4‑3” is not a page range and “‑” is a special unicode character, not a hyphen. --> |place=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-0-87259-098-4 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Among the narrow band tuner circuits, the L-network has the lowest loss, partly because it has the fewest components, but mainly because it necessarily operates at the [[Q factor|lowest {{mvar|Q}}]] possible for a given impedance transformation. With the L-network, the loaded {{mvar|Q}} is not adjustable, but is fixed midway between the source and load impedances. Since most of the loss in practical tuners will be in the coil, changing from a low-pass to a high-pass circuit (or vice versa) may reduce the loss a little.

The L-network using only capacitors will have the lowest loss, but this network only works where the load impedance is very inductive, making it a good choice for a [[Loop antenna#small loop ants|small loop antenna]]. Inductive impedance also occurs with straight-wire antennas used at frequencies slightly above a [[resonant frequency]], where the antenna is too long &ndash; for example, between a quarter and a half wave long at the operating frequency &ndash; hence, one can deliberately build an antenna that is too long for all design frequencies with the intention of tuning it only with capacitors, similar to a loop antenna. Unfortunately, the typical problem encountered in the [[high frequency|HF band]] is that antennas are too short for the frequency in use, and tuning them requires inductive reactance.

With the high-pass T-network, the loss in the tuner can vary from a few percent &ndash; if tuned for lowest loss &ndash; to over 50% if the tuner is not properly adjusted. Using the maximum available capacitance will give less loss, than if one simply tunes for a match without regard for the settings.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Silver |editor-first=H. Ward |date=2014-10-08 |title=The 2015 ARRL Handbook |edition=92nd |page=20‑16 <!-- ARRL uses <section><dash><page> numbers in most of its publications, including its handbook; “20‑16” is not a page range and “‑” is a special unicode character, not a hyphen. --> |place=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-1-62595-019-2 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> This is because using more capacitance means using fewer inductor turns, and the loss is mainly in the inductor.

With the SPC&nbsp;tuner the losses will be somewhat higher than with the T-network, since the added capacitance across the inductor will shunt some reactive current to ground which must be cancelled by additional current in the inductor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fermi.la.asu.edu/w9cf/articles/tuner.pdf |last=Schmidt |first=Kevin, W9CF |title=Estimating T-network losses at 80 and 160&nbsp;meters |df=dmy-all |website=fermi.la.asu.edu}}</ref> The trade-off is that the effective inductance of the coil is increased, thus allowing operation at lower frequencies than would otherwise be possible.

===Sacrificing efficiency in exchange for harmonic suppression===
If additional filtering is desired, the inductor in any of the three-element designs can be deliberately set to large values, raising the [[Q factor|circuit {{mvar|Q}}]] and so providing a partial band pass effect.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Stanley |first=J. |date=2015-09-01 |department=Technical Correspondence |title=Antenna Tuners as Preselectors |magazine=QST Magazine |page=61 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Either the high-pass&nbsp;T or low-pass&nbsp;<big>π</big> can be adjusted in this manner; the SPC&nbsp;tuner provides a full band-pass effect when similarly adjusted. The additional attenuation at harmonic frequencies can be increased significantly with only a small percentage of additional loss at the tuned frequency.

When adjusted for minimum loss, the SPC&nbsp;tuner will always have better harmonic rejection than the high-pass&nbsp;T, since the SPC design is a band-pass circuit. Either type is capable of good harmonic rejection if a small additional loss is acceptable. The low-pass&nbsp;<big>π</big> has exceptional harmonic attenuation at ''any'' setting, including the lowest-loss.

{{anchor|ATU and SWR}}

=== Standing wave ratio ===
[[File:MFJ tuner.jpg|thumb|300px|alt=Backlit cross-needle SWR meter|Cross-needle SWR meter on antenna tuner]]
It is a common misconception that a high standing wave ratio (SWR) ''per se'' causes loss, or that an antenna must be resonant in order to transmit well; neither is true.<ref name=W2DU_Reflections/><ref name=Moore2014/><ref name=AntBk1988/> A well-adjusted ATU feeding an antenna through a low-loss line may have only a small percentage of additional loss compared with an intrinsically matched antenna, even with a high SWR (4:1, for example).<ref name=AntBk1988>{{cite book |editor=Hall, Jerry |year=1988 |title=ARRL Antenna Book |page=25‑18{{nbsp}}ff |location=Newington, CT |publisher=American Radio Relay League |ISBN=978-0-87259-206-3}}</ref> An ATU sitting beside the transmitter just re-reflects energy reflected from the antenna (“backlash current”) back yet again along the feedline to the antenna (“retro-reflection”).<ref name=W2DU_Reflections/> High losses arise from RF resistance in the feedline and antenna, and those multiple reflections due to high SWR cause feedline losses to be compounded.

