Where Z is the complex impedance R+jX and Z 0 is the characteristic impedance of the source.įor Z = Z 0, the reflection has a magnitude of zero, a dot at the center of the smith chart.
The reflection coefficient of an impedance can be measured with a vector network analyzer.įigure 2 – Measured Reflection Coefficient It can be thought of as a polar reflection coefficient chart with overlaid impedance curves.įigure 1 – Smith Chart Reflection Coefficients It may also be used to solve impedance-matching problems. The Smith chart is a useful graphical tool to convert between impedances and reflection coefficients.
