Three finite-element time-domain-based numerical algorithms for high-frequency broadband PCB simulations

As the operating frequency and integration level of integrated circuits (IC) increase, full-wave analysis algorithms are needed to accurately simulate the arising electromagnetic phenomena. The finite-element time-domain (FETD) method has become an attractive candidate for this simulation due to its advantages in modeling complex geometries and materials, conducting transient analyses, and performing broadband characterizations. Three FETD-based numerical algorithms, including the original FETD method, the dual-field domain decomposition (DFDD) method, and the discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) method, are investigated and applied to the simulation of printed circuit board (PCB) structures to demonstrate their accuracies and capabilities.