RF Module

Model Library Manual

RF Module Model Library Manual

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Version:

October 2014

COMSOL 5.0

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Part number: CM021002

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Branch-Line Coupler
Introduction
A branch line coupler, also known as a quadrature (90) hybrid, is a four-port network
device with one input port, two output ports, with a 90 phase difference between
them, and one isolated port. Due to its symmetry, any port can be used as the input
port.

Isolated

Z0/2
Z0

Output

Z0

(4)

(3)

/4
Z0

Z0

/4
Z0

Z0

(1)

(2)

Input

Output
Z0/2

Figure 1: The geometry of a branch line coupler is symmetric.

Model Definition
The form of the branch line coupler is shown schematically in Figure 1. The layout
design is based upon Ref. 1, and is tuned to operate at 3 GHz. The design is realized
as microstrip lines patterned onto a 0.060 inch dielectric substrate. The microstrip
lines are modeled as perfect electric conductor (PEC) surfaces, and another PEC
surface on the bottom of the dielectric substrate acts as a ground plane. The entire
modeling domain is bounded by PEC boundaries that represent the device packaging.
The four ports are modeled as small rectangular faces that bridge the gap between the

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PEC face that represents the ground plane, and the PEC faces that represent the
microstrip line at each port.
Lumped port 2
PEC enclosure
Lumped port 3

Air

Lumped port 1
60 mil substrate
Lumped port 4

Figure 2: The model of the branch line coupler. Some exterior faces are removed for
visualization.
The model is shown in Figure 2. A small air domain bounded by a PEC surface around
the device is also modeled. The model is meshed using a tetrahedral mesh. A good rule
of thumb is to use approximately five elements per wavelength in each material.

Results and Discussion

The computed S-parameters are plotted in Figure 3. At a frequency of 3 GHz, the
signal is evenly split between the two output ports with a very small amount of losses.
The input signal is barely coupled to the isolation port where S41 is less than 30 dB
at 3 GHz. The evaluated phase shift between the two output ports is 89.9.

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Figure 3: The frequency response of the branch line coupler shows good input matching
(S11) and isolation (S41) around 3 GHz. The coupled signal at the two output ports
(S21 and S31) is about -3 dB at 3 GHz.

Figure 4: The phases on the two output ports show approximately 90-degree shift at 3 GHz.

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Because the metallic housing works as a rectangular cavity, there is a resonance

observed around 4.6 GHz. This is the dominant TE101 mode of the rectangular cavity
resonator partially filled with a dielectric substrate. The resonance can easily be
removed in the current frequency sweep range by adding a metallic post in the middle
of the cavity.

Reference
1. D.M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Passive_Devices/branch_line_coupler

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

thickness

60[mil]

0.0015240 m

Substrate thickness

l_s

40[mm]

0.040000 m

Length, substrate

w_line2

5[mm]

0.0050000 m

Width, line 2

l_line2

13[mm]

0.013000 m

Length, line 2

l_line1

(l_s-l_line2)/
2

0.013500 m

Length, line 1

w_line1

3.2[mm]

0.0032000 m

Width, line 1

w_line3

3[mm]

0.0030000 m

Width, line 3

l_line3

13.6[mm]

0.013600 m

Length, line 3

f_min

1[GHz]

1.0000E9 Hz

Minimum frequency in
sweep

f_max

5[GHz]

5.0000E9 Hz

Maximum frequency in
sweep

lda_min

c_const/f_max

0.059958 m

Minimum wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*lda_min

0.011992 m

Maximum element size,

air

Here, 'mil' refers to the unit milliinch.

GEOMETRY 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Geometry 1.

2 In the Settings window for Geometry, locate the Units section.
3 From the Length unit list, choose mm.

Work Plane 1 (wp1)

1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane to add an xy-plane for the coupler layout.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 2*w_line1+l_line3.
4 In the Height text field, type l_s.
5 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
6 Click the Build Selected button.

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Rectangle 2 (r2)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type w_line2*2+l_line3.
4 In the Height text field, type l_line2.
5 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
6 On the Work plane toolbar, click Build All.

Rectangle 3 (r3)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type l_line3.
4 In the Height text field, type l_line2.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -l_line3/2.
6 In the yw text field, type l_line2/2+w_line3.
7 Click the Build Selected button.
8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Array 1 (arr1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Transforms and choose Array.
2 Select the object r3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Array, locate the Size section.
4 From the Array type list, choose Linear.
5 In the Size text field, type 3.
6 Locate the Displacement section. In the yw text field, type -l_line2-w_line3.
7 On the Work plane toolbar, click Build All.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the objects r2 and r1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the three rectangles belonging to the array object (arr1).
6 Clear the Keep interior boundaries check box.

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7 On the Work plane toolbar, click Build All.

Work Plane 1 (wp1)

Extrude the xy-plane with the thickness of the substrate. Additional rectangular
boundaries at each end of the feed lines are created by this extrusion, too. Use these
boundaries to assign lumped ports later.

Extrude 1 (ext1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Extrude.
2 In the Settings window for Extrude, locate the Distances from Plane section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Distances (mm)
thickness

4 Click the Build All Objects button.

5 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Choose wireframe rendering to get a better view of the interior parts.

6 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

Create a block for the substrate.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.

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2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.

3 In the Width text field, type l_s.
4 In the Depth text field, type l_s.
5 In the Height text field, type thickness.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the z text field, type thickness/2.
8 Click the Build All Objects button.

Union 1 (uni1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Union.
2 In the Settings window for Union, locate the Union section.
3 Clear the Keep interior boundaries check box.
4 Select the objects blk1 and ext1 only.
5 Locate the Selections of Resulting Entities section. Select the Create selections check

box.
6 Click the Build All Objects button.
7 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Union 1 (uni1) and choose Rename.
8 In the Rename Union dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
9 Click OK.

Block 2 (blk2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type l_s.
4 In the Depth text field, type l_s+l_s/8.
5 In the Height text field, type thickness*5.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the z text field, type thickness*5/2.
8 Click the Build All Objects button.
9 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 2 (blk2) and choose Rename.
10 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Package in the New label text field.

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11 Click OK.

The completed geometry describes the microstrip line device on a substrate

enclosed by a metal housing.

DEFINITIONS

Create a selection for the microstrip lines.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 Select Boundary 13 only.
5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 1 and choose Rename.
6 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Microstrip Line in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

View 1
Hide three boundaries to get a better view of the interior parts when reviewing the
mesh.
1 On the 3D view toolbar, click Hide Geometric Entities.

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2 In the Settings window for Hide Geometric Entities, locate the Geometric Entity
Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 Select Boundaries 1, 2, and 4 only.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Now set up the physics. The default boundary condition is perfect electric conductor,
which is applied to all exterior boundaries. Apply this condition also to the interior
boundaries of the microstrip lines.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.
5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.
2 In the Settings window for Perfect Electric Conductor, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Microstrip Line.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 24 only.
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 25 only.

Lumped Port 3
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.

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2 Select Boundary 15 only.

Lumped Port 4
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 14 only.

Lumped ports are assigned at each end of the microstrip lines. Wave excitation is on only
at the first port.
MATERIALS

Assign material properties to the model. First, apply air to all domains.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Create a dielectric material of r = 3.38 overriding air in the substrate.

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Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Substrate.
4 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

3.38

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.
MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

Three exterior boundaries are hidden in this view.

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STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(f_min,0.1[GHz],f_max).
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

Begin the results analysis and visualization by modifying the first default plot to show
the E-field norm in the middle of the substrate at 3 GHz.
1 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter value (freq (Hz)) list, choose 3.0000E9.
3 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click
Multislice 1.
4 In the Settings window for Multislice, locate the Multiplane Data section.
5 Find the x-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
6 Find the y-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
7 Find the z-planes subsection. From the Entry method list, choose Coordinates.
8 In the Coordinates text field, type thickness/2.

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9 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The input power is evenly split between the two output ports.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click S-Parameter (emw).
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, click to expand the Title section.
3 From the Title type list, choose None.
4 Click to expand the Legend section. From the Position list, choose Lower right.

Compare the resulting plot with that shown in Figure 3.

Plot the phases on two output ports (Figure 4).

1D Plot Group 3
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Title section.
3 From the Title type list, choose None.
4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.
5 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.

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6 In the table, enter the following settings:

Expression

Unit

Description

arg(emw.S21)

deg

S-parameter, 21 component,
phase

arg(emw.S31)

deg

S-parameter, 31 component,
phase

The unit is degree.

7 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The phase difference between two output ports is approximately 90 degrees at 3

GHz.
Evaluate the phase difference between two output ports at 3 GHz.

Derived Values
1 On the Results toolbar, click Global Evaluation.
2 In the Settings window for Global Evaluation, locate the Data section.
3 From the Parameter selection (freq) list, choose From list.
4 In the Parameter values (freq (Hz)) list, select 3.0000E9.
5 Locate the Expression section. In the Expression text field, type
arg(emw.S21)-arg(emw.S31).

6 From the Unit list, choose .

7 Click the Evaluate button.

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Computing Q-Factors and Resonant

Frequencies of Cavity Resonators
Introduction
A classic benchmark example in computational electromagnetics is to find the resonant
frequency and Q-factor of a cavity with lossy walls. Here, models of rectangular,
cylindrical, and spherical cavities are shown to be in agreement with analytic solutions.

Model Definition
This example considers three geometries:
a rectangular cavity of dimensions 0.9 in-by-0.9 in-by-0.4 in;
a cylindrical cavity of radius 0.48 in and height 0.4 in; and
a spherical cavity of radius 1.35 cm.
The cavity walls are assumed to be a good conductor, such as copper, with an electric
conductivity of 5.7107 S/m, and relative permeability and permittivity of unity. The
interior of the cavity is assumed to be vacuum, with zero electric conductivity, and unit
permeability and permittivity. The analytic solutions to these three cases are given in
Ref. 1.
The lossy walls of the cavity are represented via the impedance boundary condition.
This boundary condition accounts for the frequency dependent losses on the walls of
a cavity due to the non-zero electric conductivity, which makes the eigenvalue problem
nonlinear. When solving any eigenvalue problem, it is necessary to provide a frequency
around which to search for modes. In addition, when solving a nonlinear eigenvalue
problem, it is also necessary to provide a frequency at which to initially evaluate the
frequency-dependent surface losses. Although the guesses for these frequencies do not
need to be very close, solution time is less the closer they are.
It is usually possible to estimate the resonant frequency of interest, and to use this as
an initial guess. It is also possible to quickly estimate the resonant frequency by
building a second model that uses the perfect electrical conductor (PEC) boundary
condition instead of the impedance boundary condition. A model that uses only PEC
boundaries will result in a linear eigenvalue problem, and is less computationally
intensive to solve. Such a model only requires a rough guess at the frequency of the

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mode, and does not require a frequency at which to evaluate the surface losses.
Therefore, it is often convenient to also solve a version of a model without losses.
Q-FACTOR AND RESONANT FREQUENCY IN CAVITY STRUCTURES

Q-factor is one of important parameters characterizing a resonant structure and

defined as Q = (average energy stored/dissipated power). The average energy stored
can be evaluated as a volume integral of Energy density time average (emw.Wav) and
the dissipated power can be evaluated as a surface integral of Surface losses (emw.Qsh).
Another way to calculate Q-factor at the dominant mode is via equations in Ref. 1. For
a rectangular cavity, the dominant mode is TE101, at which the cavity provides the
lowest resonant frequency. The Q-factor and resonant frequency at this mode is
1,1107
2
1
2
Q TE101 = -----------------------------, f TE101 = ------------------ --- + ---
c
a
a
2
R s 1 + -------
2b

(1)

There are two dominant modes for a cylindrical cavity. One dominant mode of the
cylindrical cavity is TE111 when the ratio between the height and radius is more than
2.03. The other dominant mode is TM010 when the ratio is less than 2.03. For this
case, the Q-factor and resonant frequency are given as
1
2,4049 2
1,2025
Q TM 010 = --------------------------, f TM 010 = ------------------ ------------------

a
a
2
R s 1 + ---

(2)

For a spherical cavity, TM mode provides the lowest resonant frequency.

1,004
2,744
Q TM 011 = -------------------, f TM 011 = --------------------Rs
2a
In the above equations, Rs is surface resistance defined as R s =
characteristic impedance of free space, 0 0 .

(3)
r
---------- and is the
2

These two analytical approaches are compared with the Q-factor obtained from
Eigenfrequency analysis.

Results and Discussion

The analytic resonant frequencies and Q-factors for these three cases, and the results
of the COMSOL model for various levels of mesh refinement, are shown below. These
show that the solutions agree. As the mesh is refined, the polynomial basis functions

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used by the finite element method better approximate the analytic solutions, which are
described by sinusoidal functions for the rectangular cavity and Bessel functions for the
cylindrical and spherical cavities. This difference between the numerical results and the
analytic solution is discretization error, and is always reduced with mesh refinement.
TABLE 1: RESULTS FOR THE TE101 MODE OF A RECTANGULAR CAVITY
MAXIMUM
MESH SIZE

RESONANT FREQUENCY, GHZ

(ANALYTIC=9.273)

Q-FACTOR
(ANALYTIC=7770)

h_max

9.706

7039

h_max/2

9.283

7687

h_max/4

9.273

7765

h_max/8

9.273

7770

TABLE 2: RESULTS FOR THE TM010 MODE OF A CYLINDRICAL CAVITY

MAXIMUM
MESH SIZE

RESONANT FREQUENCY, GHZ

(ANALYTIC=9.412)

Q-FACTOR
(ANALYTIC=8065)

h_max

9.458

7891

h_max/2

9.419

8004

h_max/4

9.411

8056

h_max/8

9.411

8065

TABLE 3: RESULTS FOR THE TM011 MODE OF A SPHERICAL CAVITY

MAXIMUM
MESH SIZE

RESONANT FREQUENCY, GHZ

(ANALYTIC=9.698)

Q-FACTOR
(ANALYTIC=14594)

h_max

9.752

14121

h_max/2

9.723

14430

h_max/4

9.701

14616

h_max/8

9.697

14641

Note that convergence with respect to the mesh is fastest for the rectangular cavity and
slowest for the spherical cavity. This is because the isoparametric finite-element mesh
represents curved surfaces approximately, via second order polynomials by default.
This introduces some small geometric discretization error that is always reduced with
mesh refinement. Although it is possible to use different element orders, the default
second-order curl element (also known as a vector or Nedelec element) is the best
compromise between accuracy and memory requirements. Because memory
requirements for three-dimensional models increase exponentially with increasing
element order, and increasing number of elements, there is strong motivation to use
as coarse a mesh as reasonable. Figure 1 shows the fields within the cavities, as well as
the surface currents and surface losses.

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Figure 1: Arrow plots of electric and magnetic fields. Slice plot of electric field.

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Figure 2: Arrow plots of surface currents. Surface plot of surface losses.

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Notes About the COMSOL Implementation

Solve this model using an Eigenfrequency study. Search for a single eigenfrequency
around 9109 Hz. Because of the impedance boundary condition with a finite
conductivity value, the model becomes a nonlinear eigenvalue problem and it is
necessary to provide a frequency at which to initially evaluate the frequency-dependent
surface losses. In the Eigenvalue Solver settings window you can see the linearization
point is automatically specified to the value in Search for eigenfrequencies around in
the study settings.

Reference
1. C.A. Balanis, Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics, John Wiley & Sons, 1989.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Verification_Models/cavity_resonators

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Eigenfrequency.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.

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2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

3 Click Load from File.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
cavity_resonators_parameters.txt.

Here, mu0_const and epsilon0_const in the imported table are predefined

COMSOL constants for the permeability and permittivity in free space. From the
Value column you can read off the values f_TE101_analytic_r = 9.273 GHz,
Q_TE101_analytic_r = 7770 for the rectangular cavity,
f_TM010_analytic_c = 9.412 GHz, Q_TM010_analytic_c = 8065 for the
cylindrical cavity, f_TM011_analytic_s = 9.698 GHz, and
Q_TM011_analytic_s = 14594 for the spherical cavity.
GEOMETRY 1

Create a block for the rectangular cavity.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type a_r.
4 In the Depth text field, type a_r.
5 In the Height text field, type b_r.

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6 Click the Build All Objects button.

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Now set up the physics. Override the default perfect electric conductor condition on
the exterior boundaries by an impedance condition.

Impedance Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Impedance Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Impedance Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
MATERIALS

Assign material properties on the model. First, apply vacuum to all domains.

Material 1 (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

4 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 1 (mat1) and choose Rename.

5 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Vacuum in the New label text field.
6 Click OK.

Define a lossy conductive material for all exterior boundaries.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
5 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

sigma_wall

S/m

Basic

6 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

7 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Lossy Wall in the New label text field.
8 Click OK.
DEFINITIONS

Add variables for Q-factor calculation and visualization. For this Q-factor calculation,
add two integration coupling operators: one for volume and the other for surface
integration.

Integration 1 (intop1)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_v in the Operator name text field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Selection list, choose All domains.

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Integration 2 (intop2)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_s in the Operator name text field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.

