Use this tool to calculate the load impedance from S11, the input reflection coefficient.
Enter
- Zo – source characteristic impedance in Ω
- S11 – either linear or dB value can be used
The tool will calculate the absolute value of the load impedance ZL in ohm.
Background
S11 is the input reflection coefficient with a value between 0 and 1. (Entering values outside this range will result in meaningless output). Referring to the picture of a two port network shown below, S11 = b1/a1
If the load impedance is not the same as the characteristic impedance, there will be some reflection. In actual practice, this reflected signal is measured with a network analyzer.
Formula
VSWR = (1+|S11|)/(1-|S11|)
Γ = (VSWR – 1)/(VSWR + 1)
ZL = Zo*(1+Γ)/(1-Γ)
Example Calculations
For a source impedance of 50 Ω and S11 = -20 dB, the load impedance is calculated to be 61 Ω.