Christopher L. Holloway and Edward F. Kuester

Abstract: A knowledge of the net inductance of the ground plane can aid in the analysis and investigation of printed circuit board emissions. In this report, we present a method, based on the concept of partial inductance, to determine the net inductance of the ground plane associated with a microstrip line. This method is based on a previously derived expression for the current density on the ground plane. We show calculations for the net, self–partial, and mutual–partial inductance of the ground plane for various trace geometries of practical interest. We also illustrate how the classical transmission line inductance of a microstrip line can be obtained from the concept of partial inductance. Comparisons to different experimental results are also given.

Keywords: net inductance; partial inductance; ground plane inductance; common-mode emissions; microstrip line inductance; printed circuit board emission

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