Finite Element

Tutorial in
Electromagnetics #1
DRAFT
Sponsored by NSF Grant #05-559: Finite Element Method
Exercises for use in Undergraduate Engineering Programs

The Probe Feed Patch Antenna

Prepared By: Dr. Vladimir A Labay, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington

Estimated time to complete

This tutorial: 60 minutes

Outline of Tutorial
1.
2.

Introduction
Overview of computational electromagnetics (CEM)

3.

Maxwells Equations and their numerical approximation

Full-wave CEM techniques

The method of moments (MoM)

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) Method

The finite element method (FEM)

The CEM modeling process

4.

Overview
Methods of CEM
Problems and Limitations

Finite Element Method (FEM)

Introduction and Overview

Strengths and Weaknesses
Weaknesses

Outline of Tutorial (cont)

5.

Ansofts High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS)

6.

Problem Definition: The Probe Feed Patch Antenna

7.

Basic Characteristics of Microstrip/Patch Antennas

Design Equations based on the Transmission Line Model
Sample Design

Step-by-Step Solution

8.

Introduction
Using HFSS to create and improve designs

Launching Ansoft HFSS

Set up the Design
Creating a Model
Set up and Generate Solutions
Analyze and display results

Further Reading and References

Tutorial Objectives

Understand the basis of FE theory for three-dimensional electromagnetic analysis.

(PEO #1)
Understand the fundamental basis of the radiation field pattern in a patch
antenna beam through the use of Ansofts High Frequency Structure Simulator
(HFSS) three-dimensional finite element software. (PEO #2)
Be able to construct a correct solid model using the build in 3-D solid modeler and
perform a correct three-dimensional finite element analysis using HFSS solution
engine. (PEO #3)
Be able to interpret and evaluate finite element solution quality including verifying
convergence criterion and field plots. (PEO #4)

Overview of Computational
Electromagnetics (CEM)

Electromagnetics
The study of electrical and magnetic fields and their interaction
Governed by Maxwells Equations (Faradays Law, Ampres Circuital Law, and Gauss Laws)

Maxwells Equations relate the following Vector and Scalar Fields

E: the Electric Field Intensity Vector (V/M)
H: the Magnetic Field Intensity Vector (A/m)
D: the Displacement Flux Density Vector (C/m2)
B: the Magnetic Flux Density Vector (T)
J: the Current Density Vector (A/m2)
: the Volume Charge Density (C/m3)
: is the Permeability of the medium (H/m)
: the Permittivity of the medium (F/m)

Maxwells Equations
Faradays Law:

E =

B
t

Gauss Laws:

B = 0

D =

Ampres Circuital Law:

H = J+ D
t
Constitutive Equations:

B = H

D=E

Actual solution complex and for realistic problems require approximations

Numerical approximations of Maxwells equations is known as computational

electromagnetics (CEM)

Applications of CEM

Over the past five decades CEM has been successfully applied to several engineering
areas, including:

Antennas
Biological electromagnetic (EM) effects
Medical diagnosis and treatment
Electronic packaging and high speed circuits
Superconductivity
Microwave devices and circuits
Law enforcement
Environmental issues
Avionics
Communications
Energy generation and conservation
Surveillance and intelligence gathering
Homeland Security
Signal Integrity

Full-wave CEM techniques

Approximations of Maxwells equations may be classified into several categories, e.g.,

low-frequency, quasi-static, full-wave, lumped element equivalent, etc.

This tutorial deals with the finite element method a full-wave technique. Full-wave
techniques have the potential to be the most accurate of all numerical
approximations because they incorporate all higher order interactions and do not
make any initial physical approximations

Examples include:

Finite difference time domain (FDTD) Method

Method of Moments (MoM) Method
Finite Element (FEM) Method
Transmission Line Matrix (TLM) Method
The Method of Lines (MoL)
The Generalized Multipole Technique (GMT)

The FDTD, MoM and FEM are the most popular today!