Variables 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Variables section.
3 Click Load from File.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
cavity_resonators_model1_variables.txt.

The emw. prefix is for the Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain interface in
the first model. Wav and Qsh are Energy density time average and Surface losses,
respectively. Qfactor included in this text file shows up in orange indicating an
unknown variable. It will be known after solving the model.
MESH 1

The maximum mesh size is one dimension of the cavity scaled inversely by d_f, a
discretization factor defined in Parameters. The discretization factor is also used as a
parametric sweep variable to see the effect of the mesh refinement.

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Free Tetrahedral.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type h_max_r/d_f.
5 In the Maximum element growth rate text field, type 2.
6 In the Curvature factor text field, type 1.
7 In the Resolution of narrow regions text field, type 0.1.
8 Click the Build All button.

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STUDY 1

Provide the number of modes and a frequency around which to search for modes.

Step 1: Eigenfrequency
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 1 node, then click Step 1:
Eigenfrequency.
2 In the Settings window for Eigenfrequency, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Desired number of eigenfrequencies text field, type 1.
4 In the Search for eigenfrequencies around text field, type 9e9.

Add a Parametric Sweep over the discretization factor, d_f.

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

d_f

1 2 4 8

Parameter unit

5 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the distribution of the norm of the electric field. Add arrow
plots of the electric and magnetic fields.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Electric Field (emw) and

choose Arrow Volume.

2 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>emw.Ex,emw.Ey,emw.Ez Electric field.
3 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
4 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Arrow
Volume.

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5 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Magnetic>emw.Hx,emw.Hy,emw.Hz Magnetic field.
6 Locate the Arrow Positioning section. Find the z grid points subsection. In the Points

text field, type 1.

7 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose White.
8 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
9 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar. Compare the resulting plot

with that shown in Figure 1, top. The exact numbers that you get may differ slightly.
Add a surface plot of the surface losses and an arrow plot of the surface current
(Figure 2, top).

3D Plot Group 2
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 3D Plot Group.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click 3D Plot Group 2 and choose
Surface.
3 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Heating and losses>emw.Qsrh - Surface
resistive losses.
4 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose
ThermalEquidistant.
5 In the Model Builder window, right-click 3D Plot Group 2 and choose Arrow Surface.
6 In the Settings window for Arrow Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Currents and
charge>emw.Jsx,...,emw.Jsz - Surface current density.
7 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Blue.
8 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
9 Right-click 3D Plot Group 2 and choose Rename.
10 In the Rename 3D Plot Group dialog box, type Surface Losses (emw) in the New
label text field.
11 Click OK.

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ROOT

Next, set up a model for the cylindrical cavity.

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Component and choose 3D.
ADD PHYSICS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Physics to open the Add Physics window.
2 Go to the Add Physics window.
3 In the Add physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Physics to close the Add Physics window.
ADD STUDY

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Empty
Study.

You will copy the settings from the existing study later on.
4 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.
GEOMETRY 2

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type a_c.
4 In the Height text field, type height_c.

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5 Click the Build All Objects button.

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES , FREQUENC Y D OMAIN 2 (EMW2)

Set up the second physics interface. The steps are same as for the first model.

Impedance Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Impedance Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Impedance Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
MATERIALS

Assign material properties to the second model. Apply vacuum to all domains.

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 2 (comp2) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

4 Right-click Component 2 (comp2)>Materials>Material 3 (mat3) and choose Rename.

5 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Vacuum in the New label text field.
6 Click OK.

Define a lossy conductive material for all exterior boundaries.

Material 4 (mat4)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
5 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

sigma_wall

S/m

Basic

6 Right-click Component 2 (comp2)>Materials>Material 4 (mat4) and choose Rename.

7 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Lossy Wall in the New label text field.
8 Click OK.
DEFINITIONS

Add variables and two integration coupling operators. The purpose of these is same as
in the first model.

Integration 3 (intop3)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_v in the Operator name text field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Selection list, choose All domains.

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Integration 4 (intop4)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_s in the Operator name text field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.

Variables 2a
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Variables section.
3 Click Load from File.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
cavity_resonators_model2_variables.txt.

The emw2. prefix refers to the Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain interface
for the second model.
MESH 2

Apply the same logic in the mesh set up as you have done in the first model.

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 2 (comp2) right-click Mesh 2 and

choose Free Tetrahedral.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type h_max_c/d_f.
5 In the Maximum element growth rate text field, type 2.
6 In the Curvature factor text field, type 1.
7 In the Resolution of narrow regions text field, type 0.1.
8 Click the Build All button.
STUDY 2

1 Select both Study 1> Step 1: Eigenfrequency 1 and Study 1> Parametric Sweep 1 using

shift-key. Copy them and paste on Study 2.

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Step 1: Eigenfrequency 1
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 2 node, then click Step 1:
Eigenfrequency 1.
2 In the Settings window for Eigenfrequency, locate the Physics and Variables Selection

section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain

physics

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 2

physics

4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw2)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Electric Field (emw2) and

choose Arrow Volume.

2 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

2>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 2>Electric>emw2.Ex,emw2.Ey,emw2.Ez Electric field.
3 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
4 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw2) and choose Arrow
Volume.
5 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

2>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain
2>Magnetic>emw2.Hx,emw2.Hy,emw2.Hz - Magnetic field.
6 Locate the Arrow Positioning section. Find the z grid points subsection. In the Points

text field, type 1.

7 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose White.
8 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
9 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar. The plot should now look

like that in Figure 1, middle.

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Again, add a surface plot of the surface losses and an arrow plot of the surface current
(Figure 2, middle).

3D Plot Group 4
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 3D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Parametric Solutions 2 (6).
4 Right-click Results>3D Plot Group 4 and choose Surface.
5 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

2>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 2>Heating and losses>emw2.Qsh Surface losses.
6 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose
ThermalEquidistant.
7 In the Model Builder window, right-click 3D Plot Group 4 and choose Arrow Surface.
8 In the Settings window for Arrow Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

2>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 2>Currents and
charge>emw2.Jsx,...,emw2.Jsz - Surface current density.
9 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Blue.
10 Right-click 3D Plot Group 4 and choose Rename.
11 In the Rename 3D Plot Group dialog box, type Surface Losses (emw2) in the New
label text field.

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12 Click OK.

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ROOT

Now add a model for the spherical cavity.

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Component and choose 3D.
ADD PHYSICS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Physics to open the Add Physics window.
2 Go to the Add Physics window.
3 In the Add physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Physics to close the Add Physics window.
ADD STUDY

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Empty
Study.
4 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.
GEOMETRY 3

Sphere 1 (sph1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Sphere.
2 In the Settings window for Sphere, locate the Size section.
3 In the Radius text field, type a_s.

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4 Click the Build All Objects button.

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN 3 (EMW3)

Set up the third physics interface.

Impedance Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Impedance Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Impedance Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
MATERIALS

Assign material properties on the model. Apply vacuum to all domains.

Material 5 (mat5)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 3 (comp3) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

4 Right-click Component 3 (comp3)>Materials>Material 5 (mat5) and choose Rename.

5 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Vacuum in the New label text field.
6 Click OK.

Set all exterior boundaries with a lossy conductive material.

Material 6 (mat6)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
5 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

sigma_wall

S/m

Basic

6 Right-click Component 3 (comp3)>Materials>Material 6 (mat6) and choose Rename.

7 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Lossy Wall in the New label text field.
8 Click OK.
DEFINITIONS

Add variables and two integration coupling operators.

Integration 5 (intop5)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_v in the Operator name text field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Selection list, choose All domains.

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Integration 6 (intop6)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_s in the Operator name text field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.

Variables 3a
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Variables section.
3 Click Load from File.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
cavity_resonators_model3_variables.txt.

The emw3. prefix in the imported table is for the physics interface, Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain, in the third model.
MESH 3

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 3 (comp3) right-click Mesh 3 and

choose Free Tetrahedral.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type h_max_s/d_f.
5 In the Maximum element growth rate text field, type 2.
6 In the Curvature factor text field, type 1.
7 In the Resolution of narrow regions text field, type 0.1.
8 Click the Build All button.
STUDY 3

1 Select both Study 2> Step 1: Eigenfrequency 1, Study 2>Parametric Sweep 1 using

shift-key. Copy them and paste on Study 3.

Step 1: Eigenfrequency 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 3 click Step 1: Eigenfrequency 1.

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2 In the Settings window for Eigenfrequency, locate the Physics and Variables Selection

section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain

physics

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 2

physics

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 3

physics

4 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw3)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Electric Field (emw3) and

choose Arrow Volume.

2 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

3>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 3>Electric>emw3.Ex,emw3.Ey,emw3.Ez Electric field.
3 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw3) and choose Arrow
Volume.
4 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

3>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain
3>Magnetic>emw3.Hx,emw3.Hy,emw3.Hz - Magnetic field.
5 Locate the Arrow Positioning section. Find the z grid points subsection. In the Points

text field, type 1.

6 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose White.
7 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar. Compare the resulting plot

with that shown in Figure 1, bottom.

Again, add a surface plot of the surface losses and an arrow plot of the surface current
(Figure 2, bottom).

3D Plot Group 6
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 3D Plot Group.

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2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 3/Parametric Solutions 3 (12).
4 Right-click Results>3D Plot Group 6 and choose Surface.
5 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

3>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 3>Heating and losses>emw3.Qsh Surface losses.
6 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose
ThermalEquidistant.
7 In the Model Builder window, right-click 3D Plot Group 6 and choose Arrow Surface.
8 In the Settings window for Arrow Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

3>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain 3>Currents and
charge>emw3.Jsx,...,emw3.Jsz - Surface current density.
9 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Blue.
10 Right-click 3D Plot Group 6 and choose Rename.
11 In the Rename 3D Plot Group dialog box, type Surface Losses (emw3) in the New
label text field.
12 Click OK.

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Derived Values
Finish by evaluating the Q-factor and resonant frequency. Compare them with those
values in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.
1 On the Results toolbar, click Global Evaluation.
2 In the Settings window for Global Evaluation, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.
4 From the Eigenfrequency selection list, choose First.
5 From the Table columns list, choose Inner solutions.
6 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the Expression section. From

the menu, choose Model>Component 1>Definitions>Variables>Q_computed - Q-factor,

computed from eigenvalue.
7 Click the Evaluate button.
8 Locate the Data section. From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Parametric Solutions
2 (6).
9 Click the Evaluate button.
10 From the Data set list, choose Study 3/Parametric Solutions 3 (12).
11 Click the Evaluate button.
12 Right-click Results>Derived Values>Global Evaluation 1 and choose Duplicate.
13 In the Settings window for Global Evaluation, locate the Data section.
14 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.
15 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the Expression section. From

the menu, choose Model>Component 1>Definitions>Variables>Q_definition - Q-factor,

definition.
16 Right-click Results>Derived Values>Global Evaluation 2 and choose Evaluate>New
Table.
17 Locate the Data section. From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Parametric Solutions
2 (6).
18 Click the Evaluate button.
19 From the Data set list, choose Study 3/Parametric Solutions 3 (12).
20 Click the Evaluate button.
21 In the Model Builder window, under Results>Derived Values right-click Global
Evaluation 1 and choose Duplicate.
22 In the Settings window for Global Evaluation, locate the Data section.

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23 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.

24 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the Expression section. From

the menu, choose Model>Component 1>Definitions>Variables>frequency - Frequency,

simulated.
25 Right-click Results>Derived Values>Global Evaluation 3 and choose Evaluate>New
Table.
26 Locate the Data section. From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Parametric Solutions
2 (6).
27 Click the Evaluate button.
28 From the Data set list, choose Study 3/Parametric Solutions 3 (12).
29 Click the Evaluate button.

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Connecting a 3D Electromagnetic
Wave Model to an Electrical Circuit
Introduction
A model built with the RF Module can be connected to an electrical circuit equivalent,
if there is some structure outside of the model space that you wish to approximate as
a circuit equivalent. An example is shown in Figure 1, the 3D model of a coaxial cable
is connected to a voltage source, in series with a matched impedance, and sees a load,
also of matched impedance.

Zsource
FE model of a coaxial cable

VAC

Zload

Figure 1: Schematic of a section of a coaxial transmission line connected to a voltage

source, source impedance, and load.

Model Definition
The geometry in this model is a short section of a air-filled coaxial transmission line,
shown schematically in Figure 1. A 3D modeling space is used to model the coaxial
cable. The walls of the coax are treated as perfect electric conductors. This is
appropriate when the skin depth, and the losses in the conductors, are insignificant.
At one end of the coaxial cable, Lumped Port boundary condition is used to connect
the model to nodes 0 and 2 of the Electrical Circuit. A Voltage Source between circuit
nodes 0 and 1 excites the system, and a Resistor representing the source impedance is
added between nodes 1 and 2. Node 0 is specified as the Ground Node by default,

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which fixes the absolute voltage. The connection from the Electrical Circuit model to
the Electromagnetic Waves interface is via the External I Vs. U features.
At the other end of the coaxial cable, another Lumped Port boundary condition is used
to connect the model to nodes 3 and 0 of the Electrical Circuit. A Resistor which works
as a matched load is added between nodes 3 and 0. At any non-zero frequency, the
absolute voltage has no well-defined meaning, voltage only has a meaning as the path
integral of electric field between two points, so any arbitrary point in the model can be
chosen to have zero voltage. If you are working with a purely RF model, without an
electrical circuit, it is not even possible to fix the absolute voltage. However, when
using the Electrical Circuit interface, it requires that the absolute voltage be fixed at
one node (Node 0) in the model.
When solving such a model, some changes to the solver settings may be needed, since
the default solver suggestions may not be appropriate. The appropriate way to solve
this problem is with a Fully Coupled solver, using the default Iterative solver. Follow
the Modeling Instructions for the solver settings.

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Results and Discussion

Figure 2 is a combined plot of the default electric field norm, magnetic field, and
power flow.

Figure 2: Electric field norm (multislices) and magnetic field, and power flow (green,
blue arrows) inside the coaxial cable.
The fields and power flow plot shows the TEM wave propagation inside the coaxial
cable, which is excited by the Electrical Circuit interface.

Notes About the COMSOL Implementation

The physics interface Electrical Circuit is located under the AD/DC Module branch,
but it is included with the RF Module.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Transmission_Lines_and_Waveguides/

coaxial_cable_circuit

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Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 In the Select physics tree, select AC/DC>Electrical Circuit (cir).
5 Click Add.
6 Click Study.
7 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies for Selected Physics Interfaces>Frequency
Domain.
8 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

r_coax

1[mm]

0.0010000 m

Coax inner radius

R_coax

2[mm]

0.0020000 m

Coax outer radius

L_coax

20[mm]

0.020000 m

Length of coax core into

cavity

f0

10[GHz]

1.0000E10 Hz

Frequency

lda0

c_const/f0

0.029979 m

Wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*lda0

0.0059958 m

Maximum mesh element

size, air

Z_coax

Z0_const/
(2*pi)*log(R_coax/
r_coax)

41.560

Analytical impedance

Here, c_const and Z0_const are predefined COMSOL constants for the speed of
the light and the wave impedance in vacuum, respectively.
GEOMETRY 1

Create the geometry of the coaxial cable using two cylinders.

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type R_coax.
4 In the Height text field, type L_coax.
5 Locate the Axis section. From the Axis type list, choose x-axis.
6 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 1 (cyl1) and choose Rename.
7 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type Coax outer in the New label text field.
8 Click OK.

Cylinder 2 (cyl2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type r_coax.
4 In the Height text field, type L_coax.
5 Locate the Axis section. From the Axis type list, choose x-axis.

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6 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 2 (cyl2) and choose Rename.

7 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type Coax inner in the New label text field.
8 Click OK.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the object cyl1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the object cyl2 only.
6 Click the Build All Objects button.

7 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

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4 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.

5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 1 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of lumped port list, choose Coaxial.
5 From the Terminal type list, choose Circuit.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.

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2 Select Boundary 10 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of lumped port list, choose Coaxial.
5 From the Terminal type list, choose Circuit.
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT (CIR)

Voltage Source 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Voltage Source.
2 In the Settings window for Voltage Source, locate the Node Connections section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Label

Node names

4 Locate the Device Parameters section. From the Source type list, choose AC-source.

Resistor 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Resistor.
2 In the Settings window for Resistor, locate the Node Connections section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Label

Node names

4 Locate the Device Parameters section. In the R text field, type Z_coax.

Resistor 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Resistor.
2 In the Settings window for Resistor, locate the Node Connections section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Label

Node names

4 Locate the Device Parameters section. In the R text field, type Z_coax.

External I Vs. U 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click External I Vs. U.
2 In the Settings window for External I Vs. U, locate the Node Connections section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Label

Node names

4 Locate the External Device section. From the V list, choose Lumped port voltage
(emw/lport1).

External I Vs. U 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click External I Vs. U.
2 In the Settings window for External I Vs. U, locate the Node Connections section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Label

Node names

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4 Locate the External Device section. From the V list, choose Lumped port voltage
(emw/lport2).
MATERIALS

Next, assign material properties on the model. Specify air for the coaxial cable.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.
MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Mesh 1.

