ABSTRACT
The multiconductor line (MCL) method is a very important method for analysis and simulation of wide-band slow-wave structures. It allows composition of accurate models of the structures and at the same time is relatively simple for analysis and design. The chapter analyses expressions for voltages and currents on the conductors of MCLs at homogeneous and nonhomogeneous dielectric among the conductors. It presents methods for calculation of capacitances of MCL conductors. The chapter explains principles of calculation of characteristics of slow-wave structures using the MCL method. The MCL can be considered as a periodic grating. Because of coupling of conductors in the MCL and properties of the medium among the conductors, the phase velocities of the space harmonics depend on frequency. The dielectric in the cross section of the MCL can be nonhomogeneous. According to analysis, parameters of MCLs depend on capacitances and inductances of conductors per unit length.