Full-wave CEM techniques (cont)

Central to all methods is the idea of discretizing some unknown electromagnetic

property, for example:
MoM: the Surface Current
FE: the Electric Field
FDTD: the Electric and Magnetic Field

Discretization is also known as meshing that subdivides the geometry in a large

number of elements
Two dimensional elements: triangles
Three dimensional elements: tetrahedral

Within each element, a simple functional dependence (basis functions) is assumed

for the spatial variation of the unknown

The amplitude and phase of the unknown quantity is determined by the application
of the particular CEM
9

Limitations of Full-wave CEM

techniques

CEM is a modeling process and therefore a study in acceptable approximation

In other words, CEM replaces a real field problem with an approximate one which
causes limitations and problems that one must keep in mind
Limitations of the mathematical model and Simplifications in the formulation
Assumptions are generally made, e.g., assuming an infinite ground plane in an antenna
structure. Are the assumption valid?
Have you made simplifications on the design that are not valid? For example, simplifying a
thin wire by a current filament.

Tolerances and Manufacturing deviations

Tolerances are a part of all manufactured devices. How do small changes in dimensions or
material properties affect the performance?
Do other manufacturing considerations, other that tolerances, affect the performance?

Finite Discretization
Is the mesh fine enough to properly so that the basis functions can adequately represent the
fields?

Numerical approximations and Finite machine precision

Does double precision provide enough accuracy for your problem, especially if it is ill
conditioned?
10

Finite Element Method

Overview
Initially used in structural mechanics and thermodynamics dating back to the 1950s

First application in electromagnetics appeared in literature in the late 1960s but did
not see widespread adoption until the 1980s
A problem of spurious modes was not solved until the 1980s through a theoretical
breakthrough with edge elements
Widespread availability of powerful main-frame and personal computers also aided the
expansion

Starts with the partial differential equation (PDE) form of Maxwells Equations

Solution can be viewed from two main perspectives

Variational analysis
Finds a variational functional whose minimum corresponds to the solution of the PDE
Weighted residuals
Introduces a weighted residual or error and using Greens function, shift one of the
differentials in the PDE to the weighting functions
In most applications these two viewpoints result in identical equations

11

Finite Element Method (cont)

FEM can handle essentially two different types of EM problems

Eigenanalysis (source-free)
Deterministic (driven)

FEM does not include a radiation condition

Open regions, such as antennas (see below), requires special treatment
Introduction of a artificial absorbing region within the mesh

Example Microstrip Patch Antenna

Antenna Patch

Artificial absorbing
region
(box surrounding the
antenna)

Infinite Ground Plane

Substrate Material

12

Finite Element Method (cont)

Strengths

Handles complex geometries and material inhomogeneities easily

Handles dispersive or frequency-dependent materials easily
Handles eigenproblems easily
Has better frequency scaling characteristics that MoM (but usually requires a larger set of
unknowns)
Easily applicable to multi-physics problems by coupling solutions in thermal or mechanical to
the EM solution

Weaknesses

Inefficient treatment of highly conducting radiators when compared to the MoM

FEM meshes become very complex for large 3-D structures
More difficult to implement than the FDTD thus limiting their use in commercial software. Little
code development is done by engineers
Efficient preconditioned iterative solvers are required when higher-order elements are used.
Again, restricting the code development by individual engineers

13

Commercial FEM EM Software

Some Companies that market commercial FEM EM software:
Ansoft Corporation, Inc.
High frequency structure simulator (HFSS)

Ansys, Inc.
Emag

Comsol, Inc.
COMSOL Multiphysics with Electromagnetics Module

SolidWorks Corporation
COSMOSEMS

HFSS by Ansoft will be used solely in this tutorial

14

Ansoft HFSS
Overview
HFSS is a high-performance full-wave electromagnetic field simulator for arbitrary
3D volumetric passive device modeling that takes advantage of the familiar Microsoft
Windows graphical user interface. It integrates simulation, visualization, solid
modeling, and automation in an easy-to-learn environment.
HFSS includes:

A graphical interface to simplify design entry

A field solving engine with accuracy-driven adaptive solutions
Powerful post processor for displaying currents, fields and RF parameters
Automatic and adaptive mesh generation and refinement and tangential vector finite
elements
Macro feature allows for users to log sessions of design or simulation to an easy to read file
(useful in creating a library of structure based on a nominal structure)
A comprehensive materials database that contains permittivity-, permeability, electric-,
magnetic-loss tangents for common materials.

