Overview of Transmission Lines

Abstract

This chapter provides a very brief historical overview of the classical and modern planar transmission lines. It reviews the classical transmission lines such as a single‐wire line with the earth as a return conductor, coaxial cable, two‐wire line, multi‐conductor lines, and waveguides. The chapter emphasizes the developments of basic concepts, analytical modeling, and theoretical formulations used in the electromagnetic‐theory. The development of the theoretical models of transmission lines inherited the modeling process, and mathematical method of Fourier developed for the transmission of heat in a rod. On knowing the magnetic effect created by an electric current, Faraday argued that the magnetic field can also produce the electric effect. The chapter presents a brief review of the development of planar transmission lines, influencing modern microwave technology. The waveguide is a low‐loss transmission medium capable of handling high power transmission. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.