What is stripline and when should you use it?

From RF Design Wiki · By the RF Design Wiki editorial team · Published October 21, 2026 · Last reviewed October 21, 2026 · How we research

Stripline is a flat conductor centered in a homogeneous dielectric between two ground planes. It supports a true TEM mode with ε_eff = ε_r, so it is non-dispersive and well shielded. Pozar gives Z₀ = (30π/√ε_r)·b/(W_e + 0.441b), where b is the ground-plane spacing and W_e an effective width correction.^[1]

What are the advantages?

Shielded: little radiation and low crosstalk.
TEM: no dispersion, equal even- and odd-mode velocities, good directivity in couplers.
Routed on inner layers, freeing outer layers for components.

What are the disadvantages?

Narrower trace for a given Z₀, so higher conductor loss.
Requires vias to reach components; each via adds a discontinuity and stub.
Ground planes must be stitched with vias along the line to suppress parallel-plate modes.
Tuning after fabrication is impossible.

What is offset or asymmetric stripline?

When the conductor is not centered, as in common PCB stackups with prepreg and core of different thicknesses, the impedance changes and field solvers are needed. Mixed dielectrics (core and prepreg with different Dk) make the line slightly inhomogeneous.^[2]

Frequently asked questions

Is stripline loss lower than microstrip?

Not necessarily; the narrower trace increases conductor loss, while the full dielectric fill increases dielectric loss.

Why stitch ground vias?

To tie the two planes together and suppress parallel-plate and higher-order modes.

Can stripline radiate?

Very little if properly stitched.

References

Online sources accessed October 21, 2026; printed works cited by edition. See all sources.

“Microwave Engineering, 4th ed.”. D. M. Pozar, Wiley. 2012.
“IPC-2141A: Design Guide for High-Speed Controlled Impedance Circuit Boards”. IPC. 2004.

Categories: Transmission lines

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