Typical HFSS Uses

PCB Board Modeling: Power and Ground Planes, Backplanes

EMC/EMI: Shield Enclosures, Coupling, Near- and Far- Radiation
Antennas/Mobile Communications: Patches, Horns, Radar Cross Section
Connectors: Coaxial (Coax), Transitions
Waveguide: Filters, Resonators, Transitions, Couplers
15

Problem Definition
The Probe Feed Patch Antenna
The following tutorial is intended to show how to create, simulate, and analyze a
probe feed patch antenna using the Ansoft HFSS Design Environment

This tutorial leads you step-by-step through the design of a Probe Feed Patch
Antenna. By following the steps in this tutorial you will be able to:

Draw a geometric model

Modify a models design parameters
Assign variables to a models design parameters
Specify solution settings for a design
Validate a designs setup
Run a HFSS simulation
Create a 2-D plot of the antenna radiation pattern
Create a 3-D plot of the antenna radiation pattern
Create a field overlay plot of the results
Study the mesh created by HFSS for the solution
Create a phase animation of the results

16

Problem Background

Uses of Patch Antennas

Low-profile antennas are used in high-performance aircraft, spacecraft, satellite, mission
applications, and mobile radio and wireless communications, where size, weight, cost,
performance, ease of installation, and aerodynamic profile are constraints.

Advantages of Patch Antennas for these uses

Patch (or sometimes called Microstrip) Antennas are low profile, conformable to planar and
non-planar surfaces, simple and inexpensive to manufacture using modern printed circuit
technology, mechanically robust when mounted on rigid surfaces and very versatile in terms
of resonant frequency, polarization, pattern, and impedance.

17

Problem Background (cont)

Basic Characteristics
A metallic strip or patch mounted on a dielectric layer (substrate) which is supported by a
ground plane
Typically, the both the thickness of the metallic strip and the spacing between the patch and
the ground plane are small , as compared to the free space wavelength (t << and h << ).
Recall =v/f where v is the velocity of propagation in free space (3x108 m/s) and f is the
frequency of operation
Typically designed for broadside radiation (radiation pattern is normal to the patch
For rectangular patches, the length is usually between one-third and one-half of the free
space wavelength

Popular feed techniques for Patch Antennas

Microstrip line (shown on previous slide), Probe (this tutorial), Aperture coupling and
Proximity coupling

Possible Analysis models

Transmission-line model
Easiest, gives good physical insight
Full-wave Analysis
FEM (this tutorial), FDTD, MoM
Very complex, very accurate, very versatile

18

Patch Antenna Design

For this tutorial we will design the patch antenna using the approximate equations
developed by the transmission line model and then verify the design using the FEM
method. You will notice a slight change in performance characteristics of the antenna
from the full-wave analysis to the transmission line calculations. The FEM analysis is
much more accurate. The following is a step-by-step guide to calculate the dimensions
of the patch.
Step 1: Specify the relative dielectric constant of the substrate, r, the resonant
frequency of the patch, fr, and the height of the substrate, h.
Step 2: Calculate the width, W, of the patch using the following equation:

W=

c
2 fr

2
r +1

19

Patch Antenna Design (cont)

Step 3: Determine the effective constant of the Microstrip antenna using:

eff =

r +1 r 1
+

h
1
12
+

1
2

Step 4: Determine the extension of the length, L, using:

L
= 0.412
h

( eff + 0.3) Wh + 0.264

( eff

0.258 + 0.8
h

Step 5: Determine the actual length of the patch.

L=

c
2 f r eff

2L

20

Design Example
Design a rectangular Microstrip antenna using Rogers RT/duroid 5880 with a
dielectric constant of 2.2 with a height of 3.2 mm so as to resonate at 2.97 GHz.

Solution:
W=

3 10

2 2.97 10

2
100 = 4.0 cm
2 .2 + 1

eff =

2.2 + 1 2.2 1
0.32
+
1 + 12

2
2
4.0

1
2

= 2.0284

4.0

( 2.0284 + 0.3)
+ 0.264
0.32
= 0.166 cm
L = ( 0.32)(0.412)
4.0

( 2.0284 0.258)
+ 0.8
0.32

L=

3 108
2 2.97 10

100 2(0.166) = 3.2 cm

21

Conventions used in this Tutorial

Main Procedures are presented in Bold. Detailed procedures and indicated by a

numbered list after the main procedure. Notes are in italics.

Bold type is used for the following:

Keyboard entries that should be typed in their entirety exactly as shown. For example,
Inf_GND means to type the Inf followed by a underscore then type GND
Om screen prompts and messages, names of options and text boxes, and menu commands.
For example, click Edit>Select>By name
Labeled keys on the computer keyboard. For example, Press Enter

Italic type is used for the following:

Emphasis
Keyboard entries when a name or variable muse be typed in place of words in italics. For
example, copy file name means to type the word copy, to type a space, and then to type a
file name.