2 In the Settings window for Mesh, locate the Mesh Settings section.
3 From the Element size list, choose Fine.

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4 Click the Build All button.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.

Solution 1
1 On the Study toolbar, click Show Default Solver.
2 In the Model Builder window, expand the Solution 1 node.
3 Right-click Stationary Solver 1 and choose Fully Coupled.
4 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the E-field norm inside the coaxial cable. Add arrow plots for
the electric field, magnetic field, and power flow.

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1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Electric Field (emw) and

choose Arrow Volume.

2 Right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Arrow Volume.
3 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Magnetic>emw.Hx,emw.Hy,emw.Hz Magnetic field.
4 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Green.
5 Right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Arrow Volume.
6 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Energy and
power>emw.Poavx,...,emw.Poavz - Power flow, time average.
7 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Blue. Compare the

resulting plot with that shown in Figure 2.

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Fi ndi ng the I mp ed an c e of a Coaxi al

Cable
Introduction
The coaxial cable (coax) is one of the most ubiquitous transmission line structures. It
is composed of a central circular conductor, surrounded by an annular dielectric and
shielded by an outer conductor; see Figure 1. In this example, you compute the
electric and magnetic field distributions inside the coax. Using these fields, you then
compute the characteristic impedance and compare the result with the known analytic
expression.

Outer conductor

Dielectric

Center
conductor

Figure 1: Cross section of a coaxial cable. The arrows visualize the magnetic field.

Model Definition
Because a coax operates in TEM modewith the electric and magnetic fields normal
to the direction of propagation along the cablemodeling a 2D cross section suffices
to compute the fields and the impedance. For this model, assume perfect conductors

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and a lossless dielectric with relative permittivity r = 2.4. The inner and outer radii are
0.5 mm and 3.43 mm, respectively.
The characteristic impedance, Z0 = V/I, of a transmission line relates the voltage
between the conductors to the current through the line. Although the model does not
involve computing the potential field, the voltage of the TEM waveguide can be
evaluated as a line integral of the electric field between the conductors:
ri

V = V i V o = E dr

(1)

ro

Similarly, the current is obtained as a line integral of the magnetic field along the
boundary of either conductor or any closed contour, C, bisecting the space between
the conductors:
I =

C H dr

(2)

The voltage and current in the direction out of the plane are positive for integration
paths oriented as in Figure 2.

Figure 2: The impedance of a coaxial cable can be found from the voltage, V, and current,
I, which are computed via line integrals as shown.
The value of Z0 obtained in this way, should be compared with the analytic result
ro
1 0
Z 0,analytic = ------ --------- log ----- 74.5

2 r
ri
0

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Results and Discussion

Figure 3 is a combined plot of the electric field magnitude and the magnetic field
visualized as an arrow plot.

Figure 3: Electric field magnitude (surface) and magnetic field (arrows) inside the
coaxial cable.
The impedance computed with the default mesh is Z0 = 74.65 . When the mesh is
refined, the result will approach the analytic value of 74.5 .

Notes About the COMSOL Implementation

Solve this model using a Mode Analysis study. The effective mode index for the
propagating TEM mode is n eff = r 1.5 . Use the default frequency, f = 1 GHz,
which is well below the cut-off frequency for TE modes and TM modes for the chosen
cable diameter.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Verification_Models/

coaxial_cable_impedance

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Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 2D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Mode Analysis.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

r_i

0.5[mm]

5.0000E-4 m

Coax inner radius

r_o

3.43[mm]

0.0034300 m

Coax outer radius

eps_r

2.4

2.4000

Relative
dielectric
constant

Z0_analytic

(Z0_const/
(2*pi*sqrt(eps_r)))*
log(r_o/r_i)

74.531

Characteristic
impedance,
analytic

Here Z0_const is a predefined COMSOL constant for the characteristic impedance

of vacuum, Z0 = sqrt(0/0). From the Value column you can read off the value
Z0,analytic = 74.53 .

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GEOMETRY 1

Create the geometry using a single circle node with the radius of the outer conductor
and an extra layer representing the inner conductor.

Circle 1 (c1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Object Type section.
3 From the Type list, choose Curve.
4 Locate the Size and Shape section. In the Radius text field, type r_o.
5 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (m)

Layer 1

r_o-r_i

6 Click the Build Selected button.

An advantage of using layers is that you automatically get a radial line to use for
computing the voltage as a line integral of the electric field.
7 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

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MATERIALS

Define a dielectric material for the region between the conductors.

Material 1 (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

eps_r

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

4 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 1 (mat1) and choose Rename.

5 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Insulator in the New label text field.
6 Click OK.
DEFINITIONS

Add a variable for the characteristic impedance computed as the voltage between the
conductors divided by the current through the cable. For this purpose, you need two
integration coupling operators.

Integration 1 (intop1)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_rad in the Operator name text

field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.

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4 Select Boundary 1 only. Any of the four interior boundaries that connect the two

conductors would do.

Integration 2 (intop2)
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Component Couplings and choose Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Integration, type int_circ in the Operator name text

field.
3 Locate the Source Selection section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.

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4 Select Boundaries 5, 6, 9, and 12 only (the outer conductor boundaries).

Now define the variable for the characteristic impedance computed from the
simulation.

Variables 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Variables section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Unit

Description

int_rad(-emw.Ex*t1x-emw.Ey*t1y)

Voltage

-int_circ(emw.Hx*t1x+emw.Hy*t1y)

Current

Z0_model

V/I

Characteristic
impedance

Here, t1x and t1y are the tangential vector components along the integration
boundaries ('1' refers to the boundary dimension). Shortly, you will determine the
tangential vector directions along the boundaries using an arrow plot of t1. The
signs in the definitions above are chosen such that V = V1 - V0 (see Equation 1) and
to have a positive current value correspond to a current in the positive z direction.

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The emw. prefix gives the correct physics-interface scope for the electric and
magnetic field vector components.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

Keep the default physics settings, which include perfect electric conductor conditions
for the outer boundaries.
MESH 1

Use the default mesh.

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Mode Analysis

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Mode Analysis.
2 In the Settings window for Mode Analysis, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Desired number of modes text field, type 1.
4 In the Search for modes around text field, type sqrt(eps_r).
5 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

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RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the distribution of the norm of the electric field. Add an arrow
plot of the magnetic field.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Electric Field (emw) and

choose Arrow Surface.

2 In the Settings window for Arrow Surface, locate the Arrow Positioning section.
3 Find the x grid points subsection. In the Points text field, type 21.
4 Find the y grid points subsection. In the Points text field, type 21.
5 Locate the Coloring and Style section. Select the Scale factor check box.
6 Use the slider to adjust the arrow lengths.
7 From the Color list, choose White.
8 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
9 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar. Compare the resulting plot

with that shown in Figure 2.

To find out the integration contour orientations, plot the tangent vector, t1, along
the boundaries as follows:
10 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Arrow Line.
11 In the Settings window for Arrow Line, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Geometry>tx,ty - Tangent.
12 Locate the Coloring and Style section. In the Number of arrows text field, type 50.

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13 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

A comparison with Equation 1 reveals that the line integral for the voltage computes
the potential difference V1 - V0. When computing the line integral for the current,
the clockwise orientation of the integration contour would mean that a positive
current is directed in the negative z direction, that is, into the modeling plane. The
minus sign added in the definition of I reverses this direction.
14 Right-click Results>Electric Field (emw)>Arrow Line 1 and choose Disable to retrieve

the result plot.

Finish by computing the characteristic impedance.

Derived Values
1 On the Results toolbar, click Global Evaluation.
2 In the Settings window for Global Evaluation, click Replace Expression in the

upper-right corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose

Model>Component 1>Definitions>Variables>Z0_model - Characteristic impedance.
3 Click the Evaluate button.
TA BL E

1 Go to the Table window. The result, roughly 74.65 , is within 0.2% of the analytic

value, 74.53 .

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Transient Modeling of a Coaxial

Cable
Introduction
Time-domain simulations of Maxwells equations are useful for
observing transient phenomena,
finding the time it takes for a signal to propagate, or
modeling materials that are nonlinear with respect to the electric or magnetic field
strength.
This model considers a pulse propagating down a coaxial transmission line for three
different termination types: short, open, and matched. The signal propagation time is
deduced from the reflected waves detected at the input port.

Model Definition
The model setup, schematically depicted in Figure 1, is a short section of an air-filled
coaxial transmission line. The symmetry of the structure allows for a 2D axisymmetric
model geometry.

Zref

Zref

V0(t)
Model space

Figure 1: Schematic of a section of a coaxial transmission line connected to a transient

voltage source and a load.
At one end of the coaxial cable, or coax for short, a lumped port boundary condition
excites the structure; specify a transient excitation pulse, V0(t), by using a Gaussian
pulse-windowed sine function. Apply the excitation as a current of magnitude
I(t) = V 0(t) / Zref flowing tangentially to the excitation boundary. Here Zref refers to
the specified characteristic impedance between the voltage generator and the model.

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At the other end of the coax, consider, in turn, three different boundary conditions:
1 perfect electric conductor (PEC)to simulate the short condition;
2 perfect magnetic conductor (PMC)to simulate an open condition; and
3 lumped portto simulate a matched load.

On the walls of the coax, apply a PEC boundary condition; this condition is
appropriate when both skin depth and losses in the conductors are very small.
Use a triangular mesh with the maximum element size chosen such that there are at
least two elements in the radial direction and at least eight elements per wavelength.
The only changes required to the default solver settings are to tighten the relative
tolerance from the default value, and to adjust the timespan and output time steps. The
internal time steps taken by the solver are auto-selected based on the specified relative
tolerance.

Results and Discussion

Figure 2 shows the results of the transient simulation for the three different
termination types. The figure plots the radial component of the electric field at the
input port as a function of time for the three different termination conditions. The
short (PEC) and open (PMC) terminations reflect waves that are 180 out of phase,
and the matched load produces almost no reflections. From the reflected waves in the
plot, you can read off an approximate signal propagation time through the air-filled
transmission line of (0.37 0.10) / 2 ns = 0.135 ns. This matches the expected value
of Lcoax / c, where Lcoax = 40 mm is the length of the line and c is the speed of light
in air.

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PEC

PMC

Matched load

Figure 2: Radial component of electric field at the input port versus time for three
different termination conditions: short (blue), open (green), and matched load (red).

Model Library path: RF_Module/Verification_Models/

coaxial_cable_transient

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 2D Axisymmetric.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Transient
(temw).

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3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Time Dependent.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

r_coax

1[mm]

0.001000 m

Coax inner radius

R_coax

2[mm]

0.002000 m

Coax outer radius

L_coax

40[mm]

0.04000 m

Length of coax
core into cavity

20[GHz]

2.000E10 Hz

Pulse frequency

c_const/f

0.01499 m

Wavelength, free
space

1/f

5.000E-11 s

Period

h_max

min(L/8,(R_coax-r_coax)/2)

5.000E-4 m

Maximum element
size

Next, define the excitation, V0(t), in terms of a Gaussian pulse and a sine function.

Gaussian Pulse 1 (gp1)

1 On the Model toolbar, click Functions and choose Global>Gaussian Pulse.
2 In the Settings window for Gaussian Pulse, type gauss_pulse in the Function name

text field.
3 Locate the Parameters section. In the Location text field, type 2*T.
4 In the Standard deviation text field, type T/2.

Now use this pulse in an analytic function for V0(t):

Analytic 1 (an1)
1 On the Model toolbar, click Functions and choose Global>Analytic.
2 In the Settings window for Analytic, type V0 in the Function name text field.

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3 Locate the Definition section. In the Expression text field, type

gauss_pulse(t)*sin(2*pi*f*t).

4 In the Arguments text field, type t.

5 Locate the Units section. In the Arguments text field, type s.
6 In the Function text field, type V.

To plot the function, you need to specify a suitable time interval.

7 Locate the Plot Parameters section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Argument

Lower limit

Upper limit

0.2[ns]

8 Click to collapse the Plot parameters section. Click the Plot button.

GEOMETRY 1

An elongated rectangle offset from the symmetry axis represents the straight coaxial
cable.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type R_coax-r_coax.
4 In the Height text field, type L_coax.

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5 Locate the Position section. In the r text field, type r_coax.

6 Click the Build All Objects button.
DEFINITIONS

Set up a point probe for plotting the electric field component Er while solving. You
will also use this plot to reproduce Figure 2.
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Probes and choose Domain Point Probe.
2 In the Settings window for Domain Point Probe, locate the Point Selection section.
3 In row Coordinates, set r to r_coax.
4 Select the Snap to closest boundary check box.
5 In the Model Builder window, expand the Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Domain
Point Probe 1 node, then click Point Probe Expression 1 (ppb1).
6 In the Settings window for Point Probe Expression, locate the Expression section.
7 Click temw.Er - Electric field, r component in the upper-right corner of the section.
E L E C T RO M A G N E T I C WAVE S , TR A N S I E N T ( T E M W )

Now set up the physics. Begin by defining the Lumped port input condition.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 2 only (the bottom boundary).
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.
5 In the V0 text field, type V0(t).
6 Locate the Settings section. In the Zref text field, type (Z0_const/2/
pi)*log(R_coax/r_coax).

The open case uses a PMC condition at the termination.

Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Magnetic Conductor.
2 Select Boundary 3 only (the top boundary).

Finally, define a lumped port condition to use for the matched load case.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.

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2 Select Boundary 3 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Settings section.
4 In the Zref text field, type (Z0_const/2/pi)*log(R_coax/r_coax).
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window
MESH 1

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Free Triangular.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type h_max.

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5 Click the Build All button.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Time Dependent

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Time Dependent.
2 In the Settings window for Time Dependent, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Times text field, type range(0,T/24,10*T).
4 Select the Relative tolerance check box.
5 In the associated text field, type 0.0001.

To study the short termination case first, disable the PMC and lumped port
conditions so that the default PEC condition is activated on the termination
boundary.
6 Locate the Physics and Variables Selection section. Select the Modify physics tree and
variables for study step check box.
7 In the Physics and Variables Selection section, under Component 1>Electromagnetic
Waves, Transient: Ctrl-click first Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1 and then Lumped Port
2 so both are selected. Then right-click and choose Disable (or use the Disable

button).

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STUDY 1

On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field
Click on the Probe Plot 1 tab to place it in focus.

Probe Plot Group 2

When the solver finishes the plot should look like that in the figure below.

Electric Field
The default surface plot shows the electric field in the coax at the end of the simulation
interval. Because the transient has died out, the solution you see is only noise. Modify
the time to get a more interesting plot.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Electric Field.
2 In the Settings window for 2D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Time (s) list, choose 1.500E-10.

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4 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Now turn to the open termination case.

DEFINITIONS

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Domain Point

Probe 1 click Point Probe Expression 1 (ppb1).
2 In the Settings window for Point Probe Expression, click to expand the Table and
window settings section.
3 Locate the Table and Window Settings section. From the Output table list, choose New
table. With these settings you get a plot for the short and open termination cases in
the same plot window.
E L E C T RO M A G N E T I C WAVE S , TR A N S I E N T ( T E M W )

Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1

In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Transient (temw) right-click Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1 and choose Enable.
STUDY 1

1 In the Model Builder window, click Study 1.

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2 In the Settings window for Study, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Clear the Generate default plots check box.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Probe Plot Group 2

The reflected waves for the short and open terminations are 180 out of phase.

Finally, activate the matched load case.

DEFINITIONS

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Domain Point

Probe 1 click Point Probe Expression 1 (ppb1).
2 In the Settings window for Point Probe Expression, click to expand the Table and
window settings section.
3 Locate the Table and Window Settings section. From the Output table list, choose New
table.

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E L E C T RO M A G N E T I C WAVE S , TR A N S I E N T ( T E M W )

Lumped Port 2
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Transient (temw) right-click Lumped Port 2 and choose Enable. Note that you do not

need to disable the PMC condition because it is overridden by the lumped port.
STUDY 1

On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Probe Plot Group 2

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Probe Plot Group 2.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Plot Settings section.
3 Select the x-axis label check box.
4 In the associated text field, type t (s).
5 Select the y-axis label check box.
6 In the associated text field, type Electric field, r component (V/m).
7 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot. The plot should now look like that in

Figure 2, with the red graph corresponding to the matched case.

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Conical Antenna
Introduction
Conical antennas are useful for many applications due to their broadband
characteristics and relative simplicity. This example includes an analysis of the antenna
impedance and the radiation pattern as functions of the frequency for a monoconical
antenna with a finite ground plane and a 50 coaxial feed. The rotational symmetry
makes it possible to model this in axially symmetric 2D. When modeling in 2D, you
can use a dense mesh, giving an excellent accuracy for a wide range of frequencies.

Model Definition
The antenna geometry consists of a 0.2 m tall metallic cone with a top angle of
90 degrees on a finite ground plane of a 0.282 m radius. The coaxial feed has a central
conductor of 1.5 mm radius and an outer conductor (screen) of 4.916 mm radius
separated by a teflon dielectric of relative permittivity of 2.07. The central conductor
of the coaxial cable is connected to the cone, and the screen is connected to the ground
plane.