Using low-loss, high-impedance feedline with an ATU results in very little loss, even with multiple reflections. However, if the feedline-antenna combination is ‘lossy’ then an identical high SWR may lose a considerable fraction of the transmitter's power output. High impedance lines – such as most parallel-wire lines – carry power mostly as high voltage rather than high current, and current alone determines the power lost to line resistance. So for the same number of Watts delivered to the antenna, despite high SWR, very little power is lost in high-impedance line compared low-impedance line like typical coaxial cable. For that reason, radio operators using high-impedance feedline can be more casual about using tuners.

Without an ATU, the SWR from a mismatched antenna and feedline can present an improper load to the transmitter, causing distortion and loss of power or efficiency with heating and/or burning of the output stage components. Modern solid state transmitters are designed to automatically protect themselves by reducing power when challenged by a high SWR. Consequently, some solid-state power stages only produce weak signals if the SWR rises above 1.5 to 1. Were it not for that problem, even the losses from an SWR of 2:1 could be tolerated, since only 11&nbsp;percent of transmitted power would be reflected and 89&nbsp;percent sent through to the antenna. So the main loss of power at high SWR is due to the transmitter ‘backing off’ its output power when confronted with backlash current.

Tube transmitters and amplifiers usually have an adjustable output network that can feed mismatched loads up to perhaps 3:1 SWR without trouble. In effect the [[Pi (letter)|<big>π</big>]]-network of the transmitter output stage acts as a built-in ATU. Further, since tubes are electrically robust (even though mechanically fragile), tube-based circuits can shrug off very high backlash current with impunity and do not need to automatically "back off" their power.

{{anchor|Applications of ATU}}

==Broadcast Applications ==
===AM broadcast transmitters ===
[[File:Antenna Tuning Unit, 250 KW AM station, 6 tower array.jpg|thumb|350px|right|ATU for a 250&nbsp;KW, 6&nbsp;tower AM Antenna]]
One of the oldest applications for antenna tuners is in [[mediumwave]] and [[shortwave]] AM broadcasting transmitters. [[mediumwave|AM band]] transmitters usually use a vertical antenna (tower) which are usually between 0.20–0.68&nbsp;wavelengths long. At the base of the tower (in the "coupling hut")<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230933407 |title=Storm silences radio |newspaper=[[The Sun (Sydney)]] |issue=12379 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=30 September 1949 |accessdate=27 September 2019 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> an ATU is used to match the antenna to the 50&nbsp;Ohm transmission line from the transmitter. The most commonly used circuit is a low-pass T-network with two series inductors and a shunt capacitor between them.

When multiple towers are used the ATU network may also provide for a phase adjustment, so that the currents in each tower can be phased relative to the others to produce a signal in a desired direction. Stations are often required by the terms of their operating license to prevent signals in directions that could produce interference with other stations. The transmitting station also benefits from more of the station's signal power, paid for in its electrical bill, going into its assigned target area, on which its advertising revenue is based. Adjustment of the ATUs in a multitower array is a complicated, time consuming process, requiring considerable expertise.

==={{anchor|Sample application: multiband shortwave transmitter}}High-power shortwave transmitters===
High-power (50&nbsp;kW and above) international shortwave broadcasting stations change frequencies seasonally or even daily, to better adapt to ionospheric conditions, so their signals can propagate to reach their target audience. Frequent transmitting frequency changes require frequent adjustment of antenna matching and phasing circuitry. Modern shortwave transmitters typically include built-in impedance-matching circuitry for SWR up to 2:1 that can adjust to a new frequency and hence new output impedance within 15&nbsp;seconds.

The matching networks in transmitters sometimes incorporate a balun or an external one can be installed at the transmitter in order to feed a balanced line. Through to the 1950s balanced transmission lines of 300&nbsp;Ohms or more were more-or-less standard for all shortwave transmitters and antennas, even by amateurs. Most shortwave broadcasters continue to use high-impedance feeds even after automatic impedance matching has become commonly available.

