EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS ON A SIMULATED LUMPED TRANSMISSION-LINE

A novel design for simulating a lumped element transmission line is de scribed. Op-amp subcircuits replace discrete inductances-an approach w hich overcomes a number of disadvantages associated with conventional components. The apparatus models a lossy line which is free of amplitu de and phase distortion. Experiments are described which demonstrate t he design's precise measurement capabilities with respect to determini ng frequency-dependent input impedance and phase shift, as well as the real and imaginary parts of the complex propagation function. Several pulse experiments are also discussed. (C) 1997 American Association o f Physics Teachers.