Modelling of Microstrip Circuit Using a Hybrid PEEC/FDTD Approach

Currently available electromagnetic analysis methods are showing their limitations when large complex circuit structures, such as modern printed circuit boards and their environments, need to be analyzed. Two methods which may be used for the purpose are the partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) approach and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Each of these has their own advantages and limitations. In this paper, a hybrid method is described which overcomes many of the limitations of PEEC and FDTD while retaining their strengths. Results using the method for low-pass and bandpass microstrip filters are presented.