The most commonly used shortwave antennas for international broadcasting are the [[HRS antenna]] (curtain array), which covers a 2&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 frequency range, and the [[log-periodic antenna]], which can cover up to an 8&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 frequency range. Within the design range, the antenna SWR will vary, but these designs usually keep the SWR below 1.7&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 – easily within the range of SWR that can be tuned by built-in automatic antenna matching in many modern transmitters. So when feeding well-chosen antennas, a modern transmitter will be able to adjust itself as needed to match to the antenna at any frequency.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[American Radio Relay League]]
* [[American Radio Relay League]]
* [[Electrical length]]
* [[Electrical lengthening]]
* [[Impedance bridging]]
* [[Impedance bridging]]
* [[Loading coil]]
* [[Loading coil]]
* [[Preselector]]
* [[Preselector]]
* [[Smith chart]]
* [[Smith chart]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|25em}}
{{Reflist}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last=Wright |first=H. C. |date=1987 |title=An Introduction to Antenna Theory |id=BP198 |location=London |publisher=Bernard Babani}}
*{{cite book |last=Wright |first=H. C. |date=1987 |title=An Introduction to Antenna Theory (BP198) |location=London |publisher=Bernard Babani}}
*{{cite book |author=Radio Society of Great Britain |date=1976 |title=The Radio Communication Handbook |edition=5th |location=Bedford, UK |publisher=Radio Society of Great Britain |isbn=0-900612-58-4}}
*{{cite book |author=Radio Society of Great Britain |date=1976 |title=The Radio Communication Handbook |edition=5th |location=Bedford, UK |publisher=RSGB |isbn=0-900612-58-4}}
*{{cite journal |last=Rohde |first=Ulrich L. |date=1974 |title=Die Anpassung von kurzen Stabantennen für KW-Sender |language=de |trans-title=Matching of short rod-antennas for short-wave transmitters |journal=Funkschau |issue=7}}
*{{cite journal |last=Rohde |first=Ulrich L. |date=1974 |title=Die Anpassung von kurzen Stabantennen für KW-Sender |language=de |trans-title=Matching of short rod-antennas for short-wave transmitters |journal=Funkschau |issue=7}}
*{{cite magazine |last=Rohde |first=Ulrich L. |date=13 September 1975 |title=Match any antenna over the 1.5 to 30&nbsp;MHz range with only two adjustable elements |magazine=Electronic Design |volume=19}}
*{{cite journal |last=Rohde |first=Ulrich L. |date=13 September 1975 |title=Match any antenna over the 1.5 to 30&nbsp;MHz range with only two adjustable elements |journal=Electronic Design |volume=19}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{cite web |url=http://www.arrl.org |title=American Radio Relay League website}}
*[http://www.arrl.org American Radio Relay League website.]
*{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibAIDNcPKh8 |title=What tuners do and a look inside}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibAIDNcPKh8 What tuners do and a look inside.]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Antenna Tuner}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Antenna Tuner}}

Latest revision as of 21:27, 14 December 2024

An antenna tuner, a matchbox, transmatch, antenna tuning unit (ATU), antenna coupler, or feedline coupler is a device connected between a radio transmitter or receiver and its antenna to improve power transfer between them by matching the impedance of the radio to the antenna's feedline. Antenna tuners are particularly important for use with transmitters. Transmitters feed power into a resistive load, very often 50 ohms, for which the transmitter is optimally designed for power output, efficiency, and low distortion.[1] If the load seen by the transmitter departs from this design value due to improper tuning of the antenna/feedline combination the power output will change, distortion may occur and the transmitter may overheat.

ATUs are a standard part of almost all radio transmitters; they may be a circuit included inside the transmitter itself or a separate piece of equipment connected between the transmitter and the antenna. In transmitters in which the antenna is mounted separate from the transmitter and connected to it by a transmission line (feedline), there may be a second ATU (or matching network) at the antenna to match the impedance of the antenna to the transmission line. In low power transmitters with attached antennas, such as cell phones and walkie-talkies, the ATU is fixed to work with the antenna. In high power transmitters like radio stations, the ATU is adjustable to accommodate changes in the antenna or transmitter, and adjusting the ATU to match the transmitter to the antenna is an important procedure done after any changes to these components have been made. This adjustment is done with an instrument called a SWR meter.

In radio receivers ATUs are not so important, because in the low frequency part of the radio spectrum the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is dominated by atmospheric noise. It does not matter if the impedance of the antenna and receiver are mismatched so some of the incoming power from the antenna is reflected and does not reach the receiver, because the signal can be amplified to make up for it. However in high frequency receivers the receiver's SNR is dominated by noise in the receiver's front end, so it is important that the receiving antenna is impedance-matched to the receiver to give maximum signal amplitude in the front end stages, to overcome noise.

Overview

[edit]

An antenna's impedance is different at different frequencies. An antenna tuner matches a radio with a fixed impedance (typically 50 Ohms for modern transceivers) to the combination of the feedline and the antenna; useful when the impedance seen at the input end of the feedline is unknown, complex, or otherwise different from the transceiver. Coupling through an ATU allows the use of one antenna on a broad range of frequencies. However, despite its name, an antenna 'tuner ' actually matches the transmitter only to the complex impedance reflected back to the input end of the feedline. If both tuner and transmission line were lossless, tuning at the transmitter end would indeed produce a match at every point in the transmitter-feedline-antenna system.[2] However, in practical systems feedline losses limit the ability of the antenna 'tuner' to match the antenna or change its resonant frequency.