The plus (+) sign is used between keyboard keys to indicate that you should press the
keys at the same time. For example, Press ctrl+u means to press the ctrl key and
the u key at the same time.

22

Overview of Ansoft HFSS

There are numerous ways to perform most tasks. This tutorial will show you one way.
Keep in mind that with experience you will learn the other ways.

There is no required sequence of events when creating a design. Design steps can be
performed in any logical order.

You can quickly modify design properties at any time. For example, you can change
dimensions through the Properties window.

You can easily track modifications to your design in the history tree and the project
tree.

You can modify the model view at any time.

You can save time by parameterizing design properties.

You can use HFSSs extensive post-processing features to evaluate solution results.

23

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

The Ansoft HFSS window

A Project Manager contains the design tree which outlines the structure of the project
A Message Manager the allows you to view errors or warning
A Property Window that displays and allows you to change model parameters
A Progress Window that displays solution progress
A 3-D Modeler Window which contains the model and model tree for the active design

}
}

Project

The Project Window

Design

A project is a collection of one or more

designs saved in a single *.hfss file. A
new project is automatically created
when HFSS is launched.
A new project is listed in the project
tree in the Project Manager window
and is named Projectn by default.
Project definitions, such as material
assignments, are stored under the
project name.

Design Setup
Design
Automation
Design Results
Other Designs

24

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

Toolbars

Menu Bar
Project
Manager
with Project
Tree

3-D Modeler
Window

Properties
Window

Message
Manager
Status Bar

Progress
Window
Coordinate Entry Fields (not highlighted)
25

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

Solution Types in HFSS

Driven Modal

This solution calculates the modal-based S-Parameters. The Scattering Matrix or S-matrix solutions
will be expressed in terms of the incident and reflected powers of waveguide modes

Driven Terminal

This solution calculates the terminal-based S-parameters of multi-conductor transmission line ports.
The Scattering or S-matrix solutions will be expressed in terms of terminal voltages and currents

Eigenmode

This solution calculates the eigenmodes, or resonances, of a structure. The eigenmode solver finds the
resonant frequencies of the structure and the fields at those resonant frequencies

Convergence criterion for various solution types

Driven Modal

Delta S for the modal S-parameters

Driven Terminal

Delta S for the single-ended or differential nodal S-parameters

Eigenmode

Delta F where F is the frequency

26

Overview of Ansoft HFSS (cont)

Changing the View in the 3-D Modeler Window

At any time during the creation of the 3-D Model you can change the view by using:
Under the menu item View
Rotate The structure will be rotated around the coordinate system
Pan The structure will be translated in the graphical area
Dynamic Zoom Moving the mouse upwards will increase the zoom facto while
moving the mouse
Zoom In/Out In this mode a rubber band rectangle will be defined by dragging the
mouse. After releasing the mouse the zoom factor will be applied
Fit All This will zoom the defined structure to a point where it fits in the drawing
area
Fit Selection This fits only the selected objects into the drawing area
Spin Drag the mouse and release the mouse button to start the object spinning. The
speed of the dragging prior to releasing the mouse controls the speed of the spin.
Animate Create or display the animation of parametric geometry
Feel free to discover any one of these commands during the tutorial. Remember, Ctrl-D gets
you back to the original size and holding down the Alt key and clicking the upper right hand
corner of the 3-D Modeler window get you back to the normal perspective.

27

Simulation-Step-by-Step Procedure
Outline of Simulation
1.
Set up the Design

2.

Launch Ansoft HFSS, Set the Tool Option, Rename the open a New Project, Set Solution
Type, Set the Units

Create the 3-D model

3.

Set the default material

Create Substrate
Create Infinite Ground
Assign boundary condition
Create conductor patches
Create Wave ports and Excitations
Set up the Radiation Boundary

Set up and Generate Solutions

4.

Add a solution setup to the Design

Validate the Design
Analyze the Design

Compare Solutions

Create a Rectangular Plot of the Reflection Coefficient

Create a Radiation Pattern and Field Plot of the Antenna

28

Set up the Design

Launch Ansoft HFSS
1.

To access Ansoft HFSS, click the Microsoft Start button, select Programs, and select the
Ansoft>HFSS 10 program group. Click HFSS 10.

Setting Tool Options

1.
2.

3.
4.

