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Coplanar Waveguide – Quasi‑TEM Mode

Planar line with ground on same side.

Effective permittivity: ...

Electric Field (E) – Cross‑section

E‑field lines between signal and ground.

Magnetic Field (H) – Cross‑section

H‑field loops around signal.

E‑field in x‑z plane (y=0)

Arrows: (Ex, Ez).

H‑field in x‑z plane (y=0)

Arrows: (Hx, Hz).

📐 Quasi‑TEM Approximation

Effective permittivity: εeff = (εr+1)/2
Characteristic impedance: Z0 = 30π/√εeff * K(k)/K'(k) where k = s/(s+2g)

📝 Description & Applications

CPW offers easy shunt mounting, low dispersion, and good isolation.

Applications: MMICs, antennas, high‑frequency interconnects.
Advantages: No via holes, wide bandwidth.
Disadvantages: Potential for slotline modes.

💡 Interview Questions

How does CPW differ from microstrip in terms of field confinement?
What is the advantage of using CPW over microstrip at high frequencies?