Telegrapher’s Equation

In the world of wireless Communication, the Telegraph Equation is a vastly talked about concept in the study of transmission lines, particularly in Electrical engineering and telecommunications. Much specifically, for high-frequency transmission lines, It precisely describes the propagation of electrical signals along transmission lines, such as wires, cables, or waveguides, to mention a few.

Many equations are important in the world of Telecommunication, but, the one developed in August 1876 by Oliver Heaviside, the Telegrapher equation provides the mathematical framework for understanding how voltage and current propagate along transmission lines. It entirely analyzes the characteristics of parameters such as resistance, inductance, conductance, and capacitance, while it hides the complexity between these electrical properties. It also helps to predict signal transmission characteristics and to address challenges in signal integrity and attenuation.

In this article, we are delving into the concepts of the Telegraph Equation. We will start with an explanation of its fundamental principles, extending to its derivation and practical applications. We will also examine the characteristics of impedance associated with transmission lines, while we explore solved examples to illustrate the application of the equation even in practical scenes. In addition, we shall discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of using the Telegrapher equation in engineering practice.

What is the Telegrapher’s Equation?

In simple term, Telegrapher’s Equation is a second order differential equation that helps to mathematically model the behaviour of voltage and current propagation in a transmission line.

To understand Telegraph Equation, we shall study some basic concepts in Transmission line. Let’s break it down.

Primary Constants: with respect to transmission line, primary constants refer to the fundamental Electrical properties. These properties are those that characterize the behaviour of the transmission line.

These constants include :

• Resistance (R): it simply measures the opposition to the flow of electrical current. It is measured in ohms (Ω) per unit length.
• Inductance (L): it simply represents the ability to store energy in the form of a magnetic field when current flows through it. It is measured in henry (H) per unit length.
• Conductance (G): It measures the ease with which electrical current flows . It is the reciprocal of resistance and is measured in siemens (S) per unit length.
• Capacitance (C): it measures the ability to store electrical energy in the form of an electric field when a voltage is applied across it. It is measured in farads (F) per unit length.

Derivation of Telegrapher’s Equation

To derive the Telegrapher’s equation with lucid understanding and step, let’s begin with the fundamental assumptions of transmission line:

Segmented Part of a Uniform Transmission Line

Basic Assumptions

• Considering only a small segment of transmission line of length labeled Δ(x).
• Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) and Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL) at the chosen segment.

Analyzing Voltage

Applying KVL to the small segment, accounting for the voltage drop across resistive and inductive elements:

ΔV= R Δ(x) I + jωLΔ(x)I ……. (equ (1)

Here, R is resistance per unit length, L is inductance per unit length, ω is the angular frequency; ΔV is the change in voltage; I is the current flowing through the segment.

Analyzing the Current

Applying KCL to the small segment, accounting for the variation in current due to conductive and capacitive effects, we have:

ΔI= GΔ(x)V + (jωCΔ(x))⋅V ……. (equ (2)

Here, G is conductance per unit length; C is capacitance per unit length; V is the voltage applied, and ΔI is the change in current.

Differentiation

Differentiating with respect to X, and taking the limit as Δ(x) approaches zero(0), equ (1) and equ (2) become:

dV/dx = − RI − jωLI = – (RI + jwLI) = – (R+ jwL) I ……. equ (3)

dI/dx = − GV − jωCV = – (GV + jwCV) = – (G + jwC) V……. equ (4)

Since, the propagation of these parameter is defined in the form of wave, hence, and it is generally known that the wave equation is typically expressed, analyzed and explained using second order differential equation. As such, we shall take another derivative of equ (3).

Finding the second derivative of the voltage expression and substituting the current expression:

Taking the second derivative of both sides – voltage and current – of equ(3) we have: d² v/dx²= -( R + jωL) dI/dx …….. equ (5)

but recall that, dI/dx = − (GV + jωCV );

thus, substituting it into equ (5), we have:

d² v/dx²= – ( R + jωLI) . – (GV + jωCV ) = (R+jωL)(G+jωC)V ……. equ (6)

Introduction of Propagation Constant

Defining the propagation constant as Ɣ

Ɣ ² =(R+jωL)(G+jωC) ……. equ (7)

(Where, Ɣ = α + ȷβ)

where α is Attenuation constant, measured in Nepers per meter; and, β is Phase constant, measured in radian per meter.

Finally, rewriting the equation (6) expression using the propagation constant:

d² v/dx² = Ɣ²V ……. equ (8)

similarly, for current also, we have;

d² I/dx² = Ɣ²I ……. equ (9)

Characteristics Impedance(Z_ο)

In Transmission line, Characteristic impedance (Z_ο) is a fundamental property to denote the impedance the line appears to have when the transmission line is infinitely long. It is mathematically defined as the ratio of voltage to current in a travelling wave along the line.

To derive the characteristic impedance (Z_ο) from the Telegrapher’s equation, let’s start with the equation itself:

Recall from equ (8) and (9), we had:

d² v/dx² = Ɣ²V , and similarly, for current, d² I/dx² = Ɣ²I

where Ɣ² = (R+jωL)(G+jωC) is the propagation constant.