Select the menu item Tools>Options>HFSS Options

HFSS Options Window:
a.
Click the General Tab

Use wizards for data entry when creating new boundaries: Checked

Duplicate boundaries with geometry: Checked

b.
Click the OK button
Select the menu item Tools>Options>3D Modeler Options
3D Modeler Options Window
a.
Click the Operation tab

Automatically cover closed polylines: Checked

b.
Click the Drawing tab

Edit property of new primitives: Checked

c.
Click the OK button

29

Set up the Design (cont)

Save a New Project
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click File>Save As
Use the file browser to locate the folder in which you want to save the project and then
double click the folders name
Type Antenna and File Name text box and then click Save.
Do not forget to save your design periodically throughout the tutorial.

Rename the Design

1.

2.

The design is already listed in the project tree when HFSS opens. It is named HFSS
Designn by default. The 3-D Modeler window appears to the right of the Project
Manager. To rename the design: Right-click HFSSDesignn in the project tree, and then
click Rename on the shortcut menu.
Type AntennaProbe and then press Enter.

Select the Solution Type

1.
2.

As you set up the design for analysis, available settings depend on the solution type. For
this design, you will choose Driven Model as the solution type. To specify the design
solution type, click HFSS>Solution Type
In the Solution Type dialog box, select Driven Terminal and then click OK.

30

Create the Model

Set the Drawing Units
1.
2.

To set the units of measurement for drawing the geometric model. Click 3D Model>Units
Select cm for the Select units pull-down list and then click OK

Create the 3-D Model of the Probe Feed Patch Antenna

The Antenna is made of four main structures
1.
Substrate
2.
Infinite ground plane
3.
Metallic patch
4.
Coax probe feed.
You will create each geometry separately and assign material properties to each.
Then, prior to analysis, you will create a radiation boundary.

31

Create the Model (cont)

Create the Substrate
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Select the menu item Draw>Box

Using the coordinate entry fields (at the bottom of the screen), enter the box position:
X: -5.0, Y: -4.5, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the opposite corner of the box:
dX: 10.0, dY: 9.0, dZ: 0.32, Press the Enter Key
To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window (see next slide)
For the Value of Name type: Sub1
To set the material, click the vacuum button that is in the value of the Material row.
Type Rogers in the Search by name field and select Rogers RT/duroid 5880 (tm)
from the list and then click OK (Note: By default, the material to the box is vacuum)
Click the Edit box in the Transparent row.
Move the slider to your preferred transparency level (about 0.6) and then click OK.
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog

32

Create the Model (cont)

To fit the view of the model
1.

Select the menu item View>Fit All>Active View or press Ctrl+D.

The Properties window appears, with the Command tab selected, enabling you to Modify the dimensions and position
of the box. While the Properties window is open, you will use it to assign a name to the box, confirm its material
assignment, an make it more or less transparent, depending on your preferences. You will notice the Properties box
remains on the left hand of the screen.

Name
Material

33

Create the Model (cont)

Create an Infinite Ground
1.
2.

To create the infinite ground, select the menu item Draw>Rectangle

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the rectangle position:
X: -5.0, Y: -4.5, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the opposite corner of the rectangle:
dX: 10.0, dY: 9.0, dZ:0.0, Press the Enter key

4.
5.
6.

Select the Attribute tab in the Properties dialog.

For the Value of Name type: Inf_GND
Click the OK button to close the Properties window.

Assign a Perfect E boundary to the Infinite Ground

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

To select the trace, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name

With the Select Object dialog open, select the object named Inf_GND
Click the OK button
To assign the Perfect E boundary, select the menu item
HFSS>Boundaries>Assign>Perfect E
With the Perfect E Boundary window open, rename to PerfE_Inf_GND, check (select)
the box for Infinite Ground Plane and click the OK button to close the window.

34

Create the Model (cont)

Create an Infinite Ground Cut Out
1.
2.

To create the cut out, select the menu item Draw>Circle

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the center position:
X: -0.5, Y: 0.0, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the radius:

dX: 0.16, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.

Select the Attribute tab in the Properties dialog.

For the Value of Name type: Cut_Out
Click the OK button to close the Properties window.

Complete the Infinite Ground

1.
2.
3.
4.

To selet the objects Inf_GND and Cut_Out, select the menu item Edit>Select>By
Name
With the Select Object dialog open, select the objects Inf_GND and Cut_Out by
holding the Shift key down and click the OK button.
Select the menu item 3D Modeler>Boolean>Subtract
With the Subtract window open, move Inf_GND to Blank Parts and Cut_Out to Tool
Parts if they are in the wrong column, make sure that Clone tool objects before subtract
is NOT checked and click the OK button.