If the loss of power is very low in the line carrying the transmitter's signal into the antenna, a tuner at the transmitter end can produce a worthwhile degree of matching and tuning for the antenna and feedline network as a whole.[3][4] With lossy feedlines (such as commonly used 50 Ohm coaxial cable) maximum power transfer only occurs if matching is done at both ends of the line.[5]

If there is still a high SWR (multiple reflections) in the feedline beyond the ATU, any loss in the feedline is multiplied several times by the transmitted waves reflecting back and forth between the tuner and the antenna, heating the wire instead of sending out a signal. Even with a matching unit at both ends of the feedline – the near ATU matching the transmitter to the feedline and the remote ATU matching the feedline to the antenna – losses in the circuitry of the two ATUs will reduce power delivered to the antenna. Therefore, operating an antenna far from its design frequency and compensating with a transmatch between the transmitter and the feedline is not as efficient as using a resonant antenna with a matched-impedance feedline, nor as efficient as a matched feedline from the transmitter to a remote antenna tuner attached directly to the antenna.

Broad band matching methods

[edit]

Transformers, autotransformers, and baluns are sometimes incorporated into the design of narrow band antenna tuners and antenna cabling connections. They will all usually have little effect on the resonant frequency of either the antenna or the narrow band transmitter circuits, but can widen the range of impedances that the antenna tuner can match, and/or convert between balanced and unbalanced cabling where needed.

Ferrite transformers

[edit]

Solid-state power amplifiers operating from 1–30 MHz typically use one or more wideband transformers wound on ferrite cores. MOSFETs and bipolar junction transistors are designed to operate into a low impedance, so the transformer primary typically has a single turn, while the 50 Ohm secondary will have 2 to 4 turns. This feedline system design has the advantage of reducing the retuning required when the operating frequency is changed. A similar design can match an antenna to a transmission line; For example, many TV antennas have a 300 Ohm impedance and feed the signal to the TV via a 75 Ohm coaxial line. A small ferrite core transformer makes the broad band impedance transformation. This transformer does not need, nor is it capable of adjustment. For receive-only use in a TV the small SWR variation with frequency is not a major problem.

It should be added that many ferrite based transformers perform a balanced to unbalanced transformation along with the impedance change. When the balanced to unbalanced function is present these transformers are called a balun (otherwise an unun). The most common baluns have either a 1:1 or a 1:4 impedance transformation.

Autotransformers

[edit]

There are several designs for impedance matching using an autotransformer, which is a single-wire transformer with different connection points or taps spaced along the windings. They are distinguished mainly by their impedance transform ratio (1:1, 1:4, 1:9, etc., the square of the winding ratio), and whether the input and output sides share a common ground, or are matched from a cable that is grounded on one side (unbalanced) to an ungrounded (usually balanced) cable. When autotransformers connect balanced and unbalanced lines they are called baluns, just as two-winding transformers. When two differently-grounded cables or circuits must be connected but the grounds kept independent, a full, two-winding transformer with the desired ratio is used instead.

Schematic diagram of automatic transformer
1:1, 1:4 and 1:9 autotransformer

The circuit pictured at the right has three identical windings wrapped in the same direction around either an "air" core (for very high frequencies) or ferrite core (for middle, or low frequencies). The three equal windings shown are wired for a common ground shared by two unbalanced lines (so this design is called an unun), and can be used as 1:1, 1:4, or 1:9 impedance match, depending on the tap chosen. (The same windings could be connected differently to make a balun instead.)

For example, if the right-hand side is connected to a resistive load of 10 Ohms, the user can attach a source at any of the three ungrounded terminals on the left side of the autotransformer to get a different impedance. Notice that on the left side, the line with more windings measures greater impedance for the same 10 Ohm load on the right.

Narrow band design

[edit]

The "narrow-band" methods described below cover a very much smaller span of frequencies, by comparison with the broadband methods described above.

Antenna matching methods that use transformers tend to cover a wide range of frequencies. A single, typical, commercially available balun can cover frequencies from 3.5–30.0 MHz, or nearly the entire shortwave radio band. Matching to an antenna using a cut segment of transmission line (described below) is perhaps the most efficient of all matching schemes in terms of electrical power, but typically can only cover a range about 3.5–3.7 MHz wide – a very small range indeed, compared to a broadband balun. Antenna coupling or feedline matching circuits are also narrowband for any single setting, but can be re-tuned more conveniently. However they are perhaps the least efficient in terms of power-loss (aside from having no impedance matching at all!).

Transmission line antenna tuning methods

[edit]
Gray cabinet front panel with knobs, meter and switches
Antenna tuner front view, with partially exposed interior

The insertion of a special section of transmission line, whose characteristic impedance differs from that of the main line, can be used to match the main line to the antenna. An inserted line with the proper impedance and connected at the proper location can perform complicated matching effects with very high efficiency, but spans a very limited frequency range.[6]

The simplest example this method is the quarter-wave impedance transformer formed by a section of mismatched transmission line. If a quarter-wavelength of 75 Ohm coaxial cable is linked to a 50 Ohm load, the SWR in the 75 Ohm quarter wavelength of line can be calculated as 75Ω / 50Ω = 1.5; the quarter-wavelength of line transforms the mismatched impedance to 112.5 Ohms (75 Ohms × 1.5 = 112.5 Ohms). Thus this inserted section matches a 112 Ohm antenna to a 50 Ohm main line.

