Time domain simulation of three dimensional microwave structures by the method of characteristics

A new technique based on the method of characteristics for the time domain simulation of general three dimensional microwave structures is presented. The method results in a system of characteristic partial differential equations which relate the field components on a family of characteristic hypersurfaces. The characteristic equations are discretized along the characteristic surfaces and solved in a time-stepping manner. The technique is efficient with maximum possible time step and is readily adaptable to the implementation of absorbing and other general boundary conditions.<>