Figure 1: The geometry of the antenna. The central conductor of the coaxial cable is
connected to the metallic cone, and the cable screen is connected to the finite ground plane.
The model takes advantage of the rotational symmetry of the problem, which allows
modeling in 2D using cylindrical coordinates. You can then use a very fine mesh to
achieve an excellent accuracy.

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DOMAIN EQUATIONS

An electromagnetic wave propagating in a coaxial cable is characterized by transverse

electromagnetic (TEM) fields. Assuming time-harmonic fields with complex
amplitudes containing the phase information, you have:
C
E = e r ---- e j ( t kz )
r
C
H = e ------- e j ( t kz )
rZ
where z is the direction of propagation and r, , and z are cylindrical coordinates
centered on axis of the coaxial cable. Z is the wave impedance in the dielectric of the
cable, and C is an arbitrary constant. The angular frequency is denoted by . The
propagation constant, k, relates to the wavelength in the medium as
2
k = -----
In the air, the electric field also has a finite axial component whereas the magnetic field
is purely azimuthal. Thus it is possible to model the antenna using an axisymmetric
transverse magnetic (TM) formulation, and the wave equation becomes scalar in H :
2
1
--- H H = 0

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

The boundary conditions for the metallic surfaces are:

nE = 0
At the feed point, a matched coaxial port boundary condition is used to make the
boundary transparent to the wave. The antenna is radiating into free space, but you
can only discretize a finite region. Therefore, truncate the geometry some distance
from the antenna using a scattering boundary condition allowing for outgoing
spherical waves to pass with very little reflections. A symmetry boundary condition is
automatically applied on boundaries at r = 0.

Results and Discussion

Figure 2 shows the antenna impedance as a function of frequency. Ideally, the antenna
impedance should be matched to the characteristic impedance of the feed, 50 , to

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obtain maximum transmission into free space. This is quite well fulfilled in the high
frequency range.

Figure 2: The antenna impedance in as a function of frequency from 200 MHz to

1.5 GHz. The solid line shows the radiation resistance and the dotted line represents the
reactance.
Figure 3 shows the antenna radiation pattern in the near-field for three different
frequencies. The effect of the finite diameter of the ground plane is to lift the main lobe
from the horizontal plane. For an infinite ground plane or in the high-frequency limit,
the radiation pattern is symmetric around zero elevation. This is easy to understand, as
an infinite ground plane can be replaced by a mirror image of the monocone below the
plane. Such a biconical antenna is symmetric around zero elevation and has its main
lobe in the horizontal direction. The decreased lobe lifting at higher frequencies is just
about visible in Figure 3.
Figure 4 shows the antenna radiation pattern in the far field for the same frequencies
as the radiation pattern at the boundary in Figure 3.

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Figure 3: Polar plot of the antenna radiation pattern in the near field versus the elevation
angle for 200 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1.5 GHz. The scale is logarithmic.

Figure 4: Polar plot of the antenna radiation pattern for the far field versus the elevation
angle for 200 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1.5 GHz. This plot is normalized differently but has
a shape resembling the near field.

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As the frequency increases the antenna impedance gets closer to 50 , which means
that a voltage generator connected to the input of the antenna should have an output
impedance of 50 .

Model Library path: RF_Module/Antennas/conical_antenna

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 2D Axisymmetric.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
GEOMETRY 1

Import 1 (imp1)
1 On the Model toolbar, click Import.
2 In the Settings window for Import, locate the Import section.
3 Click Browse.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
conical_antenna.mphbin.

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5 Click Import.

The imported geometry is effectively a half circle with the metal areas removed. You
model the electromagnetic waves in the air and the dielectric material inside the
coaxial cable. There is no need to include the metal as a domain in the model
because the fields in it are essentially zero except on its surface.
DEFINITIONS

Prepare for the impedance computation by making a few definitions.

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

Z_tl

50[ohm]

50.000

Characteristic
transmission line
impedance

Variables 1
1 On the Model toolbar, click Variables and choose Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Variables section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Z_tl*(1+emw.S11)/
(1-emw.S11)

Unit

Description
Antenna impedance

emw.S11 is the name of the automatically computed reflection S-parameter.

Define the following selections in order to get easy access to some frequently used
domains and boundaries.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 1 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domain 1 only.

Explicit 2
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 2 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Dielectric in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.

The dielectric domain is inside the coaxial cable just below the cone. It is easier to
select it if you zoom in a little.
5 Select Domain 2 only.

Explicit 3
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 3 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Outer Air Boundaries in the New label

text field.
4 Click OK.
5 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
6 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.

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7 Select Boundaries 14 and 15 only.

With all selections and expressions now defined, it is time to set up the materials and
the physics of the model.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Air (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Air (mat1).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Air.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Dielectric.
4 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

2.07

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.

Set up Boundary 6, at the bottom of the coaxial cable, to be a Port. You can zoom
in on this part of the geometry to easier find and select this boundary.
2 Select Boundary 6 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.

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4 From the Type of port list, choose Coaxial.

5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Scattering Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Scattering Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Scattering Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Outer Air Boundaries.

The Scattering boundary condition is a simple way of letting the waves undergo only
minor artificial reflections as they leave the computational domain through the
exterior boundaries. To minimize these reflections, but at a greater computational
cost, you can use Perfectly Matched Layers.

Perfect Electric Conductor 1

As you can see if you click the Perfect Electric Conductor node under Electromagnetic
Waves, the physical boundaries to which you have not assigned any boundary
condition will by default be considered perfect electric conductors. This is a good
approximation for most metals throughout the frequency range considered in this
model.

Far-Field Domain 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Far-Field Domain.
2 Select Domain 1 only.

Far-Field Calculation 1
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Far-Field Domain 1 node, then click Far-Field
Calculation 1.
2 In the Settings window for Far-Field Calculation, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Outer Air Boundaries.

Adding a Far Field Calculation feature does not affect the physics of the model, but
makes it possible to study the far field generated by the antenna. Select the
boundaries to use for this computation so that, in the physical (3D) geometry, they
surround all sources and reflecting objects. The outer air boundaries are a
convenient choice.

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MESH 1

Free Triangular 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Free Triangular.

Because this is a relatively small 2D model, you could easily use one of the finer mesh
defaults and get a good accuracy. The following settings however are designed to
get you a fine mesh mostly where it is needed.

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 click Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type 25[mm].
This global maximum element size makes sure that the mesh everywhere resolves
the wavelength.

Size 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 right-click Free
Triangular 1 and choose Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.
4 From the Selection list, choose Dielectric.
5 Locate the Element Size section. Click the Custom button.
6 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. Select the Maximum element size check

box.
7 In the associated text field, type 0.5[mm].

You now have an especially fine mesh inside the coaxial cable, where the wave is
produced.

Size 2
1 Right-click Free Triangular 1 and choose Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 Select Boundaries 4 and 8 only.

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5 Locate the Element Size section. Click the Custom button.

6 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. Select the Maximum element size check

box.
7 In the associated text field, type 2.5[mm].

This gives a fine mesh on the surface of the antenna.

8 Click the Build All button.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(200e6,25e6,1.5e9).

The frequency range you just entered runs from 200 MHz to 1.5 GHz in steps of
25 MHz.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

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RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The plot that appears once the solution process is finished shows the norm of the
electric field at 1.5 GHz. The reason it is mostly dark blue is because the range is
dominated by the high values in and near the coaxial cable. To better see how the wave
propagates, try plotting the instantaneous value of the H-field using a manual range.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click Surface
1.
2 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Magnetic>Magnetic field>emw.Hphi Magnetic field, phi component.
3 Click to expand the Range section. Select the Manual color range check box.
4 In the Minimum text field, type -0.5.
5 In the Maximum text field, type 0.5.
6 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose Wave.
7 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

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To plot the impedance as a function of the frequency, set up a 1D plot.

1D Plot Group 5
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.
3 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Expression

Unit

Description

real(Z)

Resistance

imag(Z)

Reactance

5 Click to expand the Coloring and style section. Locate the Coloring and Style section.

Find the Line style subsection. From the Line list, choose Cycle.
6 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

You have now reproduced Figure 2. Next, visualize the near-field and far-field
radiation patterns using polar plots.

Polar Plot Group 6

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose Polar Plot Group.

Select a few of the frequencies from the list of parameter values. Showing the
radiation pattern for all of them would take a bit of time and lead to a cluttered plot.
2 In the Settings window for Polar Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Parameter selection (freq) list, choose From list.
4 In the Parameter values (freq) list, choose 2.0000E8, 8.0000E8, and 1.5000E9.

Use Ctrl-key to select multiple frequencies.

5 On the Polar plot group toolbar, click Line Graph.
6 In the Settings window for Line Graph, locate the Selection section.
7 From the Selection list, choose Outer Air Boundaries.
8 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the r-axis data section. From

the menu, choose Model>Component 1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain>Energy and power>emw.nPoav - Power outflow, time average.

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9 Locate the r-Axis Data section. In the Expression text field, type
10*log10(emw.nPoav).

The variable emw.nPoav represents the outgoing power flow through the
boundaries where it is evaluated. The expression you just entered gives you the same
in a logarithmic scale.
10 Select the Description check box.
11 In the associated text field, type Near-field radiation pattern.
12 Locate the Angle Data section. From the Parameter list, choose Expression.
13 In the Expression text field, type atan2(z,r).
14 Click to expand the Coloring and style section. Locate the Coloring and Style section.

Find the Line style subsection. From the Line list, choose Cycle.
15 Click to collapse the Coloring and style section. Click to expand the Legends section.

Select the Show legends check box.

16 From the Legends list, choose Manual.
17 In the table, enter the following settings:
Legends
200 MHz
800 MHz
1.5 GHz

18 Click to collapse the Legends section. Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics

toolbar.
Your near-field radiation plot should look like that in Figure 3.
Finally, visualize the far-field radiation pattern.

Polar Plot Group 7

1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Polar Plot Group 6 and choose Duplicate.
2 In the Model Builder window, expand the Polar Plot Group 7 node, then click Line
Graph 1.
3 In the Settings window for Line Graph, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the r-axis data section. From the menu, choose Model>Component
1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Far field>emw.normdBEfar - Far-field
norm, dB.
4 Locate the r-Axis Data section. In the Description text field, type Far-field
radiation pattern.

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5 On the Polar plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The plot should look like that in Figure 4.

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Evanescent Mode Cylindrical Cavity

Filter
Introduction
An evanescent mode cavity filter is resonant at a frequency lower than the dominant
resonant frequency of a metallic cavity. Such evanescent mode resonance can be
realized by creating a discontinuity or reactance inside the cavity.
Feed slot

Metallic housing

Polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) ring

Cylindrical cavity
Dielectric
substrate

Lumped port fed

on a microstrip line

Figure 1: An evanescent mode cavity filter. The signal fed from a microstrip line is slot
coupled into the cylindrical cavity loaded with a PTFE ring.

Model Definition
The resonant frequency of the empty cylindrical waveguide cavity TE111 mode can be
calculated from the equation
p' nm 2
c
l 2
f nml = ---------------------- ------------ + -----
a
d
2 r r

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where a and d are the radius and length of the cylinder, respectively, and p'nm is the
mth root of the Bessel function J'n(x). The TE111 mode is the dominant TE mode of
the cylindrical cavity resonator, and for a cavity of 25 mm radius and 100 mm height
this resonance is at 3.823 GHz. The starting point of this model was a computation
(not presented here) of the TE111 mode resonant frequency of an empty cylindrical
cavity and a subsequent verification of agreement with the analytic solution.
This basic model was then modified by the addition of a metal box at either end
representing a housing. Inside is a dielectric substrate and a microstrip line which is slot
coupled into the cavity. This represents the input and output of the device.
The slots are located on the center of the cavity ends to induce symmetric fields and
they are also parallel to each other to couple the injected fields maximally. The size of
the slots are tuned to provide a better matching to the reference characteristic
impedance assigned on ports. The model uses lumped ports to excite the structure.
The end of each microstrip line over the slots is shorted to couple the fields from the
microstrip lines through the slots and vice versa. The cavity is partially filled with a ring
of PTFE, r = 2.1, which causes the resonant frequency to shift down.

Results and Discussion

Figure 2 shows the frequency response of the cavity. The dielectric ring causes the
resonant frequency to shift down to 3.53 GHz. This example shows that the center
frequency of the device can be lowered without increasing the size, while the insertion
loss is still as good as for an air-filled cavity. The electric field distribution in Figure 3
shows a basic resonant mode and the dielectric tube inside the cavity does not distort
the distribution significantly.

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Figure 2: The frequency response of the filter shows bandpass filter characteristics. The
center frequency is lower than the dominant mode resonant frequency of the metallic
cavity.

Figure 3: The dielectric tube inside the cavity does not distort the electric field distribution
at resonance significantly.

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Reference
1. D.M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Passive_Devices/

cylindrical_cavity_filter_evanescent

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

60[mil]

0.0015240 m

Substrate thickness

l_slot

42[mm]

0.042000 m

Slot length

w_slot

3[mm]

0.0030000 m

Slot width

f_min

3.45[GHz]

3.4500E9 Hz

Minimum frequency in
sweep

f_max

3.61[GHz]

3.6100E9 Hz

Maximum frequency in
sweep

lda_min

c_const/f_max

0.083045 m

Minimum wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*lda_min

0.016609 m

Maximum element size,

air

Here 'mil' refers to the unit milliinches, that is 1 mil = 0.0254 mm.
GEOMETRY 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Geometry 1.

2 In the Settings window for Geometry, locate the Units section.
3 From the Length unit list, choose mm.

Create a cylindrical cavity.

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 25.
4 In the Height text field, type 100.
5 Click the Build Selected button.
6 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 1 (cyl1) and choose Rename.
7 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type Cavity in the New label text field.
8 Click OK.

Create a coupling slot.

9 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.

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2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.

3 In the Width text field, type l_slot.
4 In the Height text field, type w_slot.
5 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
6 Click the Build Selected button.

Create a substrate.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 60.
4 In the Depth text field, type 60.
5 In the Height text field, type d.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the z text field, type -d/2.
8 Click the Build Selected button.
9 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 1 (blk1) and choose Rename.
10 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Bottom_plate in the New label text field.
11 Click OK.

Create a 50 ohm microstrip line.

Block 2 (blk2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 3.2.
4 In the Depth text field, type 25.
5 In the Height text field, type d.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the y text field, type 25/2-w_slot/2.
8 In the z text field, type -d/2.
9 Click the Build Selected button.
10 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 2 (blk2) and choose Rename.
11 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Bottom_feed in the New label text field.

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12 Click OK.

Create a metallic housing.

Block 3 (blk3)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 60.
4 In the Depth text field, type 60.
5 In the Height text field, type 20.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the z text field, type -10.
8 Click the Build Selected button.
9 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
10 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 3 (blk3) and choose Rename.
11 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Housing in the New label text field.
12 Click OK.
13 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar to see the interior.

Create a pair of slots, substrates, microstrip lines, and metallic housings.

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Rotate 1 (rot1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Transforms and choose Rotate.
2 Select all objects except for the cylinder, that is, blk3, wp1, blk1, and blk2.
3 In the Settings window for Rotate, locate the Rotation Angle section.
4 In the Rotation text field, type 0,180.
5 Locate the Point on Axis of Rotation section. In the z text field, type 50.
6 Locate the Axis of Rotation section. From the Axis type list, choose Cartesian.
7 In the x text field, type 1.
8 In the z text field, type 0.
9 Click the Build Selected button.
10 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Create a dielectric ring.

Cylinder 2 (cyl2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 25.
4 In the Height text field, type 20.
5 Locate the Position section. In the z text field, type 40.

Cylinder 3 (cyl3)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 15.
4 In the Height text field, type 20.
5 Locate the Position section. In the z text field, type 40.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the object cyl2 only.
3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the object cyl3 only.

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6 Click the Build All Objects button.

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

The default boundary condition is perfect electric conductor, which applies to all
exterior boundaries. Assign a perfect electric conductor condition to the remaining
boundaries of the cavity.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.
5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.

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2 Select Boundaries 21, 28, 35, and 42 only.

You can do this most easily by copying the text '21, 28, 35, and 42', clicking in the
selection box, and then pressing Ctrl+V, or by using the Paste Selection dialog box.

Proceed to define boundary condition for the shorted microstrip lines.

Perfect Electric Conductor 3

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.

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2 Select Boundaries 36, 38, 39, and 43 only.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 44 only.
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 34 only.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Create a substrate material.

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Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Select Domains 2, 3, 7, and 8 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

3.38

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

Create a dielectric ring material.

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Select Domain 6 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

2.1

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 3 (mat3) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type PTFE in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

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MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(f_min,0.005[GHz],f_max).
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the norm of the electric field for the highest frequency. Follow
the instructions to reproduce Figure 3.
1 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter value (freq (Hz)) list, choose 3.5300E9.
3 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click
Multislice 1.
4 In the Settings window for Multislice, locate the Multiplane Data section.