The 16 wavelength coaxial transformer is a useful way to match 50 to 75 Ohms using the same general method.[7] The theoretical basis is discussion by the inventor, and wider application of the method is found here: Branham, P. (1959). A Convenient Transformer for matching Co-axial lines. Geneva: CERN.[8]

A second common method is the use of a stub: A shorted, or open section of line is connected in parallel with the main line. With coax this is done using a 'T'-connector. The length of the stub and its location can be chosen so as to produce a matched line below the stub, regardless of the complex impedance or SWR of the antenna itself.[9] The J-pole antenna is an example of an antenna with a built-in stub match.

Basic lumped circuit matching using the L network

[edit]
Inside of antenna tuner, viewed from above
Automatic ATU for amateur transceiver

The basic circuit required when lumped capacitances and inductors are used is shown below. This circuit is important in that many automatic antenna tuners use it, and also because more complex circuits can be analyzed as groups of L-networks.

Schematic diagram of basic matching network
Basic network

This is called an L network not because it contains an inductor, (in fact some L-networks consist of two capacitors), but because the two components are at right angles to each other, having the shape of a rotated and sometimes reversed English letter 'L'. The 'T' ("Tee") network and the π ("Pi") network also have a shape similar to the English and Greek letters they are named after.

This basic network is able to act as an impedance transformer. If the output has an impedance consisting of resistance Rload and reactance j Xload, while the input is to be attached to a source which has an impedance of Rsource resistance and j Xsource reactance, then

and

.

In this example circuit, XL and XC can be swapped. All the ATU circuits below create this network, which exists between systems with different impedances.

For instance, if the source has a resistive impedance of 50 Ω and the load has a resistive impedance of 1000 Ω :

If the frequency is 28 MHz,

As,

then,

So,

While as,

then,

Theory and practice

[edit]

A parallel network, consisting of a resistive element (1000 Ω) and a reactive element (−j 229.415 Ω), will have the same impedance and power factor as a series network consisting of resistive (50 Ω) and reactive elements (−j 217.94 Ω).

Schematic diagrams of two matching networks with the same impedance
Two networks in a circuit; both have the same impedance

By adding another element in series (which has a reactive impedance of +j 217.94 Ω), the impedance is 50 Ω (resistive).

Schematic diagrams of three matching networks, all with the same impedance
Three networks in a circuit, all with the same impedance

Types of L networks and their use

[edit]

The L-network can have eight different configurations, six of which are shown here. The two missing configurations are the same as the bottom row, but with the parallel element (wires vertical) on the right side of the series element (wires horizontal), instead of on the left, as shown.

In discussion of the diagrams that follows the in connector comes from the transmitter or "source"; the out connector goes to the antenna or "load". The general rule (with some exceptions, described below) is that the series element of an L-network goes on the side with the lowest impedance.[10]

six common L-network circuits
six common L-network circuits

So for example, the three circuits in the left column and the two in the bottom row have the series (horizontal) element on the out side are generally used for stepping up from a low-impedance input (transmitter) to a high-impedance output (antenna), similar to the example analyzed in the section above. The top two circuits in the right column, with the series (horizontal) element on the in side, are generally useful for stepping down from a higher input to a lower output impedance.

The general rule only applies to loads that are mainly resistive, with very little reactance. In cases where the load is highly reactive – such as an antenna fed with a signals whose frequency is far away from any resonance – the opposite configuration may be required. If far from resonance, the bottom two step down (high-in to low-out) circuits would instead be used to connect for a step up (low-in to high-out that is mostly reactance).[11]

The low- and high-pass versions of the four circuits shown in the top two rows use only one inductor and one capacitor. Normally, the low-pass would be preferred with a transmitter, in order to attenuate harmonics, but the high-pass configuration may be chosen if the components are more conveniently obtained, or if the radio already contains an internal low-pass filter, or if attenuation of low frequencies is desirable – for example when a local AM station broadcasting on a medium frequency may be overloading a high frequency receiver.

The Low R, high C circuit is shown feeding a short vertical antenna, such as would be the case for a compact, mobile antenna or otherwise on frequencies below an antenna's lowest natural resonant frequency. Here the inherent capacitance of a short, random wire antenna is so high that the L-network is best realized with two inductors, instead of aggravating the problem by using a capacitor.

The Low R, high L circuit is shown feeding a small loop antenna. Below resonance this type of antenna has so much inductance, that more inductance from adding a coil would make the reactance even worse. Therefore, the L-network is composed of two capacitors.