35

Create the Model (cont)

Create the Patch
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

To create the patch, select the menu item Draw>Rectangle

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the rectangle position:
X: -2.0, Y: -1.5, Z:0.32 Press the Enter key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the opposite corner of the rectangle:
dX: 4.0, dY: 3.0, dZ:0.0 Press the Enter key
Select the Attribute tab in the Properties dialog.
For the Value of Name type: Patch
Click the OK button to close the Properties window
Select the menu item
View>Fit All>Active View
to fit the view or Crtl+D.

36

Create the Model (cont)

Assign a Perfect E boundary to the Infinite Ground
1.
2.
3.
4.

To select the trace, select the menu item Edit>Select>By Name

With the Select Object dialog open, select the object named Patch and click the OK button
To assign the Perfect E boundary, select the menu item
HFSS>Boundaries>Assign>Perfect E
With the Perfect E Boundary window open, rename to PerfE_Inf_Patch (select) the box
for Infinite Ground Plane and click the OK button to close the window.

Create the Coax feed

1.
2.

To create the Coax, select the menu Draw>Cylinder

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder position
X: -0.5, Y: 0.0, Z:0.0, Press the Enter key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder radius

X: 0.16, Y: 0.0, Z:0.0, Press the Enter key

4.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder height

X: -0.5, Y: 0.0, Z: -0.5, Press the Enter key

5.
6.
7.
8.

Select the Attribute tab in the Properties dialog.

For the Value of Name type: Coax
Click the OK button to close the Properties window
Select the menu item View>Fit All>Active View to fit the view.

37

Create the Model (cont)

Create the Coax Pin
1.
2.

Select the menu item Draw>Cylinder

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder position:
X: -5.0, Y: -4.5, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder radius:

dX: 0.07, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

4.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder height:

dX: 0.0, dY: 0.0, dZ: -0.5, Press the Enter Key

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: coax_pin
To set the material, click the vacuum button that is in the value of the Material row.
Type pec in the Search by name field and select pec (perfect electrical conductor) from
the list and then click OK
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog

38

Create the Model (cont)

Create the Wave Port
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

To create a circle that represents the port, select the menu item Draw>Circle
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the circle position:
X: -5.0, Y: 0.0, Z: -0.5, Press the Enter Key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the circle radius:
dX: 0.16, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key
To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: port1
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog

Plot of the Electric Field at

Wave Port

Wave Port
Close-up of Coaxial Antenna Feed

39

Create the Model (cont)

Assign Wave Port Excitation
1.
2.
3.

Select the menu item HFSS>Excitations>Assign>Wave Port

In Wave Port: General, type the name p1 and click the next button
In Wave Port: Terminals
a.
b.
c.
d.

4.
5.
6.

Number of Terminals: 1
For T1: click Undefined column and select New Line
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the vector position
X: -0.34, Y: 0.0, Z: -0.5, Press the Enter key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the vertex
dX: -0.09, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter key

In Wave Port: Differentials: leave settings and press the Next button
In Wave Port: Post Processing set the Reference Impedance to 50
Click the Finish button
Bottom View
of Coaxial Feed
Vector defining
the polarity

40

Create the Model (cont)

More on Excitations
In the previous step, you defined a wave port. Ports and a unique type of boundary condition
that allow energy to flow into and out of a structure. In HFSS, you can assign a port to an 2D or 3-D object face. Before the full 3-D EM field inside a structure can be calculated, it is
necessary to determine the excitation field at each port. HFSS uses an arbitrary port solver
to calculate the natural field patterns or modes that can exist inside a transmission structure
with the same cross section as the port. The resulting 2-D field patterns serve as boundary
conditions for the full 3-D problem.
The port solver assumes that the Wave Port you have defined is connected to a semiinfinitely long transmission line (coaxial in this case) with the same cross-section and
material properties.
The field pattern of the traveling wave inside the Wave Port is calculated using Maxwell's
equations.
In this case, the excitation (coax probe) is a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission
line, therefore it is necessary to define a Terminal Line for each conductor across a port.
In general a single terminal line is created from the reference of ground conductor to each
port-plane conductor. The polarity reference for the voltage is established by the arrow head
(+) to the base (-) of the terminal line. In this case, the vector was drawn from the outer
conductor of the coaxial cable to the inner conductor.

