Abstract: | The finite difference method (FDM) is applied to the analysis of microwave integrated circuit (MIC) components that are based on the coplanar waveguide geometry. Effective dielectric constant, attenuation due to dielectric loss, and line impedance are calculated for open and shielded MICs as functions of transmission line dimensions and material parameters. The FDM is shown to be a practical engineering CAD tool for detailed examination of MICs having an arbitrary number of conductors and lossy dielectric layers, including field effect transistors. |