An L-network is the simplest circuit that will achieve the desired transformation; for any one given antenna and frequency, once a circuit is selected from the eight possible configurations (of which six are shown above) only one set of component values will match the in impedance to the out impedance. In contrast, the circuits described below all have three or more components, and hence have many more choices for inductance and capacitance that will produce an impedance match. The radio operator must experiment, test, and use judgement to choose among the many adjustments that produce the same impedance match.

Antenna system losses

[edit]

Loss in Antenna tuners

[edit]

Every means of impedance match will introduce some power loss. This will vary from a few percent for a transformer with a ferrite core, to 50% or more for a complex ATU that is improperly tuned or working at the limits of its tuning range.[12]

With the narrow band tuners, the L-network has the lowest loss, partly because it has the fewest components, but mainly because it necessarily operates at the lowest possible for a given impedance transformation. With the L-network, the loaded is not adjustable, but is fixed midway between the source and load impedances. Since most of the loss in practical tuners will be in the coil, choosing either the low-pass or high-pass network may reduce the loss somewhat.

The L-network using only capacitors will have the lowest loss, but this network only works where the load impedance is very inductive, making it a good choice for a small loop antenna. Inductive impedance also occurs with straight-wire antennas used at frequencies slightly above a resonant frequency, where the antenna is too long – for example, between a quarter and a half wave long at the operating frequency. However, problematic straight-wire antennas are typically too short for the frequency in use.

With the high-pass T-network, the loss in the tuner can vary from a few percent – if tuned for lowest loss – to over 50% if the tuner is not properly adjusted. Using the maximum available capacitance will give less loss, than if one simply tunes for a match without regard for the settings.[13] This is because using more capacitance means using fewer inductor turns, and the loss is mainly in the inductor.

With the SPC tuner the losses will be somewhat higher than with the T-network, since the added capacitance across the inductor will shunt some reactive current to ground which must be cancelled by additional current in the inductor.[14] The trade-off is that the effective inductance of the coil is increased, thus allowing operation at lower frequencies than would otherwise be possible.

If additional filtering is desired, the inductor can be deliberately set to larger values, thus providing a partial band pass effect.[15] Either the high-pass T, low-pass π, or the SPC tuner can be adjusted in this manner. The additional attenuation at harmonic frequencies can be increased significantly with only a small percentage of additional loss at the tuned frequency.

When adjusted for minimum loss, the SPC tuner will have better harmonic rejection than the high-pass T due to its internal tank circuit. Either type is capable of good harmonic rejection if a small additional loss is acceptable. The low-pass π has exceptional harmonic attenuation at any setting, including the lowest-loss.

ATU location

[edit]

An ATU will be inserted somewhere along the line connecting the radio transmitter or receiver to the antenna.[16] The antenna feedpoint is usually high in the air (for example, a dipole antenna) or far away (for example, an end-fed random wire antenna). A transmission line, or feedline, must carry the signal between the transmitter and the antenna. The ATU can be placed anywhere along the feedline: at the transmitter, at the antenna, or somewhere in between.

Antenna tuning is best done as close to the antenna as possible to minimize loss, increase bandwidth, and reduce voltage and current on the transmission line. Also, when the information being transmitted has frequency components whose wavelength is a significant fraction of the electrical length of the feed line, distortion of the transmitted information will occur if there are standing waves on the line. Analog TV and FM stereo broadcasts are affected in this way. For those modes, matching at the antenna is required.

When possible, an automatic or remotely-controlled tuner in a weather-proof case at or near the antenna is convenient and makes for an efficient system. With such a tuner, it is possible to match a wide range of antennas[17] (including stealth antennas).[18][19]

When the ATU must be located near the radio for convenient adjustment, any significant SWR will increase the loss in the feedline. For that reason, when using an ATU at the transmitter, low-loss, high-impedance feedline is a great advantage (open-wire line, for example). A short length of low-loss coaxial line is acceptable, but with longer lossy lines the additional loss due to SWR becomes very high.[20]

It is very important to remember that when matching the transmitter to the line, as is done when the ATU is near the transmitter, there is no change in the SWR in the feedline. The backlash currents reflected from the antenna are retro-reflected by the ATU – usually several times between the two – and so are invisible on the transmitter-side of the ATU. The result of the multiple reflections is compounded loss, higher voltage or higher currents, and narrowed bandwidth, none of which can be corrected by the ATU.

Standing wave ratio

[edit]
Backlit cross-needle SWR meter
Cross-needle SWR meter on antenna tuner

It is a common misconception that a high standing wave ratio (SWR) per se causes loss.[3] A well-adjusted ATU feeding an antenna through a low-loss line may have only a small percentage of additional loss compared with an intrinsically matched antenna, even with a high SWR (4:1, for example).[21] An ATU sitting beside the transmitter just re-reflects energy reflected from the antenna ("backlash current") back yet again along the feedline to the antenna ("retro-reflection").[3] High losses arise from RF resistance in the feedline and antenna, and those multiple reflections due to high SWR cause feedline losses to be compounded.

