Question:medium

If a transmission line of characteristic impedance \( 25\,\Omega \) is to be matched to a load of \( 100\,\Omega \), then the characteristic impedance of the \(\lambda/4\) transmission line to be used is:

Show Hint

The characteristic impedance of a quarter-wave matching section is always the geometric mean of the line impedance and the terminal load impedance: \( Z_t = \sqrt{Z_0 Z_L} \).
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • \( 70.71\,\Omega \)
  • \( 50\,\Omega \)
  • \( 100\,\Omega \)
  • \( 75\,\Omega \)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Concept: A quarter-wave transformer (\(\lambda/4\) transmission line section) is widely used for matching a transmission line of characteristic impedance \( Z_0 \) to a purely resistive load impedance \( Z_L \).
• The input impedance looking into a quarter-wavelength line terminated by a load \( Z_L \) is expressed as: \[ Z_{\text{in}} = \frac{Z_t^2}{Z_L} \] Where \( Z_t \) is the characteristic impedance of the matching quarter-wave segment.
• For a perfect match with zero reflection, the input impedance of this matching network section must equal the characteristic impedance of the source feed line: \[ Z_{\text{in}} = Z_0 \implies Z_0 = \frac{Z_t^2}{Z_L} \implies Z_t = \sqrt{Z_0 \cdot Z_L} \]

Step 1: Substitute Parameters and Compute

We are given: \[ Z_0 = 25\,\Omega \] \[ Z_L = 100\,\Omega \] Using the geometric mean relationship: \[ Z_t = \sqrt{25 \times 100} = \sqrt{2500} = 50\,\Omega \] Therefore, a \( 50\,\Omega \) line provides a perfect match, matching Option (B).
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