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5 Find the x-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.

6 Find the z-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
7 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click S-Parameter (emw).
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, click to expand the Legend section.
3 From the Position list, choose Lower right.

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Di po le Ant e nna
Introduction
The dipole antenna is one of the most straightforward antenna configurations. It can
be realized with two thin metallic rods that have a sinusoidal voltage difference applied
between them. The length of the rods is chosen such that they are quarter wavelength
elements at the operating frequency. Such an antenna has a well-known torus-like
radiation pattern.
Conductive radiator

PML

/4

Lumped port

Figure 1: A dipole antenna. The model consists of two cylindrical arms of conductive
material with a voltage source in between. A region of free space bounded by a perfectly
matched layer (PML) surrounds the antenna.

Model Definition
The model of the antenna consists of two cylinders representing each of the dipole
arms. The free space wavelength at the antennas operating frequency is 4 m. Thus,
each of the antenna arms is 1 m long and aligned with the z-axis. The arm radius is
chosen to be 0.05 m. In the limit as the radius approaches zero, this antenna will
approach the analytic solution.

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A small cylindrical gap of size 0.01 m between the antenna arms represents the voltage
source. The power supply and feed structure are not modeled explicitly, and it is
assumed that a uniform voltage difference is applied across these faces. This source
induces electromagnetic fields and surface currents on the adjacent conductive faces.
The dipole arm surfaces are modeled using the Impedance Boundary Condition,
which is appropriate for conductive surfaces that have dimensions much larger than the
skin depth. This boundary condition introduces a finite conductivity at the surface as
well as resistive losses.
The air domain around the antenna is modeled as sphere of free space of radius 2 m,
which is approximately the boundary between the near-field and the far-field. This
sphere of air is truncated with a perfectly matched layer (PML) that acts as an absorber
of outgoing radiation. The far-field pattern is computed on the boundary between the
air and the PML domains.
The mesh is manually adjusted such that there are five elements per free space
wavelength and that the boundaries of the antenna are meshed more finely. The PML
is swept with a total of five elements along the radial direction.

Results and Discussion

The magnitude of the electric field around the antenna is shown in Figure 2. The fields
appear artificially high near the excitation, as well as at the ends of the arms. These
peaks in the intensity are due to local singularities; the fields at sharp transitions in the
model are locally artificially high, but they do not affect the results some distance
(1~2 elements) away from these regions.
The polar plot in Figure 3 of the far-field pattern in the xy-plane shows the expected
isotropic radiation pattern. The 3D visualization of the far-field intensity in Figure 4
shows the expected torus-shaped pattern.
The impedance as seen by the port is evaluated to be 121 + 28i , which agrees
reasonably with expectations. In the limit as the antenna radius and gap height go to
zero and in the limit of mesh refinement, the model approaches the analytic solution
for a dipole antenna.

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Figure 2: A slice plot of the electric field magnitude around the antenna.

Figure 3: The polar plot of the far field pattern in the xy-plane is isotropic.

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Figure 4: A 3D visualization of the far-field pattern of the dipole shows the expected
torus-shaped pattern.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Antennas/dipole_antenna

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.

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5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.

6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

lambda0

4[m]

4.0000 m

Operating wavelength

arm_lengt
h

lambda0/4

1.0000 m

Dipole antenna arm

length

r_antenna

arm_length/20

0.050000 m

Dipole antenna arm

radius

gap_size

arm_length/100

0.010000 m

Gap between arms

GEOMETRY 1

Create a sphere with a layer. The outer layer presents the PML.

Sphere 1 (sph1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Sphere.
2 In the Settings window for Sphere, locate the Size section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 2.5*arm_length.
4 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (m)

Layer 1

0.5*arm_length

5 Click the Build Selected button.

Choose wireframe rendering to get a better view of the interior parts.

6 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

Then, add a cylinder with layers. The top and bottom parts are the antenna radiators.
A small gap between the antenna radiators is for the voltage source.

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.

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2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type r_antenna.
4 In the Height text field, type 2*arm_length+gap_size.
5 Locate the Position section. In the z text field, type -(arm_length+gap_size/2).
6 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (m)

Layer 1

arm_length

7 Clear the Layers on side check box.

8 Select the Layers on bottom check box.
9 Select the Layers on top check box.
10 Click the Build Selected button.

The domain inside the antenna radiators is not part of the model analysis.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the object sph1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the object cyl1 only.

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6 Click the Build All Objects button.

DEFINITIONS

Create a selection for the antenna radiator surface.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 Click Paste Selection.
5 In the Paste Selection dialog box, type 13-15, 18-20, 28, 30, 39, 41 in the
Selection text field.

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6 Click OK.

7 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 1 and choose Rename.

8 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Antenna in the New label text field.
9 Click OK.

Add a perfectly matched layer on the outermost domain of the sphere.

Perfectly Matched Layer 1 (pml1)

1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Perfectly Matched Layer.
2 Select Domains 14 and 69 only.
3 In the Settings window for Perfectly Matched Layer, locate the Geometry section.

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4 From the Type list, choose Spherical.

View 1
Suppress some domains and boundaries. This helps to see the interior parts when
setting up the physics and reviewing the mesh.
1 On the 3D view toolbar, click Hide Geometric Entities.
2 Select Domains 1 and 2 only.

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3 On the 3D view toolbar, click Hide Geometric Entities.

4 In the Settings window for Hide Geometric Entities, locate the Geometric Entity
Selection section.
5 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
6 Select Boundaries 9 and 10 only.

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Set up the physics for the model. Add an Impedance Boundary Condition that
overrides the default PEC boundary condition on the antenna radiator surface.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type lambda0/5.

Impedance Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Impedance Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Impedance Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.

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3 From the Selection list, choose Antenna.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Click the Zoom In button on the Graphics toolbar in a couple of times to see the small

gap between antenna radiators clearly.

3 Select Boundaries 16, 17, 29, and 40 only.

4 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
5 From the Type of lumped port list, choose User defined.
6 In the hport text field, type gap_size.
7 In the wport text field, type 2*pi*r_antenna.
8 Specify the ah vector as
0

9 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

10 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
11 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Far-Field Domain.

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Far-Field Calculation 1
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Far-Field Domain 1 node, then click Far-Field
Calculation 1.
2 In the Settings window for Far-Field Calculation, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 Click Clear Selection.
4 Click Paste Selection.
5 In the Paste Selection dialog box, type 9-12, 26-27, 34, 37 in the Selection text

field.
6 Click OK.
MATERIALS

Assign air as the material for all domains and override the antenna radiator surface with
copper.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Copper.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

Copper (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Copper
(mat2).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose Antenna.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

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MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type c_const/lambda0.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the E-field norm, 2D far-field polar plot, and 3D far-field
radiation pattern.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click
Multislice 1.
2 In the Settings window for Multislice, locate the Multiplane Data section.

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3 Find the x-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.

4 Find the z-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
5 Click to expand the Range section. Select the Manual color range check box.
6 In the Maximum text field, type 20.
7 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
8 Click the Zoom In button on the Graphics toolbar.

The results show the E-field norm distribution on the antenna radiators. It is plotted
in Figure 2.

Polar Plot Group 2

Adjust the axis range.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Polar Plot Group 2.
2 In the Settings window for Polar Plot Group, click to expand the Axis section.
3 Select the Manual axis limits check box.
4 In the r minimum text field, type 0.
5 In the r maximum text field, type 1.
6 On the Polar plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The plotted H-plane pattern is omni-directional (isotropic) on the xy-plane as

shown in Figure 3. The E- and H-plane of a linearly polarized antenna are defined
by the antenna main polarization. The E-plane includes the main polarization that
is Ez in this model while the H-plane is perpendicular to the main polarization.

3D Plot Group 3
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click 3D Plot Group 3.
2 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Compare the reproduced plot with Figure 4.

Derived Values
Finish the result analysis by evaluating the port impedance.
1 On the Results toolbar, click Global Evaluation.
2 In the Settings window for Global Evaluation, click Replace Expression in the

upper-right corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose

Model>Component 1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Ports>emw.Zport_1
- Lumped port impedance.
3 Click the Evaluate button.

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Fresnel Equations
Introduction
A plane electromagnetic wave propagating through free space is incident at an angle
upon an infinite dielectric medium. This model computes the reflection and
transmission coefficients and compares the results to the Fresnel equations.

Model Definition
A plane wave propagating through free space (n = 1) as shown in Figure 1 is incident
upon an infinite dielectric medium (n = 1.5) and is partially reflected and partially
transmitted. If the electric field is p-polarizedthat is, if the electric field vector is in
the same plane as the Poynting vector and the surface normalthen there will be no
reflections at an incident angle of roughly 56, known as the Brewster angle.
Reflected

Transmitted
Unit cell

n1

n2

Incident

Figure 1: A plane wave propagating through free space incident upon an infinite
dielectric medium.
Although, by assumption, space extends to infinity in all directions, it is sufficient to
model a small unit cell, as shown in Figure 1; a Floquet-periodic boundary condition
applies on the top and bottom unit-cell boundaries because the solution is periodic
along the interface. This model uses a 3D unit cell, and applies perfect electric
conductor and perfect magnetic conductor boundary conditions as appropriate to

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model out-of-plane symmetry. The angle of incidence ranges between 090 for both
polarizations.
For comparison, Ref. 1 and Ref. 2 provide analytic expressions for the reflectance and
transmittance. Reflection and transmission coefficients for s-polarization and
p-polarization are defined respectively as
n 1 cos incident n 2 cos transmitted
r s = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------n 1 cos incident + n 2 cos transmitted

(1)

2n 1 cos incident
t s = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------n 1 cos incident + n 2 cos transmitted

(2)

n 2 cos incident n 1 cos transmitted

r p = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------n 1 cos transmitted + n 2 cos incident

(3)

2n 1 cos incident
t p = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------n 1 cos transmitted + n 2 cos incident

(4)

Reflectance and transmittance are defined as

R = r

n 2 cos transmitted 2
T = ------------------------------------------ t
n 1 cos incident

(5)
(6)

The Brewster angle at which rp = 0 is defined as

n2
B = atan -----n1

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Results and Discussion

Figure 2 is a combined plot of the y component of the electric-field distribution and
the power flow visualized as an arrow plot for the TE case.

Figure 2: Electric field, Ey (slice) and power flow (arrows) for TE incidence at 70 inside
the unit cell.

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For the TM case, Figure 3 visualizes the y component of the magnetic-field

distribution instead, again in combination with the power flow.

Figure 3: Magnetic field, Hy (slice) and power flow (arrows) for TM incidence at 70
inside the unit cell.
Note that the sum of reflectance and transmittance in Figure 4 and Figure 5 equals 1,
showing conservation of power. Figure 5 also shows that the reflectance around 56
the Brewster angle in the TM caseis close to zero.

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Figure 4: The reflectance and transmittance for TE incidence agree well with the analytic
solutions.

Figure 5: The reflectance and transmittance for TM incidence agree well with the analytic
solutions. The Brewster angle is also observed at the expected location.

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References
1. C.A. Balanis, Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics, Wiley, 1989.
2. B.E.A. Saleh and M.C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, Wiley, 1991.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Verification_Models/fresnel_equations

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Define some parameters that are useful when setting up the mesh and the study.

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

n_air

1.0000

Refractive index, air

n_slab

1.5

1.5000

Refractive index, slab

lda0

1[m]

1.0000 m

Wavelength

f0

c_const/lda0

2.9979E8 1/s

Frequency

alpha

70[deg]

1.2217 rad

Angle of incidence

beta

asin(n_air*sin(al
pha)/n_slab)

0.67701 rad

Refraction angle

h_max

lda0/6

0.16667 m

Maximum element size,

air

alpha_bre
wster

atan(n_slab/
n_air)

0.98279 rad

Brewster angle, TM only

r_s

(n_air*cos(alpha)
-n_slab*cos(beta)
)/
(n_air*cos(alpha)
+n_slab*cos(beta)
)

-0.54735

Reflection coefficient,
TE

r_p

(n_slab*cos(alpha
)-n_air*cos(beta)
)/
(n_air*cos(beta)+
n_slab*cos(alpha)
)

-0.20613

Reflection coefficient,
TM

t_s

(2*n_air*cos(alph
a))/
(n_air*cos(alpha)
+n_slab*cos(beta)
)

0.45265

Transmission
coefficient, TE

t_p

(2*n_air*cos(alph
a))/
(n_air*cos(beta)+
n_slab*cos(alpha)
)

0.52925

Transmission
coefficient, TM

The angle of incidence is updated while running the parametric sweep. The
refraction (transmitted) angle is defined by Snell's law with the updated angle of
incidence. The Brewster angle exists only for TM incidence, p-polarization, and
parallel polarization.

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Variables 1
1 On the Model toolbar, click Variables and choose Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Variables section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Unit

Description

ka

emw.k0

rad/m

Propagation constant, air

kax

ka*sin(alpha)

rad/m

kx for incident wave

kay

kaz

ka*cos(alpha)

rad/m

kz for incident wave

kb

n_slab*emw.k0

rad/m

Propagation constant, slab

kbx

kb*sin(beta)

rad/m

kx for refracted wave

kby

kbz

kb*cos(beta)

ky for incident wave

ky for refracted wave

rad/m

kz for refracted wave

GEOMETRY 1

First, create a block composed of two domains. Use layers to split the block.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 0.2.
4 In the Depth text field, type 0.2.
5 In the Height text field, type 0.8.
6 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (m)

Layer 1

0.4

7 Click the Build All Objects button.

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8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Choose wireframe rendering to get a better view of each boundary.

9 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

Set up the physics based on the direction of propagation and the E-field polarization.
First, assume a TE-polarized wave which is equivalent to s-polarization and
perpendicular polarization. Ex and Ez are zero while Ey is dominant.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw) node, then click Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type lda0/6.

The wave is excited from the port on the top.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.

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2 Select Boundary 7 only.

3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.
5 Locate the Port Mode Settings section. Specify the E0 vector as
0

exp(-i*kax*x)[V/m]

6 In the text field, type abs(kaz).

Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
4 Specify the E0 vector as
0

exp(-i*kbx*x)[V/m]

5 In the text field, type abs(kbz).

The bottom surface is an observation port. The S21-parameter from Port 1 and Port
2 provides the transmission characteristics.
The E-field polarization has Ey only and the boundaries are always either parallel or
perpendicular to the E-field polarization. Apply periodic boundary conditions on the
boundaries parallel to the E-field except those you already assigned to the ports.

Periodic Condition 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Periodic Condition.
2 Select Boundaries 1, 4, 10, and 11 only.
3 In the Settings window for Periodic Condition, locate the Periodicity Settings

section.
4 From the Type of periodicity list, choose Floquet periodicity.

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5 Specify the kF vector as

kax

Apply a perfect electric conductor condition on the boundaries perpendicular to the

E-field. This condition creates a virtually infinite modeling space.

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.

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2 Select Boundaries 2, 5, 8, and 9 only.

Wave Equation, Electric 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) click Wave Equation, Electric 1.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
3 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Refractive index.
MATERIALS

Now set up the material properties based on refractive index. The top half is filled with
air.

Material 1 (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 Select Domain 2 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:

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Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

n_air

Refractive index

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5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 1 (mat1) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

The bottom half is glass.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Select Domain 1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

n_slab

Refractive index

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Glass in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.
MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

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STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

alpha

range(0,2[deg],90[deg])

Parameter unit

5 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot is the E-field norm for the last solution, which corresponds to
tangential incidence. Replace the expression with Ey, add an arrow plot of the power
flow (Poynting vector), and choose a more interesting angle of incidence for the plot.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click
Multislice 1.
2 In the Settings window for Multislice, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>Electric field>emw.Ey - Electric
field, y component.
3 Locate the Multiplane Data section. Find the x-planes subsection. In the Planes text

field, type 0.
4 Find the z-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
5 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose Wave.
6 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Arrow
Volume.

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7 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Energy and
power>emw.Poavx,...,emw.Poavz - Power flow, time average.
8 Locate the Arrow Positioning section. Find the y grid points subsection. In the Points

text field, type 1.

9 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Green.
10 In the Model Builder window, click Electric Field (emw).
11 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
12 From the Parameter value (alpha (1)) list, choose 1.2217.
13 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
14 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar. The plot should look like

that in Figure 2.
Add a 1D plot to see the reflection and transmission versus the angle of incidence.

1D Plot Group 2
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Plot Settings section.
3 Select the x-axis label check box.
4 In the associated text field, type Angle of Incidence.
5 Select the y-axis label check box.
6 In the associated text field, type Reflectance and Transmittance.
7 Click to expand the Legend section. From the Position list, choose Upper left.
8 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.
9 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.
10 In the table, enter the following settings:
Expression

Unit

Description

abs(emw.S11)^2

Reflectance

abs(emw.S21)^2

Transmittance

11 Click to expand the Coloring and style section. Locate the Coloring and Style section.

Find the Line style subsection. From the Line list, choose None.
12 Find the Line markers subsection. From the Marker list, choose Cycle.
13 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.