Having solved equ (8) and (9), that is the solution to the second order differentiate equation, we have:

For voltage: V(x)= V ⁺e^−γx + V ^–e^γx …… equ (10)

And current: I(x)= I⁺e^−γx + I ^–e^γx …… equ (11)

where V ⁺e^−γx and I⁺e^−γx describe the forward travelling wave, and V ^–e^γx and I ^–e^γx describe the backward travelling wave: (V⁺, I⁺) and (V ⁻, I ⁻ ) are the differential constants.

Working with equ(3),

dV/dx = – (R+ jωL) I ,

but recall that in equ (10) and (11) , we have the equation for voltage and current respectively, thus, substituting into above equ (3), we have:

Only considering the forward traveling wave:

d/dx (V ⁺e^−γx ) = – (R+ jωL) (I⁺e^−γx ) …… equ (12)

Differentiating the left hand side with respect to x, we have:

− γV ⁺ e ^−γx = – (R+ jωL) (I ⁺e ^−γx ) …… equ (13)

simplifying equ (13), we have:

V ⁺ / I ⁺= (R+ jωL)/ γ …… equ (14)

V ⁺ / I ⁺= (R+ jωL)/ ((R+jωL)(G+jωC))^1/2 (where Ɣ= ((R+jωL)(G+jωC))^1/2)

V ⁺ / I ⁺= (R+ jωL)^1/2/ (G+jωC)^1/2 …… equ (15)

The above equation is called the Characteristic Impedance equation, also mathematically called the ratio of voltage to current – either forward or backward traveling defines it. However, for forward traveling wave, the Characteristic Impedance (Z_ο) is positive, and backward, it’s negative value.

Thus, for forward, Z_ο = (R+ jωL)^1/2/ (G+jωC)^1/2 …… equ (16)

And, for backward, following similar approach, from equ(12) to equ(15), we will arrive at:

V ^– / I ^– = Z_ο = – (R+ jwL)^1/2/ (G+jωC)^1/2 …… equ (17)

Both equation (16) and (17) are called Characteristic Equation (Z_ο).

Note:

For lossless transmission line, R = G = 0, and the Characteristics Equation becomes :

Z_ο = (L / C)^1/2 …… equ (18), and for backward, Z_ο = – (L / C)^1/2 …… equ (19)

Solved Examples on Telegrapher’s Equation

Here, we will understand Telegrapher’s Equation by using some examples with explanation.

Example 1

In designing a high-speed data communication network, Engineers are compelled to select the appropriate coaxial cable for transmitting signals between network devices. Amongst the instructions is that they need to ensure that the selected cable would have the correct characteristic impedance to minimize signal distortion, loss and most appropriately ensure efficient data transmission. Assuming that the standard impedance used in the communication systems is 65Ω, investigate the best and more appropriate cable.

Cable A: Per-unit-length inductance (L) = 0.15 mH/m, Per-unit-length capacitance (C) = 60 nF/m

Cable B: Per-unit-length inductance (L) = 0.2 mH/m, Per-unit-length capacitance (C) = 50 nF/m

To determine the best coaxial cable between Cable A and B, based on Characteristic impedance, we use the Telegrapher’s equation:

Analysis for cable A

For the conditions to be met – minimizing signal distortion, loss and most appropriately ensuring efficient data transmission – we shall approach it as a lossless transmission line.

Hence, we shall apply equ (18):

Z_ο = (L / C)^1/2

Z_οA = ((0.15 mH/m) /(60 nF/m) )^1/2 = ((0.15 x 10 ^-3/m) /(60 x 10 ^-9/m) )^1/2
Z_οA = (2500)^1/2= 50Ω

Analysis for cable B

Similarly,

Z_ο = (L / C)^1/2

Z_ο = ((0.2 mH/m) /(50 nF/m) )^1/2 = ((0.2 x 10 ^-3/m) /(50 x 10 ^-9/m) )^1/2

Z_οB = (4000)^1/2= 63.25Ω

From the analysis of cable A and B,

Since the characteristic impedance of Cable B, Z _0B = 63.25Ω is closer to the standard impedance used in the communication systems typically for the above question 65Ω, the Engineers should choose Cable B in order to better meet the requirements – minimizing signal distortion, loss and most appropriately ensuring efficient data transmission, which simply means better impedance matching.