41

Create the Model (cont)

Create the Probe
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Select the menu item Draw>Cylinder

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder position:
X: -0.5, Y: 0.0, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder radius:
dX: 0.07, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.0, Press the Enter Key
Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the cylinder height:
dX: 0.0, dY: 0.0, dZ: 0.32, Press the Enter Key
To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: probe
To set the material, click the vacuum button that is in the value of the Material row.
Type pec in the Search by name field and select pec (perfect electrical conductor) from
the list and then click OK
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog

42

Create the Model (cont)

Create Air around the Antenna
1.
2.

Select the menu item Draw>Box

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the box position:
X: -5.0, Y: -4.5, Z: 0.0, Press the Enter Key

3.

Using the coordinate entry fields, enter the opposite corner of the box:
dX: 10.0, dY: 9.0, dZ: 3.32, Press the Enter Key

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

To set the name, select the Attribute tab from the Properties window
For the Value of Name type: air
Make sure the material is set at vacuum in the value of the Material row.
Click the Edit box in the Transparent row.
Move the slider to transparency level to 1 and then click OK.
Click the OK button to close the Properties dialog
Select the menu item View>Fit All>Active View to fit the view

43

Create the Model (cont)

Create Radiation Boundary
1.
2.
3.
4.

To pick the faces, select the menu item Edit>Select>Faces

Graphically select all of the faces of the Air object except the face at
z = 0.0 cm (use the Ctrl key to select multiple faces at a time and the B button to select
behind a selected face)
To create the radiation boundary, select the menu item
HFSS>Boundaries>Assign>Radiation
In the Radiation Boundary window, enter the name Rad1 and click the OK button

Side View (XZ Plane)

3-D View

44

Create the Model (cont)

Create a Radiation Setup
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

6.

To define a radiation setup, select the menu item HFSS>Radiation>Insert Far Field
Setup>Infinite Sphere
In the Far Field Radiation Sphere Setup dialog, make the following settings:
Name: ff_2d
Phi: Start: 0, Stop: 90, Step Size: 90
Theta: Start: -180, Stop: 180, Step Size: 2
Click the OK button to close the dialog
Define another radiation field, select the menu item HFSS>Radiation>Insert Far
Field Setup>Infinite Sphere again
In the Far Field Radiation Sphere Setup dialog, make the following settings:
Name: ff_3d
Phi: Start: 0, Stop: 360, Step Size: 2
Theta: Start: 0, Stop: 180, Step Size: 2
Click the OK button to close the dialog

45

Analyze the Model

Analysis Setup
1.
2.

3.

To create an analysis setup, select the menu item HFSS>Analysis Setup> Add Solution
Setup
In the Solution Setup window, click the General tab and enter
Solution Frequency: 2.5 GHz
Maximum Number of Passes: 20
Maximum Delta S per Pass: 0.02
Click the OK button

46

Analyze the Model (cont)

Adding a Frequency Sweep
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

To add a frequency sweep, select the menu item HFSS>Analysis Setup>Add Sweep
Select Solution Setup: Setup1 and Click the OK button.
Edit the Sweep Window by entering the following values:
Sweep Type: Fast
Frequency Setup Type: Linear Count
Start: 1.0 GHz
Stop: 3.5 GHz
Count: 201
Save Fields: Checked
Click the OK Button Save Project
If you have not been saving your file, select File>Save

Model Validation
1.
2.

To validate the model, select the menu item HFSS>Validation Check

Click the Close button (To view any errors or warning messages, use the message manager
at the bottom of the screen)

Analyze
1.

Congratulations you are ready to analyze. To start the solution process, select the menu
item HFSS>Analyze

47

View the Solution Data

Solution Data
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

To view the Solution Data, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Solution Data
Click the Profile tab to view the solution profile
(elapsed time, mesh generation statistics, etc.)
Click the Convergence tab
to view solution convergence as
a function of pass number and the
number of tetrahedra used.
Note the total number of passes.
Click Plot.
Click the Matrix Data
tab to view the data.
Click the Close button

48

Create Reports
Create a report that plots the input return loss vs. frequency
1.
2.

To create this report, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Create Report

In the Create Report Window, select:
Report Type: Terminal Solution Data
Display Type: Rectangular Plot

3.
4.

Click the OK button

In the Traces window, select the following:

5.