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14 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.
15 In the table, enter the following settings:
Expression

Unit

Description

abs(r_s)^2

Reflectance, analytic

n_slab*cos(beta)/
(n_air*cos(alpha))*abs(t_s)^2

Transmittance, analytic

16 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

17 In the Model Builder window, right-click 1D Plot Group 2 and choose Rename.
18 In the Rename 1D Plot Group dialog box, type Reflection and Transmission in

the New label text field.

19 Click OK. Compare the resulting plots with Figure 4.

The remaining instructions are for the case of TM-polarized wave, p-polarization, and
parallel polarization. In this case, Ey is zero while Ex and Ez characterize the wave. In
other words, Hy is dominant while Hx and Hz are effectless. Thus, the H-field is
perpendicular to the plane of incidence and it is convenient to solve the model for the
H-field.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Port 1
1 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
2 From the Input quantity list, choose Magnetic field.
3 Specify the H0 vector as
0

exp(-i*kax*x)[A/m]

Port 2
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) click Port 2.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 From the Input quantity list, choose Magnetic field.

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4 Specify the H0 vector as

0

exp(-i*kbx*x)[A/m]

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

The model utilizes the H-field for the TM case and the remaining boundaries need to
be perfect magnetic conductors.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) right-click Perfect Electric Conductor 2 and choose Disable.

Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Magnetic Conductor.
2 Select Boundaries 2, 5, 8, and 9 only.

To keep the solution and plots for the TE case, do as follows:

STUDY 1

Solution 1
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 1>Solver Configurations node.
2 Right-click Solution 1 and choose Solution>Copy.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

1 Ctrl-click to select both Results>Electric Field (emw) and Results>Reflection and
Transmission, then right-click and choose Duplicate.

Electric Field (emw)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Electric Field (emw).
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Solution 1 - Copy 1.

Reflection and Transmission

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Reflection and Transmission.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Solution 1 - Copy 1.

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STUDY 1

On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 1

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Electric Field (emw) 1 node, then

click Multislice 1.
2 In the Settings window for Multislice, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Magnetic>Magnetic field>emw.Hy Magnetic field, y component.
3 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot. This reproduces Figure 3.

Reflection and Transmission 1

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Reflection and Transmission 1 node,

then click Global 2.

2 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Expression

Unit

Description

abs(r_p)^2

Reflectance, analytic

n_slab*cos(beta)/
(n_air*cos(alpha))*abs(t_p)^2

Transmittance, analytic

4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot. The plot should look like Figure 5. The

Brewster angle is observed around 56 degrees, which is close to the analytic value.

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H-Bend Waveguide 2D
Introduction
This example is a 2D version of H-Bend Waveguide 3D, which shows how to model a
bending rectangular waveguide for microwaves. For a general introduction, see the
model H-Bend Waveguide 3D.
The dimensions of the waveguide and the frequency range used in this model are such
that TE10 is the single propagating mode. In this mode, if the bend is in the xy-plane,
the electric field only has a z-component, which furthermore is independent of the
z-coordinate. This makes it possible to set up and solve the model in a 2D geometry.

Model Definition
The considered geometry is an xy-plane cross-section of the 3D geometry, as seen in
Figure 1. This figure also sums up the material and boundary settings, which are the
same as in the 3D model. The main advantage with setting up the model in 2D is that
it solves much faster and uses less memory. As a consequence, this version of the model

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does not stress the need to adapt the mesh to the wavelength, but simply lets you apply
a mesh that is more than fine enough.

n=1.44

Ez=cos((/2)(y/a))

Figure 1: The geometry of the model.

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Results and Discussion

Figure 2 shows the norm of the electric field at one of the frequencies where the bend
has a resonance. The absence of a wave pattern in the input section indicates that the
transmission is nearly perfect.

Figure 2: The electric field norm at a frequency of 4.225 GHz.

Figure 3 shows the S-parameters in a dB scale. The result agrees very well with that of
the 3D model.

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Figure 3: The S-parameters, in a dB scale, as functions of the frequency.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Transmission_Lines_and_Waveguides/

h_bend_waveguide_2d

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 2D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.

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4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
GEOMETRY 1

Circle 1 (c1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 0.08.

Circle 2 (c2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 0.04.

Square 1 (sq1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Square.
2 In the Settings window for Square, locate the Size section.
3 In the Side length text field, type 0.08.
4 Locate the Position section. In the y text field, type -0.08.

Compose 1 (co1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Compose.
2 Click in the Graphics window and then press Ctrl+A to select all objects.
3 In the Settings window for Compose, locate the Compose section.
4 In the Set formula text field, type sq1*(c1-c2).

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 0.04.
4 In the Height text field, type 0.1.
5 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type 0.04.

Rectangle 2 (r2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.

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2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.

3 In the Width text field, type 0.1.
4 In the Height text field, type 0.04.
5 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -0.1.
6 In the y text field, type -0.08.
7 Click the Build All Objects button.
8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
MATERIALS

Material 1 (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 Right-click Material 1 (mat1) and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domains 1 and 3 only.
6 In the Settings window for Material, click to expand the Material properties section.
7 Locate the Material Properties section. In the Material properties tree, select
Electromagnetic Models>Refractive Index>Refractive index (n).
8 Click Add to Material.
9 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

Refractive index

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Right-click Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Silica Glass in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domain 2 only.
6 In the Settings window for Material, click to expand the Material properties section.
7 Locate the Material Properties section. In the Material properties tree, select
Electromagnetic Models>Refractive Index>Refractive index (n).

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8 Click Add to Material.

9 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

1.44

Refractive index

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

With TE waves, only the z-component of the electric field needs to be solved for
1 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Components section.
2 From the Electric field components solved for list, choose Out-of-plane vector.
3 Locate the Physics-Controlled Mesh section. Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type c_const/5.2e9[Hz]/5.
5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Wave Equation, Electric 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) click Wave Equation, Electric 1.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
3 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Refractive index.

The default boundary condition is perfect electric conductor, which is fine for all
exterior boundaries except the ports. The software automatically imposes continuity
on interior boundaries.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.
5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.

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2 Select Boundary 7 only.

3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.
MESH 1

In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and choose
Build All.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(4e9,0.025e9,5.2e9).

This gives you a range of frequencies from 4 GHz to 5.2 GHz, with a pitch of 0.025
GHz.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the norm of the electric field for the highest frequency, 5.2
GHz. To verify that the solution resembles the 3D version, try plotting a frequency
where you expect a transmission peak.
1 In the Settings window for 2D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter value (freq) list, choose 4.2250E9.
3 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Finally, plot the S-parameters.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>S-Parameter (emw) node, then click
Global 1.
2 In the Settings window for Global, click to expand the Coloring and style section.
3 Locate the Coloring and Style section. Find the Line markers subsection. From the
Marker list, choose Cycle.
4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

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H-Bend Waveguide 3D
Introduction
This example shows how to model a rectangular waveguide for microwaves. A single
hollow waveguide can conduct two kinds of electromagnetic waves: transversal
magnetic (TM) or transversal electric (TE) waves. This model examines a TE wave,
one that has no electric field component in the direction of propagation. More
specifically, for this model you select the frequency and waveguide dimension so that
TE10 is the single propagating mode. In that mode the electric field has only one
nonzero componenta sinusoidal with two nodes, one at each of the walls of the
waveguide. This makes it possible to set up and solve the model in 2D, which is done
in a separate version; see H-Bend Waveguide 2D.
One important design aspect is how to shape a waveguide to go around a corner
without incurring unnecessary losses in signal power. Unlike in wires, these losses
usually do not result from ohmic resistance but instead arise from unwanted
reflections. You can minimize these reflections by keeping the bend smooth with a
large enough radius. In the range of operation the transmission characteristics (the
ability of the waveguide to transmit the signal) must be reasonably uniform for
avoiding signal distortions.
With air as the inside medium of the waveguide, the transmission is nearly perfect
throughout the range of operation. In this model, to make the simulation and the
results more interesting, the bend will be filled with Silica glass, a dielectric medium.
The model also shows how to systematically compute and export all S-parameters to a
Touchstone file.

Model Definition
This example illustrates how to create a model that computes the electromagnetic
fields and transmission characteristics of a 90 bend for a given radius. This type of
waveguide bends changes the direction of the H field components and leaves the
direction of the E field unchanged. The waveguide is therefore called an H-bend. The
H-bend design used in this example is well-proven in real-world applications and you
can buy similar waveguide bends online from a number of manufacturers. This
particular bend performs optimally in the ideal case of perfectly conducting walls.

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The waveguide walls are typically plated with a very good conductor, such as silver. In
this example the walls are considered to be made of a perfect conductor, which means
that the tangential component of the electric field is zero, or that n E = 0 on the
boundaries. This boundary condition is referred to as a perfect electric conductor
(PEC) boundary condition.
The geometry is as follows:

The waveguide is considered to continue indefinitely before and after the bend. This
means that the input wave needs to have the form of a wave that has been traveling
through a straight waveguide. The shape of such a wave is determined by the boundary
conditions of Maxwells equations on the sides of the metallic boundaries, that is, the
PEC boundary condition. If polarized according to a TE10 mode, the shape is known
analytically to be E = (0, 0, sin( (a y)/(2 a))) cos(t) given that the entrance
boundary is centered around the y = 0 axis, and that the width of the waveguide, in
the y direction, is 2a.
The model is set up using the time-harmonic electromagnetic waves physics interface.
This means that only the phasor component of the field is modeled. The incident field
then has the form E = (0, 0, E0z) = (0, 0, sin( (a y)/(2 a))), and is considered as part

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of the expression E = Re{(0, 0, sin( (a y)/(2 a))ejt)} = Re{Eejt}, where

complex-valued arithmetic has been used (also referred to as the j method).

PEC

Ez=cos((/2)(y/a))

The width of the waveguide is chosen so that it has a cutoff frequency of 3.7 GHz.
This makes the waveguide operational up to 7.5 GHz. At higher frequencies other
modes than the TE10 appear, causing a dirty signal. The input wave then splits into
several modes that are hard to control without having large power losses. Below the
cutoff frequency, no waves can propagate through the waveguide. This is an intrinsic
property of microwave waveguides.
The cutoff frequency of different modes in a straight waveguide is given by the relation
c m 2
n 2
( c ) mn = --- ----- + ---
2 a
b
where m and n are the mode numbers (m = 1, n = 0 for the TE10 mode), a and b are
the lengths of the sides of the waveguide cross-section, and c is the speed of light.
For this waveguide, a = 2b and b = 2 cm.
The first few cutoff frequencies are (c)10 = 3.7 GHz, (c)01 = 7.5 GHz,
(c)11 = 8.4 GHz. The frequencies used in this model are from 4.0 GHz to 5.2 GHz,
and hence entirely within the single-mode range.

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On the input boundary, the Port boundary condition lets you choose which mode to
send in. Any reflected waves having the same shape will be transmitted back through
this same boundary. The output boundary also uses a Port condition, but without field
excitation, to specify the shape of the wave that it lets pass through. Using port
boundary conditions means that you automatically gain access to postprocessing
variables for the S-parameters.

Results and Discussion

The wave is found to propagate through the bend with a varying amount of reflection
depending on the frequency.

Figure 1: The z-component of the electric field for a frequency of 5.1 GHz.
The S-parameters are shown as functions of the frequency in Figure 2.

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Figure 2: The S-parameters, on a dB scale, as a function of the frequency.

The two dips in S21 closely correspond to cavity resonances of the dielectric region in
the bend. At these frequencies, the transmission is almost perfect. (Without the
dielectric, the transmission would be nearly as good throughout the frequency range.)

Model Library path: RF_Module/Transmission_Lines_and_Waveguides/

h_bend_waveguide_3d

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

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2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
GEOMETRY 1

On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.

Circle 1 (c1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 0.08.

Circle 2 (c2)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 0.04.

Square 1 (sq1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Square.
2 In the Settings window for Square, locate the Size section.
3 In the Side length text field, type 0.08.
4 Locate the Position section. In the yw text field, type -0.08.

Compose 1 (co1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Compose.
2 Click in the Graphics window and then press Ctrl+A to select all objects.
3 In the Settings window for Compose, locate the Compose section.
4 In the Set formula text field, type sq1*(c1-c2).

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 0.04.
4 In the Height text field, type 0.1.

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5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type 0.04.

Rectangle 2 (r2)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 0.1.
4 In the Height text field, type 0.04.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -0.1.
6 In the yw text field, type -0.08.
7 On the Work plane toolbar, click Build All.

You may click Close on the current Work Plane toolbar to access the Geometry toolbar.

Extrude 1 (ext1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Extrude.
2 In the Settings window for Extrude, locate the Distances from Plane section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Distances (m)
0.02

4 Click the Build All Objects button.

5 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
MATERIALS

Material 1 (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 Right-click Material 1 (mat1) and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domains 1 and 3 only.
6 In the Settings window for Material, click to expand the Material properties section.
7 Locate the Material Properties section. In the Material properties tree, select
Electromagnetic Models>Refractive Index>Refractive index (n).
8 Click Add to Material.

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9 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

Refractive index

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Right-click Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Silica Glass in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domain 2 only.
6 In the Settings window for Material, click to expand the Material properties section.
7 Locate the Material Properties section. In the Material properties tree, select
Electromagnetic Models>Refractive Index>Refractive index (n).
8 Click Add to Material.
9 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Refractive index

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

1.44

Refractive index

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
2 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

3 In the Maximum element size text field, type c_const/5.2e9[Hz]/5.
4 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Wave Equation, Electric 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) click Wave Equation, Electric 1.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
3 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Refractive index.

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Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.
5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 15 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 In the Port name text field, type 2.
5 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.

The default boundary condition is perfect electric conductor, which is fine for all
exterior boundaries except the ports. The software automatically imposes continuity
on interior boundaries.
MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

If you look closely at the mesh, you can see that it is indeed a bit finer in the bend
than elsewhere.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(4e9,0.025e9,5.2e9).

The range command you just entered means that you will get solutions for
frequencies from 4 GHz to 5.2 GHz, with a pitch of 25 MHz. The solution process
should only take a few minutes, but if you want to speed it up, you can increase the
pitch.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

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RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the distribution of the electric field norm on slices of the
waveguide, for the highest frequency in the sweep. Note the wave pattern in the bend
and the rectangular input section. This indicates standing waves caused by reflections
in the bend. In contrast, the pattern beyond the bend is independent of the
y-coordinate, showing that the output port does a good job of transmitting the wave.
An S-parameter plot gives you a quantitative measure of how much of the wave is
transmitted and reflected at different frequencies.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>S-Parameter (emw) node, then click
Global 1.
2 In the Settings window for Global, click to expand the Coloring and style section.
3 Locate the Coloring and Style section. Find the Line markers subsection. From the
Marker list, choose Cycle.
4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The result, which should look like Figure 2, shows that the transmission varies
throughout the frequency range. Note in particular that S21 has two deep dips,
corresponding to almost perfect transmission. This is the result of resonances in the
bend. To confirm this, try looking at the field distribution for the frequency where
the upper peak is located, 5.1 GHz.

Electric Field (emw)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Electric Field (emw).
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Parameter value (freq) list, choose 5.100E9.

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4 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The standing wave pattern still remains in the bend, but at this frequency it is almost
completely gone in the input section.
For an alternative view, you can plot the instantaneous value of the electric field
inside the waveguide. Only the z-component will be substantially non-zero. For a
better view, add also deformation. Replace the Multislice with a single horizontal
slice plot.
5 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node.
6 Right-click Multislice 1 and choose Delete.
7 Right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Slice.
8 In the Settings window for Slice, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component 1>Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>Electric field>emw.Ez - Electric field, z component.
9 Locate the Plane Data section. From the Plane list, choose xy-planes.
10 In the Planes text field, type 1.
11 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose Wave.

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12 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The Wave color table looks its best using a symmetric range. You can also play with
a deformed shape plot to make the waves appear more clearly.
13 Click to expand the Range section. Locate the Coloring and Style section. Select the
Symmetrize color range check box.
14 Right-click Results>Electric Field (emw)>Slice 1 and choose Deformation.
15 In the Settings window for Deformation, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>emw.Ex,emw.Ey,emw.Ez Electric field.
16 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The remaining instructions show you how to systematically solve with one port active
at a time, and save the results in the Touchstone format.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Port Sweep Settings section.
3 Select the Activate port sweep check box.

Click the Browse button and select a file to which you want to export the results. If
the file does not exist, it will be created.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

PortName

1.000

STUDY 1

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.

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2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

PortName

1 2

Parameter unit

The parameter is the same as the name suggested by the port sweep. The parameter
values should be the same as your port numbers.
5 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 1

The Touchstone file should now contain the complete output from the model. The
new solution data set contains two frequency sweeps, one for each port.

S-Parameter (emw)
As you can see, after performing the parametric sweep over the ports, the S-parameter
plot you created previously is empty. To restore the plot, you need to change the data
set and specify the inner parameter - that is, the frequency - as the quantity to display
along the horizontal axis.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results>S-Parameter (emw) click Global 1.
2 In the Settings window for Global, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.

