Another small efficient matching transformer for an EFHW – 2643251002

This article describes a small matching transformer built and measured by Luis, CT2FZI, using a Fair-rite 2643251002.

Above is the transformer with 100pF compensation capacitor across the input, and two resistors to make up a 3300Ω load in combination with the VNA port.

Uncompensated

The transformer is an autotransformer of 16t tapped at 2t, so the nominal turns ratio is 1:8, or impedance 1:64.

Looking into the 2t tap with the transformer loaded with 3250+50=3300Ω, Luis measured s11, s21 parameters from 1-45MHz with a nanoVNA. (Nominally this should be a 3200Ω load, but the error is very small, VSWR equivalent of 1.03.)

Above is my analysis of this data for InsertionVSWR and ReturnLoss. It gets a bit shabby above 15MHz.

Above is a plot of InsertionLoss and Loss (or TransmissionLoss). See On Insertion Loss for explanation of the terms.

Compensated

Compensation of the transformer with 100pF in shunt with the input improves the broadband response.

Above is InsertionVSWR and ReturnLoss. It is not too bad over all of HF (3-30MHz).

Above is a plot of InsertionLoss and Loss (or TransmissionLoss). See On Insertion Loss for explanation of the terms.

Almost all of the Loss is in core loss, and it gives us a good indicator of core heating. The worst case is at 30MHz where the Loss is 0.7dB, so about 15% of input power is converted to heat.

Real antennas

The tests here were using a dummy load on the transformer, and that did allow confirmation of the design.

Real end fed antennas operated harmonically do not present a constant impedance, not even in harmonically related bands. Note that the resonances do not necessarily line up harmonically, there is commonly some enharmonic effect.

Being a more efficient design that some, it might result is a wider VSWR excursion that those others as transformer loss can serve to mask the variations in the radiator itself.

Acknowledgement

Hats off to Luis, CT2FZI for his work in building and measuring the transformer, and to have the flexibility to consider more than FTxxx-43 cores.