Frequency-domain finite element methods for electromagnetic field simulation: fundamentals, state of the art, and applications to EMI/EMC analysis

This paper provides a critical review of frequency-domain finite element methods and their applications to the modeling of electromagnetic interactions in complex electronic components and systems. Emphasis is placed on the latest advances in finite element grid generation practices, element interpolation function selection, and robust, highly absorbing numerical grid truncation techniques for modeling electromagnetic interactions in unbounded domains. These advances have helped enhance the robustness and accuracy of the method. Finally, the advantages of domain decomposition techniques for the modeling of complex geometries are examined. Such domain decomposition techniques are expected to play an important role in the continuing effort to extend the applications of frequency-domain finite methods beyond the subcomponent-level to component and system modeling for electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility analysis and design.