EM simulators=CAE tools

The emergence of vastly refined algorithms for finite-element analysis, which are putting electromagnetic simulators into the hands of any engineer who can afford a personal computer, is discussed. Field simulation allows an engineer to analyze the electromagnetic behavior of a device without building a physical prototype and taking measurements. The way in which simulation technology is changing the design process is illustrated by considering the design of a coax-to-waveguide transition. The field simulation model developed by the design engineer is passed to the manufacturing engineer, who runs parameter studies of the device by varying key dimensions and materials to determine the sensitivity of device performance to these parameters. Further, the field simulation model helps determine the impact of unforeseen changes during manufacturing due to variations in supplies and facilities. The process used by the finite-element simulators to solve Maxwell's equations is described. Two typical CAE applications are examined: a microwave low-pass filter design and a study of electromagnetic coupling in digital circuit interconnections. Pointers for selecting electromagnetic CAE software are given.<>