Graphical modeling interface for FD-TLM electromagnetic field simulation of high-speed pulse propagation in active structures

The finite-difference transmission line matrix (FD-TLM) method is a three-dimensional full-wave numerical electromagnetic field calculation technique that solves for fields in the time domain on a discretized Cartesian grid. An advantage of the FD-TLM method is that a model for the GaAs MESFET has been incorporated, allowing the simulation of pulse propagation in active as well as passive digital and millimeter-wave circuitry. In the FD-TLM method, the conductors and dielectrics of the structure to be modeled are discretized point-by-point on a three-dimensional graded Cartesian grid. Although in concept this is straightforward, in practice it is a time-consuming and error-prone process when performed manually. Thus, a graphical user interface was developed to automate and speed-up the creation of a data set for FD-TLM simulations. The interface and an example simulation are discussed.<>