Wizards of Electromagnetism

There are many EM simulation technologies and tools available in the market that antenna designers can use, but which is the best one for the job? This episode demonstrates the use of finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation in the design of wireless network card antenna. The ultra-fast simulation capability of FDTD enables designers to quickly test and verify different configurations and sizes of antenna. A modern user interface enables designers to visualize the current and field pattern on the antenna surface and thus helps design smaller antennas.

Problem: Wireless network card antenna designers are oftentimes challenged to reduce the size but it’s a difficult design task without the aid of EM field solvers or visualizing current/field patterns on the antenna.

Action: With FDTD simulation, the design of a wireless network card antenna is quick and easy. It enables designers to quickly test and verify various different configurations and sizes of antenna. Modern visualization features enables designers to see the current and field pattern on the antenna surface, thus helping to design smaller antennas. In this example, the designers could quick try a “what if” experiment of adding a localizer hole. They also noticed a low current flow at the top, and experimented with size reduction in the areas of low current flow.

Result: Antenna design that is ~40% smaller in area, with no compromise in performance or cost.

Read the full details in our presentation EM Insights Series – Episode 3 – Wireless Network Card Antenna Design

See the full series at EM Insights Series