A Benchmarking of Six Software Packages for Full-Wave Analysis of Microstrip Antennas

An explicit quality assessment of full-wave EM solvers for planar antennas is presented, where the solvers are introduced and categorized on the basis of their solution method: integral equations (IE), finite elements (FE) or finite integration technique (FIT). Based on their theoretical specificities, each method is linked to a certain structure profile. All EM solvers were initially compared by analysing a classical square patch on an homogeneous substrate. By introducing dielectric inhomogeneity in the second antenna the solvers were confronted with a greater challenge to EM modelling. Possible mutual differences of the simulations results are interpreted and validated with microstrip antenna measurements.