Using low-loss, high-impedance feedline with an ATU results in very little loss, even with multiple reflections. However, if the feedline-antenna combination is 'lossy' then an identical high SWR may lose a considerable fraction of the transmitter's power output. High impedance lines – such as most parallel-wire lines – carry power mostly as high voltage rather than high current, and current alone determines the power lost to line resistance. So despite high SWR, very little power is lost in high-impedance line compared low-impedance line – typical coaxial cable, for example. For that reason, radio operators can be more casual about using tuners with high-impedance feedline.

Without an ATU, the SWR from a mismatched antenna and feedline can present an improper load to the transmitter, causing distortion and loss of power or efficiency with heating and/or burning of the output stage components. Modern solid state transmitters will automatically reduce power when high SWR is detected, so some solid-state power stages only produce weak signals if the SWR rises above 1.5 to 1. Were it not for that problem, even the losses from an SWR of 2:1 could be tolerated, since only 11 percent of transmitted power would be reflected and 89 percent sent out through to the antenna. So the main loss of output power with high SWR is due to the transmitter "backing off" its output when challenged with backlash current.

Tube transmitters and amplifiers usually have an adjustable output network that can feed mismatched loads up to perhaps 3:1 SWR without trouble. In effect the built-in π-network of the transmitter output stage acts as an ATU. Further, since tubes are electrically robust (even though mechanically fragile), tube-based circuits can tolerate very high backlash current without damage.

Broadcast Applications

[edit]

AM broadcast transmitters

[edit]
ATU for a 250 KW, 6 tower AM Antenna

One of the oldest applications for antenna tuners is in AM and shortwave broadcasting transmitters. AM transmitters usually use a vertical antenna (tower) which can be from 0.20 to 0.68 wavelengths long. At the base of the tower an ATU is used to match the antenna to the 50 Ohm transmission line from the transmitter. The most commonly used circuit is a T-network, using two series inductors with a shunt capacitor between them. When multiple towers are used the ATU network may also provide for a phase adjustment so that the currents in each tower can be phased relative to the others to produce a desired pattern. These patterns are often required by law to include nulls in directions that could produce interference as well as to increase the signal in the target area. Adjustment of the ATUs in a multitower array is a complex and time consuming process requiring considerable expertise.

High-power shortwave transmitters

[edit]

For International Shortwave (50 kW and above), frequent antenna tuning is done as part of frequency changes which may be required on a seasonal or even a daily basis. Modern shortwave transmitters typically include built-in impedance-matching circuitry for SWR up to 2:1 , and can adjust their output impedance within 15 seconds.

The matching networks in transmitters sometimes incorporate a balun or an external one can be installed at the transmitter in order to feed a balanced line. Balanced transmission lines of 300 Ohms or more were more-or-less standard for all shortwave transmitters and antennas in the past, even by amateurs. Most shortwave broadcasters have continued to use high-impedance feeds even before the advent of automatic impedance matching.

The most commonly used shortwave antennas for international broadcasting are the HRS antenna (curtain array), which cover a 2 to 1 frequency range and the log-periodic antenna which cover up to 8 to 1 frequency range. Within that range, the SWR will vary, but is usually kept below 1.7 to 1 – within the range of SWR that can be tuned by antenna matching built-into many modern transmitters. Hence, when feeding these antennas, a modern transmitter will be able to tune itself as needed to match at any frequency.

Automatic antenna tuning

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Automatic antenna tuning is used in flagship mobile phones, transceivers for amateur radio, and in land mobile, marine, and tactical HF radio transceivers.

Each antenna tuning system (AT) shown in the figure has an "antenna port", which is directly or indirectly coupled to an antenna, and another port, referred to as "radio port" (or as "user port"), for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals through the AT and the antenna. Each AT shown in the figure has a single antenna-port, (SAP) AT, but a multiple antenna-port (MAP) AT may be needed for MIMO radio transmission.

Two possible configurations of a transmitter comprising an antenna, a single-antenna-port antenna tuner (AT), a sensing unit (SU), a control unit (CU) and a transmission and signal processing unit (TSPU).

Several control schemes can be used in a radio transceiver or transmitter to automatically adjust an antenna tuner (AT). The control schemes are based on one of the two configurations, (a) and (b), shown in the diagram. For both configurations, the transmitter comprises:

  • antenna
  • antenna tuner / matching network (AT)
  • sensing unit (SU)
  • control unit (CU)
  • transmitter and signal processing unit (TSPU)

The TSPU incorporates all the parts of the transmitting not otherwise shown in the diagram.

