Frequency-dependent modeling of multiple cascaded step discontinuities on a shielded multilayer asymmetric coplanar waveguide

Full-wave analysis of multiple-step discontinuities on a shielded asymmetric multilayer coplanar waveguide (CPW) is reported for the first time, based on the mode-matching technique. Both pi- and parallel-plate modes are included to achieve accurate results. The properties of the eigenmodes are determined by the spectral domain approach. Scattering (S) parameters of various step discontinuities, including single, double, and triple steps, are presented. Effects of the modal orthogonality on the numerical results are investigated Numerical convergence of the S-parameter data is also discussed Good agreement between the calculated S-parameters of a symmetric CPW step discontinuity using the developed analysis and those published previously is found, which validates the developed analysis. (C) 1997 John Wiley di Sons, Inc.