Tool Introduction

The Pi matching circuit is so named because the circuit topology can resemble the pi symbol. This tool helps you create matching circuits to achieve optimal power transfer between unmatched loads. This technique is not suitable for broadband needs, but it is a simple way to achieve this goal at a specific frequency. This calculator will provide you with the circuit topology as well as the component values.

PI Match Circuit Description

There are some important items to understand when using this tool. The circuit topology can change depending on the inputs. For example in some topologies there may be 2 inductors and one capacitor and in a different configuration it may be 2 capacitors and one inductor. There is one menu item to select if there is to be any DC current or not, that also affects the topology. The inputs ask for source resistance and source reactance. If you are unsure what the reactance is set it to zero for a first pass approximation.

The outputs of this tool give you the component values as well as a graph of the impedance looking into the pi circuit from the source. This allows you to double check the calculator and make sure that it selected appropriate values, by making sure the impedance correctly matches the input impedance. Also remember that the circuit input reactance will be opposite in polarity with the source reactance when matching.