The microstrip is a very simple yet useful way to create a transmission line with a PCB. There are some
advantages to using a microstrip transmission line over other alternatives. Modeling approximation can be
used to design the microstrip trace. By understanding the microstrip transmission line, designers can
properly build these structures to meet their needs.
Description
A microstrip is constructed with a flat conductor suspended over a ground plane. The conductor and ground
plane are separated by a dielectric. The suface microstrip transmission line also has free space (air) as
the dielectric above the conductor. This structure can be built in materials other than printed circuit
boards, but will always consist of a conductor separated from a ground plane by some dielectric material.
Microstrip Transmission Line Models
Models have been created to approximate the characteristics of the microstrip transmission line.
