unexpected behavior of the matching components on the Smith chart / VNA

med_a

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Hello,

I'm using the Smith chart on a VNA to determine the matching circuit for my PCB (an RF switch (LoRa, WiFi and GNSS) and an antenna (NN02-224)). I used theory to find the matching networks for GNSS and LoRa, and the VNA showed good results.

However, I couldn't get a good match for WiFi. I've used theory and several configurations (L-matching, T and Pi networks) and the first component behaves as expected (moving the point in the Smith chart to the intersection with the 1ohm circle). But as soon as I add the second component, the behavior is not as expected (instead of eliminating the reactance, the point moves up in the Smith chart).
I've changed the configuration: start with a series component (whether L or C) and then a shunt component, but the problem remains the same.

Can anyone tell me what the problem is?

Thanks
 

Hello Med_a
I thnik the issue is that you has calibrated your VNA at the wrong point. You should calibrate it using Short/Open/through, exactly on the point on board where you want to have 50 ohm which is usually the pin of WiFi chip.
 

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