Example 2

As a system Engineer, upon designing a system for a satellite network, you are told to select an appropriately better transmission line to ensure efficient and flawless signal transmission. In doing so, you must calculate these parameters: the propagation constant, attenuation constant, and phase constant for the selected transmission line. Given parameters are:

Resistance (R) = 0.5 ohms per meter

Inductance (L) = 0.2 microhenries per meter

Capacitance (C) = 100 picofarads per meter

Conductance (G) = 0.1 ohms per meter

Operating frequency = 1 GHz

Recalling the propagation constant from equ (7):

Ɣ ² = (R+jωL)(G+jωC)

where, ω = 2πf and from given parameter, f = 1GHz = 1 × 10⁹Hz

ω = 2π × 1 x 10⁹ rad/s = 2π × 10⁹rad/s

Ɣ ² = (0.5 + ȷ400π)(0.1 + ȷ0.2π)

Ɣ ² = 0.5(0.1) + 0.5(ȷ0.2π) + ȷ400π(0.1) + ȷ400π(ȷ0.2π)

where, ȷ × ȷ = – 1

Ɣ ² = −789.52 + ȷ125.98

Employing “DeMoivre’s theorem” we can find the value of the propagation constant, Ɣ :

Z^1/n = |Z|^1/n< θ ̸n

Ɣ ² = −789.52 + ȷ125.98 = 799.51 < 170.93^ο

Ɣ = (799.51 )^1/2< (170.93)/2

Ɣ = 28.28 < 85.47 ^ο = 2.23 + ȷ28.19

Recall, Ɣ = α + ȷβ, and by comparing, α = 2.23 Nepers/metre, and β = 28.19 rad/m.

Thus:

Propagation constant, Ɣ = 2.23 + ȷ28.19

Attenuation constant, α = 2.23 Nepers/metre,

Phase constant, β = 28.19 rad/m.

Applications of Telegrapher’s Equation

• Telecommunication Systems: It used in Telephone networks, wireless communication systems in better designing and analyzing Telecommunication Systems.
• Radio Frequency (RF) Engineering: In Radio Frequency (RF) Engineering, it is used in antennas, transmission lines, radar systems, satellite communication for optimization and better efficiency.
• Digital Design: In digital electronics, the it is used in modeling and analyzing the behaviour of high-speed interconnects and printed circuit board (PCB) traces, ensuring reliable data transmission in modern electronic devices.
• Microwave Engineering: Microwave engineers make use of it to design microwave components, waveguides, and transmission lines for applications in microwave ovens.

Advantages And Disadvantages of Telegrapher’s Equation

Given Below are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Telegrapher’s Equation :

Advantages of Telegrapher’s Equation

• It provides a comprehensive analysis in analyzing the behaviour of transmission lines, hence, it allows engineers to be able to predict and understand various behaviour occurring in high-frequency transmission line -such as signal propagation, reflection and attenuation.
• It is very flexibility, enabling the application of different types of transmission lines, including coaxial cables, twisted pairs, and waveguides, and makes it versatile for a wide range of applications in telecommunications and electrical engineering.
• It aids design, as Engineers can use it during the design phase in communication systems to determine the optimal parameters of transmission lines, ensuring efficient signal transmission and minimizing signal distortion. ⁤

Disadvantages of Telegrapher’s Equation

• It is complex, and mathematical involving. On this, it involves partial differential equations, which can be complex to solve certain transmission line conditions. Due to this complexity, some other mathematical methods need to be employed.
• It epitomizes some assumptions. Here, it makes certain assumptions, such as the transmission line must be uniform. Practically, these assumptions may not always hold true, leading to some kind of deviations between predicted behaviour and actual behaviour.
• It has frequency limitations, as it is most applicable for signals within the frequency range where the transmission line parameters remain constant and uniform. At very high frequencies or in situations where there is a dependent in frequency, the accuracy of the assumption and predictions based on it will reduce.

Conclusion

The understanding of Telegrapher equation is a building foundation to designing and analyzing transmission line. With the introduction to the basic concept, Telegrapher equation fully pictures its importance in understanding signal propagation.

The mathematical analysis was illustrated using the derivation, showcasing how the parameters – inductance, capacitance, conductance and resistance – impact the behaviour of transmitted signals. In addition, characteristic impedance enhances the understanding of transmission line, teaching the concept of impedance matching.

Utilizing solved examples, practical scenarios were carefully explained, demonstrating the reality of its Engineering application. In a nutshell, telegrapher equation always serves as a tangible tool for Engineers and Students in analyzing, optimizing and designing transmission line for efficient and better signal transmission.

Telegraph Equation – FAQs

What is the Telegrapher’s Equation?

Telegrapher’s equation is a set of second order differential equations that is used to describe the behaviour of signals propagated at high frequency.

What are the primary constants in the Telegrapher’s equation?

In transmission line, the primary constants are resistance (R), inductance (L), capacitance (C), and conductance (G) – all in per unit length – which determine the behaviour of signals along the transmission line.

What are the limitations of the Telegrapher’s equation?

Among its limitations is that it may be complex to analytically solve in some conditions – like in a case where transmission line is not uniform.

How is characteristic impedance related to the Telegrapher’s equation?

The Characteristic impedance is a concept birthed from the Telegrapher’s equation. After carrying some mathematical manipulations, the ratio of voltage to current for a signal travelling along the line is called the Characteristic Impedance. Hence, we can say that without Telegrapher equation there is no Characteristic impedance.

What is the significance of the Telegrapher’s equation?

Having a Mathematical model helps in knowing the behaviour of Transmission line, making it easy to understand, analyze and design transmission line. In studying Transmission line, Telegrapher equation is a mathematical model which plays a crucial role in understanding signal propagation, reflection, and attenuation.