Modeling experiences with full-wave frequency-domain modeling software

When evaluating electromagnetic modeling software, there is usually a significant focus on the ldquoaccuracyrdquo of the software. Differences between the results generated by the software and the ldquocorrectrdquo solution are the result of several potential sources of error including: approximations made in order to represent the actual configuration as a structure that the software can understand; approximations made during the discretization and solution of Maxwellpsilas equations; and differences between what the modeler wants to analyze and what the software is actually modeling. In this paper, three full-wave frequency-domain EM modeling codes are evaluated by analyzing three simple canonical problems. These codes employ the two most common frequency-domain modeling techniques; the Finite Element Method (FEM), and the Boundary Element Method (BEM). The three canonical problems are a center-driven dipole, a circuit board power-bus structure, and a power-bus structure with a cable attached. All of the codes are capable of yielding accurate results, but the differences in the specific technique employed and the user interface have a significant effect on the simulation time and the likelihood of getting the correct answer.