ABSTRACT
In the application of the multiconductor line method for investigation of slow-wave systems, researchers must have values of characteristic impedances of multiconductor lines used in the models of the systems. This chapter considers calculation of characteristic impedances of multiconductor lines consisting of finite numbers of conductors using the method of moments. It describes the application of the finite difference method for solution of the Laplace equation, computation of potential distribution, and calculation of characteristic impedances of multiconductor lines. In order to simplify calculations, in the analysis of multiconductor lines, the periodical character of the electromagnetic field is taken into account, and electric and magnetic walls are used. Various types of multiconductor lines are used in models of wide-band helical and meander systems. Computing time can be efficiently reduced if the models of multiconductor lines used for calculation of characteristic impedances are symmetrical.