To verify the reciprocity of the waveguide, you can add the S-parameters S12dB and
S22dB to the Expressions table and change the parameter selection for PortName:
4 Click Add Expression in the upper-right corner of the y-axis data section. From the

menu, choose Component 1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain>Ports>S-parameter, dB>emw.S12dB - S-parameter, dB, 12 component.
5 Click Add Expression in the upper-right corner of the y-axis data section. From the

menu, choose Component 1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain>Ports>S-parameter, dB>emw.S22dB - S-parameter, dB, 22 component.
6 Locate the Data section. From the Parameter selection (PortName) list, choose Last.

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7 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

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Impedance Matching of a Lossy

Ferrite 3-port Circulator
Introduction
A microwave circulator is a nonreciprocal multiport device. It has the property that a
wave incident on port 1 is routed into port 3 yet a wave incident on port 3 is not routed
back into port 1 but is instead routed into port 2, and so on. This property of a
circulator is used to isolate microwave components from each other, for example, when
connecting a transmitter and a receiver to a common antenna. By connecting the
transmitter, receiver, and antenna to different ports of a circulator, the transmitted
power is routed to the antenna whereas any power received by the antenna goes into
the receiver. Circulators typically rely on the use of ferrites, a special type of highly
permeable and low-loss magnetic material that is anisotropic for a small RF signal when
biased by a much larger static magnetic field. In the example, a three-port circulator is

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constructed from three rectangular waveguide sections joining at 120 and with a
ferrite post inserted at the center of the joint.
Port 3

Ferrite post

Port 2
Port 1

Figure 1: The post is magnetized by a static H0 bias field along its axis. The bias field is
supplied by external permanent magnets which are not explicitly modeled in this model.
IMPEDANCE MATCHING

An important step in the design of any microwave device is to match its input
impedance for a given operating frequency. Impedance matching is equivalent to
minimizing the reflections back to the inport. The parameters that need to be
determined are the size of the ferrite post and the width of the wider waveguide section
surrounding the ferrite. In this tutorial, these are varied in order to minimize the
reflectance. The scattering parameters (S-parameters) used as measures of the
reflectance and transmittance of the circulator are automatically computed.
The nominal frequency for the design of the device is chosen as 3 GHz. The circulator
can be expected to perform reasonably well in a narrow frequency band around
3 GHz, and so a frequency range of 2.8 3.2 GHz is studied. It is desired that the
device operates in single mode. Thus a rectangular waveguide cross section of 6.67 cm
by 3.33 cm is selected to set the cut-off frequency for the fundamental TE10 mode to
2.25 GHz. The cut-off frequencies for the two nearest higher modes, the TE20 and
TE01 modes, are both at 4.5 GHz, leaving a reasonable safety margin.

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Model Definition
One of the rectangular ports is excited by the fundamental TE10 mode. At the ports,
the boundaries are transparent to the TE10 mode. The following equation applies to
the electric field vector E inside the circulator:
1
2
j
( r E ) k 0 r --------- E = 0

where r denotes the relative permeability tensor, is the angular frequency, is the
conductivity tensor, 0 is the permittivity of vacuum, r is the relative permittivity
tensor, and k0 is the free space wave number. In this particular model, the conductivity
is zero everywhere. Losses in the ferrite are introduced as complex-valued permittivity
and permeability tensors. The magnetic permeability is of key importance as it is the
anisotropy of this parameter that is responsible for the nonreciprocal behavior of the
circulator. For simplicity, the rather complicated material expressions are predefined in
a text file that is imported into the model. The expressions are also included in the next
section for reference.
THE LOSSY FERRITE MATERIAL MODEL

Complete treatises on the theory of magnetic properties of ferrites can be found in Ref.
1 and Ref. 2. The model assumes that the static magnetic bias field, H0, is much
stronger than the alternating magnetic field of the microwaves, so the quoted
expressions are a linearization for a small-signal analysis around this operating point.
Under these assumptions, and including losses, the anisotropic permeability of a ferrite
magnetized in the positive z direction is given by:
j 0
[ ] = j 0
0 0 0
where
= j 0 xy
= 0 ( 1 + xx )
and the unique elements of the magnetic susceptibility tensor are given by:

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m ( 20 + 2 ( 1 + 2 ) )
0 m ( 20 2 ) + 0 m 2 2
- j ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ xx = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2
( 20 2 ( 1 + 2 ) ) + 420 2 2
( 20 2 ( 1 + 2 ) ) + 420 2 2
2 0 m 2
m ( 20 2 ( 1 + 2 ) )
- + j ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ xy = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2
( 20 2 ( 1 + 2 ) ) + 4 20 2 2
( 20 2 ( 1 + 2 ) ) + 4 20 2 2
where
0 = 0 H 0
m = 0 M s
0 H
= -----------------2
Here 0 denotes the permeability of free space; is the angular frequency of the
microwave field; 0 is the precession resonance frequency (Larmor frequency) of a
spinning electron in the applied magnetic bias field, H0; m is the electron Larmor
frequency at the saturation magnetization of the ferrite, Ms; and is the gyromagnetic
ratio of the electron. For a lossless ferrite ( = 0), the permeability becomes infinite at
= 0. In a lossy ferrite ( 0), this resonance becomes finite and is broadened. The
loss factor, , is related to the line width, H, of the susceptibility curve near the
resonance as given by the last expression above. The material data,
Ms = 5.41104 A/m, r = 14.5
with an effective loss tangent of 210-4 and H = 3.18103 A/m, are taken for
aluminum garnet from Ref. 2. The applied bias field is set to H0 = 7.96103 A/m. The
electron gyromagnetic ratio taken from Ref. 2 is 1.7591011 C/kg.

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Results and Discussion

The default multislice plot shows the electric field norm. The electric field norm gives
a good indication of where the main power is flowing and where there are standing
waves due to reflections from the impedance mismatch at the center.

Figure 2: The default electric field norm plot shown on xy-plane.

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The plot of the S-parameter from the parametric sweep of sc_ferrite indicates a
minimum for a scale factor of 0.518.

Figure 3: S-parameter as a function of sc_ferrite parameter

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The plot of the S-parameter from the parametric sweep of sc_chamfer indicates a
minimum for a scale factor of about 3.0.

Figure 4: S-parameter as a function of sc_chamfer parameter

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At the center frequency most of the standing waves are gone with the optimized values
of sc_ferrite and sc_chamfer.

Figure 5: Electric field norm plot with the optimized sc_ferrite and sc_chamfer values.

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This is the frequency response of the final design.

Figure 6: S-parameter as a function of frequency with the optimized sc_ferrite and

sc_chamfer values.

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From the below plot, it should be possible to identify the model at first glance so it has
to display the geometry and some characteristic simulation results.

Figure 7: 3D plot used for model thumbnail generation

Reference
1. R.E. Collin, Foundations for Microwave Engineering, 2nd ed., IEEE Press/
Wiley-Interscience, 2000.
2. D.M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2004.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Ferrimagnetic_Devices/

lossy_circulator_3d

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose Open.
Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
lossy_circulator_3d_geom.mph.

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GEOMETRY 1

Form Union (fin)

Next add material settings to the model. The lossy ferrite does not fit easily into the
material settings so it will be taken care of later. Air is the only material to enter here.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Air (mat1)
In the Electromagnetic Waves interface, the ferrite is entered as a separate, user-defined
equation model referring to the global variables defined above.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

Wave Equation, Electric 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Wave Equation, Electric.
2 Select Domain 2 only.
3 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
4 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Dielectric loss.
5 From the list, choose User defined. In the associated text field, type eps_r_p.
6 From the list, choose User defined. In the associated text field, type eps_r_b.
7 Locate the Magnetic Field section. From the r list, choose User defined. From the

list, choose Anisotropic.

8 In the r table, enter the following settings:
murxx

murxy

murxz

muryx

muryy

muryz

murzx

murzy

murzz

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9 Locate the Conduction Current section. From the list, choose User defined. One

inport for excitation and two outports need to be added next.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.
5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 18 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.

Port 3
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 19 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.

The mesh needs to resolve the local wavelength and, for lossy domains, the skin
depth. The skin depth in the ferrite is large so the main concern is to resolve the
local wavelength. This is done by providing maximum mesh sizes per domain. The
rule of thumb is to use a maximum element size that is one fifth of the local
wavelength (at the maximum frequency) or smaller.
MESH 1

Free Tetrahedral 1
In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and choose
Free Tetrahedral.

Size 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 right-click Free
Tetrahedral 1 and choose Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.

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4 Select Domain 1 only.

5 Locate the Element Size section. Click the Custom button.
6 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. Select the Maximum element size check

box.
7 In the associated text field, type 1.5e-2.

Size 2
1 Right-click Free Tetrahedral 1 and choose Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Geometric Entity Selection section. From the Geometric entity level list,

choose Domain.
5 Select Domain 2 only.
6 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. Select the Maximum element size check

box.
7 In the associated text field, type 4.5e-3.
8 In the Model Builder window, right-click Mesh 1 and choose Build All.

The mesh should now look as in the above figure.

The final step in the model set up is to solve it for the nominal frequency and inspect
the results for possible modeling errors.

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STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 1 node, then click Step 1: Frequency
Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type 3e9.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows a slice plot of the electric field norm. It is best viewed from
above.
1 Click the Go to XY View button on the Graphics toolbar.

The electric field norm gives a good indication on where the main power is flowing
and where there are standing waves due to reflections from the impedance mismatch
at the center. See Figure 2.
The remaining work is to vary the two design parameters in order to minimize
reflections at the nominal frequency. To do this, perform parametric sweeps over the
design parameters (scale factors). To avoid accumulating a lot of data while solving,
throw away the solution and log only the S-parameter representing reflection in a
table. For this purpose, add a global probe to the model.
DEFINITIONS

1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Probes and choose Global Variable Probe.
2 In the Settings window for Global Variable Probe, click Replace Expression in the

upper-right corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component 1
(comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Ports>S-parameter,
dB>emw.S11dB - S-parameter, dB, 11 component.
STUDY 1

Modify the study in order to vary the scale factor determining the size of the ferrite
post. The study type is still Frequency Domain.
The parametric sweep over the scale factor is added as an extension to the frequency
domain study.

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Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

sc_ferrite

range(0.5,3e-3,0.53)

Parameter unit

5 Locate the Output While Solving section. Select the Accumulated probe table check

box.
6 Find the Memory settings for jobs subsection. From the Keep solutions in memory list,

choose Only last.

7 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Probe Plot Group 2

The probe with the reflection coefficient versus the scale parameter is automatically
logged to a table and plotted while solving. A dedicated 1D plot group is also created,
but it plots the S-parameter versus frequency. To plot versus the geometry parameter,
proceed as follows.
TA BL E

1 Go to the Table window.

In Accumulated Probe Table 1, delete column number 2 from the left with heading
freq.
2 Click Table Graph in the window toolbar.
RESULTS

1D Plot Group 3
Compare with the plot shown Figure 3. The plot of the S-parameter indicates a
minimum for a scale factor of 0.518, so freeze the parameter at this value and add a
new study for varying the next scale factor.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Tables node.

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DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Global>Definitions node, then click
Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

sc_ferrit
e

0.518

0.5180

Geometry scale factor

STUDY 1

Parametric Sweep
1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

sc_chamfer

range(2.8,0.04,3.2)

Parameter unit

4 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

TABLE

Go to the Table window.

RESULTS

Probe Plot Group 2

Again, the probe with the reflection coefficient versus the frequency is automatically
logged to a table and plotted while solving. To get the desired plot versus the geometry
parameter, proceed as follows.
TABLE

1 Go to the Table window.

In Accumulated Probe Table 1, delete column number 2 from the left with heading
freq.
2 Click Table Graph in the window toolbar.

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RESULTS

1D Plot Group 3
See Figure 4. The plot of the S-parameter indicates a minimum for a scale factor of
about 3.0, so leave the parameter at this value and add a study for the frequency
response.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Tables node, then click Component
1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Port Sweep Settings section.
3 Select the Activate port sweep check box.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, under Global>Definitions click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

PortName

1.000

Port name

ADD STUDY

1 On the Study toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency
Domain.
4 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.
5 On the Study toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.
STUDY 2

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 2 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(2.8[GHz],20[MHz],3.2[GHz]).

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4 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

TABLE

Go to the Table window.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 1

At the final frequency, there are pronounced standing waves. Change to the center
frequency.
1 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter value (freq (Hz)) list, choose 3.000E9.
3 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

In the reproduced Figure 5 most of the standing waves are gone at the center
frequency.
Finally plot all the S-parameters as a function of frequency.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the S-Parameter (emw) node, then click Global
1.
2 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.

In the table, select row number 2.

3 Click Delete twice.

In the table, select row number 3.

4 Click Delete twice.

In the table, select row number 4.

5 Click Delete twice.

The table should now only contain emw.S11dB, emw.S21dB and emw.S31dB.
6 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Reproduce Figure 6. This is the frequency response of the final design.

Now, let the solver excite one port at a time in order to get the full S-parameter
matrix exported to a Touchstone file for potential use in a system simulation tool.
The necessary steps are as follows:

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Port Sweep Settings section.
3 In the Touchstone file export text field, type lossy_circulator_3d.s3p.

Reuse the first study for the port sweep.

The study is solved for a single frequency to keep down simulation time though it
is possible to solve for a range of frequencies.
STUDY 1

Parametric Sweep
The parametric sweep is used to control which port is excited. It overrides the settings
on individual port features and drives one port at a time using 1 W of input power.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

PortName

1 2 3

Parameter unit

4 Locate the Output While Solving section. Find the Memory settings for jobs

subsection. From the Keep solutions in memory list, choose All.

5 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
TA BL E

Go to the Table window.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 2

Display the S-parameter matrix in a table.

Derived Values
1 On the Results toolbar, click More Derived Values and choose Other>Global Matrix
Evaluation.
2 In the Settings window for Global Matrix Evaluation, locate the Data section.

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3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.

4 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the Expression section. From

the menu, choose Component 1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain>Ports>S-parameter, dB>emw.SdB - S-parameter, dB.
5 Click the Evaluate button.
TABLE

Go to the Table window.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 2

As a final step, create a nice plot to use as a thumbnail. First change to the default 3D
view and switch off grid.
1 Click the Go to Default 3D View button on the Graphics toolbar.
DEFINITIONS

View 3
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Definitions and

choose View.
2 In the Settings window for View, locate the View section.
3 Clear the Show grid check box.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 2

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Electric Field (emw) 2.
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Plot Settings section.
3 From the View list, choose View 3.
4 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Next, delete the Multislice plot and add a single slice.

5 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) 2 node.
6 Right-click Multislice 1 and choose Delete.

Click Yes to confirm.

7 Right-click Electric Field (emw) 2 and choose Slice.

Add deformation proportional to the electric field to the remaining slice.

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8 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) 2 node, then click Slice
1.
9 In the Settings window for Slice, locate the Plane Data section.
10 From the Plane list, choose xy-planes.
11 In the Planes text field, type 1.
12 Right-click Results>Electric Field (emw) 2>Slice 1 and choose Deformation.
13 In the Settings window for Deformation, locate the Expression section.
14 Click emw.Ex,emw.Ey,emw.Ez - Electric field in the upper-right corner of the section.

Select the Description check box.

Display the magnetic field as arrows. Use logarithmic length scaling to make sure
that the arrows are clearly visible everywhere. Place the arrows well above the slice.
15 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw) 2 and choose Arrow
Volume.
16 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Magnetic>emw.Hx,emw.Hy,emw.Hz Magnetic field.
17 Locate the Expression section. Select the Description check box.
18 Locate the Arrow Positioning section. Find the x grid points subsection. In the Points

text field, type 30.

19 Find the y grid points subsection. In the Points text field, type 30.
20 Find the z grid points subsection. From the Entry method list, choose Coordinates.
21 In the Coordinates text field, type 0.1/3.
22 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Arrow length list, choose Logarithmic.
23 From the Color list, choose Black.

The port excitation can now be selected on the plot group. For the model
thumbnail, select the second port.
24 In the Model Builder window, click Electric Field (emw) 2.
25 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
26 From the Parameter value (PortName) list, choose 2.000.
27 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

By plotting Figure 7, conclude this modeling session.

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Parameterized Circulator Geometry

This is a template MPH-file containing the physics interfaces and the parameterized
geometry for the model Impedance Matching of a Lossy Ferrite 3-port Circulator. For
a description of that model, including detailed step-by-step instructions showing how
to build it, see the book Introduction to the RF Module.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Ferrimagnetic_Devices/

lossy_circulator_3d_geom

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Defining a Mapped Dielectric

Distribution of a Metamaterial Lens
Introduction
This example demonstrates how to set up a spatially varying dielectric distribution,
such as might be engineered with a metamaterial. Here, a convex lens shape is defined
via a known deformation of a rectangular domain. The dielectric distribution is defined
on the undeformed, original rectangular domain and is mapped onto the deformed
shape of the lens. Although the lens shape defined here is convex, the dielectric
distribution causes the incident beam to diverge.

r(Xg, Yg)

(x, y) = F(Xg, Yg)

Figure 1: A convex metamaterial lens. Both the shape and the dielectric distribution are
defined on a rectangular domain, and mapped into the deformed state.