The TX port of the TSPU delivers a test signal. The SU delivers, to the TSPU, one or more output signals indicating the response to the test signal, one or more electrical variables (such as voltage, current, incident or forward voltage, etc.). The response sensed at the radio port in the case of configuration (a) or at the antenna port in the case of configuration (b). Note that neither configuration (a) nor (b) is ideal, since the line between the antenna and the AT attenuates SWR; response to a test signal is most accurately tested at or near the antenna feedpoint.

Control scheme types[22]
Control scheme Configur­ation Extremum-seeking?
Type 0 n/a n/a
Type 1 (a) No
Type 2 (a) Yes
Type 3 (b) No
Type 4 (b) Yes

Broydé & Clavelier (2020) distinguish five types of antenna tuner control schemes, as follows:[22]

  • Type 0 designates the open-loop AT control schemes that do not use any SU, the adjustment being typically only based on previous knowledge programmed for each operating frequency
  • Type 1 and type 2 control schemes use configuration (a)
    • type 2 uses extremum-seeking control
    • type 1 does not seek an extreme
  • Type 3 and type 4 control schemes use configuration (b)
    • type 4 uses extremum-seeking control
    • type 3 does not seek an extreme

The control schemes may be compared as regards:

  • use of closed-loop or open-loop control (or both)
  • measurements used
  • ability to mitigate the effects of the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings
  • aim / goal
  • accuracy and speed
  • dependence on use of a particular model of AT or CU



See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Load Pull for Power Devices". microwaves101.com. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  2. ^ Stiles, J. Matching with Lumped Elements
  3. ^ a b c Maxwell, W. M. W2DU (1990). Reflections: Transmission lines and antennas, 1st ed. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. ISBN 0-87259-299-5.
  4. ^ "Moore, Cecil. (2014-01-09). Old XYL's tales in amateur radio". Archived from the original on 2019-06-02. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  5. ^ Foothills Amateur Radio Society.
  6. ^ Silver, H. Ward [Ed] (2011). ARRL Antenna Book, p. 22–24. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. ISBN 978-0-87259-694-8
  7. ^ Cathey, T. (2009-05-09). How to match a 50 Ohm coax to 75 Ohm coax, 35 Ohm Yagis, etc. AM Forum.
  8. ^ Branham, P. (1959). A Convenient Transformer for matching Co-axial lines. Geneva: CERN.matching with 16-wave co-axial lines.
  9. ^ Storli, Martin. (2017-05-13). Single stub match calculator.
  10. ^ Silver, H.L. (Ed.) (2011). The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 88th ed. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League.
  11. ^ Smith, Philip H. (1969). Electronic applications of the Smith Chart, p. 121. Tucker, GA: Nobel Publishing. ISBN 1-884932-39-8
  12. ^ Hallas, Joel R. (2010). The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners, pg. 4-3. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. ISBN 978-0-87259-098-4.
  13. ^ Silver, H.W. (2014). The ARRL Handbook, 2015 Ed., pg. 20-16. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. ISBN 978-1-62595-019-2.
  14. ^ "Kevin Schmidt, W9CF. Estimating T-network losses at 80 and 160 meters" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-02-04. Retrieved 2014-10-20.
  15. ^ Stanley, J. (2015-09). Technical Correspondence: Antenna Tuners as Preselectors. QST, September 2015, pg. 61.
  16. ^ "Dave Miller. (1995-08). "Back to Basics". QST, August 1995" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-22. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
  17. ^ SGC World: HF Users' Guide
  18. ^ SGC World: Stealth Kit.
  19. ^ SGC World: Smart Tuners for Stealth Antennas.
  20. ^ Hallas, Joel R. (2010). The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners, pg. 7-4. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League, ISBN 978-0-87259-098-4
  21. ^ Hall, Jerry (Ed.). (1988). ARRL Antenna Book, p. 25–18ff. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League. ISBN 978-0-87259-206-3
  22. ^ a b Broydé, F.; Clavelier, E. (June 2020). "A typology of antenna tuner control schemes, for one or more antennas". Excem Research Papers in Electronics and Electromagnetics (1). doi:10.5281/zenodo.3902749.

Further reading

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  • Wright, H. C. (1987). An Introduction to Antenna Theory (BP198). London: Bernard Babani.
  • Radio Society of Great Britain (1976). The Radio Communication Handbook (5th ed.). Bedford, UK: RSGB. ISBN 0-900612-58-4.
  • Rohde, Ulrich L. (1974). "Die Anpassung von kurzen Stabantennen für KW-Sender" [Matching of short rod-antennas for short-wave transmitters]. Funkschau (in German) (7).
  • Rohde, Ulrich L. (13 September 1975). "Match any antenna over the 1.5 to 30 MHz range with only two adjustable elements". Electronic Design. 19.
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