Click the Y tab and select:

Solution: Setup1: Sweep 1

Domain: Sweep

Category: Terminal S Parameter

Quantity: St(p1,p1)
Function: dB

6.
7.
8.

Click the Add trace button

Click the Done button
Use the Data Marker to find
the resonant frequency of the structure.

49

Create Reports (cont)

Create a 2-D plot of the far field pattern

1. To create a 2-D polar far field plot, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Create Report
2. In the Create Report Window, select:
Report Type: Far Fields
Display Type: Radiation Pattern

3. Click the OK button

4. In the Traces window, set the following:
Solution: Setup1:Sweep1
Geometry: ff_2d

5. In the Sweeps tab, select Phi under the Name column, and on the drop list, select Theta.
This changes the primary sweep to Theta.
6. In the Sweeps tab, select the row labeled Freq and select the resonant frequency 2.3375
from the list
7. In the Mag tab,select:
Category: Gain
Quantity: Gain Total
Function: dB

8. Click the Add Trace button

9. Click the Done button

50

Create Reports (cont)

Create a 3-D plot of the far field pattern
2.

To create a 3-D polar far field plot, select the menu item HFSS>Results>Create
Report
In the Create Report Window, select:

3.
4.

Click the OK button

In the Traces window, set the following:

1.

Report Type: Far Fields

Display Type: 3D Polar Plot

Solution: Setup1:Sweep1
Geometry: ff_3d

6.

In the Sweeps tab, select the row labeled Freq and select the resonant frequency 2.3375
from the list
In the Mag tab,select:

7.
8.

Click the Add Trace button

Click the Done button

5.

Category: rE
Quantity: rE Total
Function: <none>

51

Create a Field Plot

Create a Magnitude Magnetic Field Plot on the substrate
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

To create a Magnetic Field Plot, return to the 3-D Modeler Window by selecting
HFSS>3D Model Editor. Note: This step is only necessary if you have a Plot window
open.
Switch to face selection mode by clicking Edit>Select>Faces
Select the top face of the substrate. You may need to use the B button to select the face
behind the current selection.
To open the Create Field Plot window, click HFSS>Fields>Fields>H>Mag_H
Select Setup1:LastAdaptive as the solution to plot in Solution pull-down list
Accept the default settings by clicking Done

52

Create Field Plot (cont)

Animate the Field Overlay Plot
An animated plot is a series of frames that displays a field, mesh, or geometry at varying
values. You specify the values of the plot that you want to include, called a frame.
1.
Right-click Mag_H1 in the Project Tree, and then click Animate
2.
In the Setup Animation window, click the Swept Variable tab:
Name: AnimationH
Swept Variable: Phase
Start: 0deg
Stop: 180deg
Steps: 6

3.
4.

Click the OK button

After viewing the animation, click the stop button in the Animation dialog that has
appeared in the upper left hand corner

53

Create a Mesh Plot

Create a Mesh Plot on the substrate
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

To create a Magnetic Field Plot, return to the 3-D Modeler Window by selecting
HFSS>3D Model Editor. Note: This step is only necessary if you have a Plot window
open.
Switch to face selection mode by clicking Edit>Select>Faces
Select the top face of the substrate. You may need to use the B button to select the face
behind the current selection.
To open the Create Field Plot window, click HFSS>Fields>Plot Mesh
Select Setup1:LastAdaptive as the solution to plot in Solution pull-down list
Accept the default settings by clicking Done
You may wish to delete the previous Field Plot from the figure by right clicking the H
field under Field Overlays in the Project Manager Tree.

This concludes the tutorial

54

Further Reading and References

Electromagnetics
N.N. Rao, Elements of Engineering Electromagnetics, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle
River, NJ, 2004
W.H. Hayt and J.A. Buck, Engineering Electromagnetics, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 2006

Computational Electromagnetics
A. Taflove and S. Hagness, Computational Electrodynamics: The Finite Difference Time
Domain Method, Artech House, Boston, MA, 2000
J.Jin, The Finite Element Method in Electromagnetics, 2nd edition, Wiley, New York, NY,
2002
P.P Silvester and R.L. Ferrari, Finite Elements for Electrical Engineers, 3rd edition,
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1996

Antennas
C.A. Balanis, Antenna Theory, Analysis and Design, 3rd edition, Wiley, New York, NY, 2005
J.D. Kraus and R.J. Marhefka, Antennas for All Applications, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill, New
York, NY, 2002

55