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Model Definition
Consider a 2D model geometry as shown in Figure 2. A square air domain, bounded
by a perfectly matched layer (PML) on all sides, encloses a rectangular region in which
the metamaterial lens is defined.
PML

Figure 2: The modeling domain consists of the metamaterial lens in an air domain, and
a surrounding PML. A Gaussian beam is incident from the left.
Model a Gaussian beam entering the domain from the left side, via a surface current
excitation at an interior boundary. The surface current, Js0,can also be thought of as
a displacement current excitation. The waist of the beam is at the boundary, so the
excitation at this boundary can be specified as
y 2
J s0 = exp -------
w 0
where w0 is the waist size. The excitation is at the boundary between a domain of free
space and the PML, and excites a wave propagating in both directionsinto the PML
and into the modeling domain. The wave propagating into the PML is completely
absorbed, and the wave propagating into the domain is diffracted by the lens.

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Both the shape and the dielectric distribution of the metamaterial lens are defined with
respect to the original Cartesian coordinate system, as shown in Figure 1. The true
shape of the lens is described by the relationship
1
--- X g ( 2 Y g 2 )
x = F x ( X g, Y g ) = 2
y
F y ( X g, Y g )
1 2
Y g 1 + --- x
2
where Xg, Yg are the Cartesian coordinates of the undeformed frame.
The dielectric distribution is defined on the original Cartesian domain as:
1 2 2
r = 1 + --- Y g
2
The above expression introduces a variation in the dielectric in the y-coordinate of the
undeformed lens. On the deformed lens, the dielectric varies in both directions.
The Deformed Geometry functionality is used to define the mapping of the dielectric
from the initially rectangular domain onto the desired shape. The deformation and the
dielectric distribution within the lens domain is completely specified via the above
functions.

Results and Discussion

The model is solved for the out-of-plane electric field. Figure 3 plots the electric field
norm, showing a Gaussian beam with minimal divergence incident upon the lens from
the left. The beam is diffracted by the convex lens and spreads out.
Figure 4 displays the dielectric distribution, and shows variation in both directions
defined via the mapping described above.

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Figure 3: The norm of the electric field shows the Gaussian beam diffracted by the
metamaterial lens.

Figure 4: Contour plot of the dielectric distribution.

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Model Library path: RF_Module/Tutorial_Models/

mapped_metamaterial_distribution

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 2D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Mathematics>Deformed Mesh>Deformed Geometry
(dg).
3 Click Add.
4 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
5 Click Add.
6 Click Study.
7 In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Preset Studies for Some Physics
Interfaces>Stationary.
8 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

f0

3[GHz]

3.000E9 Hz

Operating frequency

lda0

c_const/f0

0.09993 m

Free space wavelength

w0

lda0*4

0.3997 m

Gaussian beam waist size

Here, c_const is a predefined COMSOL constant for the speed of light in vacuum.
GEOMETRY 1

First, create a square for the entire model domain. Add a layer on each side of the
square.

Square 1 (sq1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Square.
2 In the Settings window for Square, locate the Size section.
3 In the Side length text field, type 3.
4 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
5 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (m)

Layer 1

lda0

6 Select the Layers to the left check box.

7 Select the Layers to the right check box.
8 Select the Layers on top check box.
9 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Square 1 (sq1) and choose Build
Selected.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
Add a rectangle for the lens.
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Height text field, type 2.
4 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.

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5 Click the Build All Objects button.

DEFINITIONS

Add a selection for the lens domain which will be recalled frequently while setting up
the model properties.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.

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2 Select Domain 7 only.

3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 1 and choose Rename.

4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Lens in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Next, add a set of variables for the shape and the dielectric distribution of the
metamaterial lens.

Variables 1a
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Local Variables.
2 In the Settings window for Variables, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.
4 From the Selection list, choose Lens.
5 Locate the Variables section. In the table, enter the following settings:

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Name

Expression

Unit

Description

xp

0.5[m]*Xg[1/m]*(2-(Yg[1/m])^2)

Mapping of Xg -> x

yp

Yg*(1+(0.5*(xp[1/m])^2))

Mapping of Yg -> y

erp

(1+0.5*(Yg[1/m])^2)^2

Dielectric
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6 Here, Xg and Yg are predefined Deformed Geometry physics variables representing

the Cartesian coordinates of the undeformed frame.

Add a perfectly matched layer (PML).

Perfectly Matched Layer 1 (pml1)

1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Perfectly Matched Layer.
2 Select Domains 14, 6, and 810 only.

DEFORMED GEOMETRY (DG)

Set up Deformed Geometry. You need to specify Free Deformation, Prescribed Mesh
Displacement and Prescribed Deformation.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Deformed Geometry
(dg).
2 In the Settings window for Deformed Geometry, locate the Frame Settings section.
3 From the Geometry shape order list, choose 1.

Free Deformation 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Free Deformation.

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2 Select Domain 5 only.

Prescribed Mesh Displacement 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Prescribed Mesh Displacement.
2 Select Boundaries 1518 only.

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3 In the Settings window for Prescribed Mesh Displacement, locate the Prescribed
Mesh Displacement section.
4 In the dx text field, type xp-Xg.
5 In the dy text field, type yp-Yg.

Prescribed Deformation 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Prescribed Deformation.
2 In the Settings window for Prescribed Deformation, locate the Domain Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Lens.
4 Locate the Prescribed Mesh Displacement section. In the dx text-field array, type
xp-Xg on the first row.

5 In the dy text-field array, type yp-Yg on the 2nd row.

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

In Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, the dielectric distribution is

configured via the user-defined variable erp and the Gaussian beam is modeled as
entering the domain from the left side, via a surface current excitation.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Components section.
3 From the Electric field components solved for list, choose Out-of-plane vector to only

perform the calculation for the out-of-plane component. The in-plane components
are both zero.

Wave Equation, Electric 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Wave Equation, Electric.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Domain Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Lens.
4 Locate the Electric Displacement Field section. From the r list, choose User defined.

In the associated text field, type erp.

5 Locate the Magnetic Field section. From the r list, choose User defined. Leave the

default value 1.

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6 Locate the Conduction Current section. From the list, choose User defined. Leave

the default value 0.

Surface Current 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Surface Current.
2 Select Boundary 10 only.

3 In the Settings window for Surface Current, locate the Surface Current section.
4 Specify the Js0 vector as
0

exp(-(y/w0)^2)

MATERIALS

Set all domain with vacuum. The lens domain material properties are explicitly
configured by Wave Equation, Electric 2 in Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.

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3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.

4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.
MESH 1

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Free Triangular.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type lda0/10.
5 In the Minimum element size text field, type 0.0012.
6 In the Model Builder window, right-click Mesh 1 and choose Build All. You may zoom

in a few times to check the quality of the mesh.

STUDY 1

The model is analyzed with two study steps. First, make sure that Stationary study step
is solved only for Deformed Geometry.

Step 1: Stationary
1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Stationary.
2 In the Settings window for Stationary, locate the Physics and Variables Selection

section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain

physics

Add a Frequency Domain study step and set as solved only for Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain.

Step 2: Frequency Domain

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Frequency Domain>Frequency
Domain.

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2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.
4 Locate the Physics and Variables Selection section. In the table, enter the following

settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Deformed Geometry

physics

5 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the magnitude of electric fields. Change the default color
pattern and add a contour plot for the magnitude.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click Surface
1.
2 In the Settings window for Surface, locate the Coloring and Style section.
3 From the Color table list, choose RainbowLight.
4 In the Model Builder window, right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Contour.
5 In the Settings window for Contour, locate the Levels section.
6 In the Total levels text field, type 14.
7 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Coloring list, choose Uniform.
8 From the Color list, choose Black.
9 Clear the Color legend check box. See Figure 3 to compare the reproduced plot.

Add a filled contour plot describing the dielectric distribution over the lens.

2D Plot Group 2
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 2D Plot Group.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click 2D Plot Group 2 and choose
Contour.
3 In the Settings window for Contour, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Material properties>emw.epsrAv Relative permittivity, average.
4 Locate the Levels section. In the Total levels text field, type 12.

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5 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Contour type list, choose Filled.
6 From the Color table list, choose GrayScale.
7 Select the Reverse color table check box. The plot for the dielectric distribution is

shown in Figure 4.

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Microwave Oven
Introduction
This is a model of the heating process in a microwave oven. The distributed heat source
is computed in a stationary, frequency-domain electromagnetic analysis followed by a
transient heat transfer simulation showing how the heat redistributes in the food.

Model Definition
The microwave oven is a metallic box connected to a 500 W, 2.45 GHz microwave
source via a rectangular waveguide operating in the TE10 mode. Near the bottom of
the oven there is a cylindrical glass plate with a spherical potato placed on top of it. A
part of the potato is cut away for mechanical stability, which also facilitates the creation
of a finite element mesh in the region where it is in contact with the plate. Symmetry
is utilized by simulating only half of the problem. The symmetry cut is applied
vertically through the oven, waveguide, potato, and plate. Figure 1 below shows the
reduced geometry.

Figure 1: Geometry of microwave oven, potato, and waveguide feed.

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The model uses copper for the walls of the oven and the waveguide. Although resistive
metals losses are expected to be small, the impedance boundary condition on these
walls ensures that they get accounted for. For more information on this boundary
condition, see the section Impedance Boundary Condition in the RF Module Users
Guide. The symmetry cut has mirror symmetry for the electric field and is represented
by the boundary condition n H = 0.
The rectangular port is excited by a transverse electric (TE) wave, which is a wave that
has no electric field component in the direction of propagation. At an excitation
frequency of 2.45 GHz, the TE10 mode is the only propagating mode through the
rectangular waveguide. The cutoff frequencies for the different modes are given
analytically from the relation
c m 2
n 2
( c ) mn = --- ----- + ---

2 a
b
where m and n are the mode numbers and c denotes the speed of light. For the TE10
mode, m = 1 and n = 0. With the dimensions of the rectangular cross section
(a = 7.8 cm and b = 1.8 cm), the TE10 mode is the only propagating mode for
frequencies between 1.92 GHz and 3.84 GHz.
The port condition requires a propagation constant , which at the frequency is given
by the expression
2
2 2
= ------ c
c

With the stipulated excitation at the rectangular port, the following equation is solved
for the electric field vector E inside the waveguide and oven:
1
2
j
( r E ) k 0 r --------- E = 0

where r denotes the relative permeability, j the imaginary unit, the conductivity,
the angular frequency, r the relative permittivity, and 0 the permittivity of free space.
The model uses material parameters for air: = 0 and r = r = 1. In the potato the
same parameters are used except for the permittivity which is set to r = 65 20j where
the imaginary part accounts for dielectric losses. The glass plate has = 0, r = 1 and
r = 2.55.

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Results and Discussion

Figure 2 below shows the distributed microwave heat source as a slice plot through the
center of the potato. The rather complicated oscillating pattern, which has a strong
peak in the center, shows that the potato acts as a resonant cavity for the microwave
field. The power absorbed in the potato is evaluated and amounts to about 60% of the
input microwave power. Most of the remaining power is reflected back through the
port.
Figure 3 shows the temperature in the center of the potato as a function of time for
the first 5 seconds. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the potato, the heat
distributes rather slowly, and the temperature profile after 5 seconds has a strong peak
in the center (see Figure 4). When heating the potato further, the temperature in the
center eventually reaches 100 C and the water contents start boiling, drying out the
center and transporting heat as steam to outer layers. This also affects the
electromagnetic properties of the potato. The simple microwave absorption and heat
conduction model used here does not capture these nonlinear effects. However, the
model can serve as a starting point for a more advanced analysis.

Figure 2: Dissipated microwave power distribution (W/m3).

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Figure 3: Temperature in the center of the potato during the first 5 seconds of heating.

Figure 4: Temperature distribution after 5 seconds of heating.

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Model Library path: RF_Module/Microwave_Heating/microwave_oven

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Heat Transfer>Electromagnetic Heating>Microwave
Heating.
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.

Add a Frequency Domain study type for the Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain interface.
5 In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Preset Studies for Some Physics
Interfaces>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
STUDY 1

Add a Time Dependent study for the Heat Transfer in Solids interface.

Step 2: Time Dependent

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Time Dependent>Time Dependent.

The Frequency Domain study is only used for the Electromagnetics physics
interface, whereas the time-dependent study is only applicable for the heat transfer
physics interface. Notice that the electromagnetic heat source will be computed
first, and then used in the time-dependent heat transfer study step.
2 In the Settings window for Time Dependent, locate the Physics and Variables
Selection section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain (emw)

physics

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Physics and Variables
Selection section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Heat Transfer in Solids (ht)

physics

DEFINITIONS

First, define a set of parameters for creating the geometry.

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:

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Name

Expression

Value

Description

wo

267[mm]

0.2670 m

Oven width

do

270[mm]

0.2700 m

Oven depth

ho

188[mm]

0.1880 m

Oven height

wg

50[mm]

0.05000 m

Waveguide width

dg

78[mm]

0.07800 m

Waveguide depth

hg

18[mm]

0.01800 m

Waveguide height

rp

113.5[mm]

0.1135 m

Glass plate radius

hp

6[mm]

0.006000 m

Glass plate height

bp

15[mm]

0.01500 m

Glass plate base

rpot

31.5[mm]

0.03150 m

Potato radius

T0

8[degC]

281.2 K

Initial potato
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GEOMETRY 1

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type wo.
4 In the Depth text field, type do/2.
5 In the Height text field, type ho.

Block 2 (blk2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type wg.
4 In the Depth text field, type dg/2.
5 In the Height text field, type hg.
6 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type wo.
7 In the z text field, type ho-hg.

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type rp.
4 In the Height text field, type hp.
5 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type wo/2.
6 In the z text field, type bp.

Sphere 1 (sph1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Sphere.
2 In the Settings window for Sphere, locate the Size section.
3 In the Radius text field, type rpot.
4 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type wo/2.
5 In the z text field, type rpot+bp.
6 Click the Build All Objects button.

The sphere you have created for the potato now overlaps the glass plate. This in itself
is not a problem, but where the sphere touches the bottom of the glass plate, you

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risk getting very thin mesh elements. To avoid this problem, you will delete the part
of the sphere that overlaps the cylinder. To retain the cylinder after this operation,
begin by making a copy of it.

Copy 1 (copy1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Transforms and choose Copy.
2 Select the object cyl1 only.

The object cyl1 is the cylinder.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the object sph1 only to add it to the Objects to add list.

The object sph1 is the sphere.

3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the object cyl1 only.
6 Click the Build All Objects button.

Finally, make a geometric operation to keep only the part of the potato and the plate
that overlaps the half oven.

Compose 1 (co1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Compose.
2 Click in the Graphics window and then press Ctrl+A to select all objects.
3 In the Settings window for Compose, locate the Compose section.
4 In the Set formula text field, type (blk1+blk2)*(dif1+copy1).
5 Select the Keep input objects check box.
6 Click the Build All Objects button.

Delete Entities 1 (del1)

1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Geometry 1 and choose Delete Entities.
2 In the Settings window for Delete Entities, locate the Entities or Objects to Delete

section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Object.
4 Select the objects dif1 and copy1 only.
5 Click the Build All Objects button.
6 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

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DEFINITIONS

Create the following selections definitions in order to make Domain and Boundary
selections easier as you walk through these model instructions. Note that if you have
problems finding certain numbers, you can always choose Selection List.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 1 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Potato in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domain 3 only.

Explicit 2
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 2 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Plate in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domain 2 only.

Explicit 3
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 3 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Domains 1 and 4 only.

Explicit 4
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 4 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type No Heat Transfer in the New label text

field.
4 Click OK.

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5 Select Domains 1, 2, and 4 only.

Explicit 5
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 5 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Port Boundary in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
6 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
7 Select Boundary 23 only.

Explicit 6
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 6 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Symmetry Boundaries in the New label text

field.
4 Click OK.
5 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
6 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
7 Select Boundaries 2, 7, 10, and 19 only.

Explicit 7
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions right-click
Explicit 7 and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Metal Boundaries in the New label text

field.
4 Click OK.
5 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
6 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
7 Select Boundaries 1, 35, 17, and 2022 only.
MATERIALS

Next, define the materials. Air and Copper are already in the Material Library.

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ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

Air (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Air (mat1).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Air.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Right-click Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Potato in the New label text field.
4 Click OK.
5 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
6 From the Selection list, choose Potato.
7 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

65-20*
j

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

Thermal conductivity

0.55

W/
(mK)

Basic

Density

rho

1050

kg/m

Basic

Heat capacity at constant

pressure

Cp

3.64e3

J/
(kgK)

Basic

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Right-click Material 3 (mat3) and choose Rename.
3 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Glass in the New label text field.

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4 Click OK.
5 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
6 From the Selection list, choose Plate.
7 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

2.55

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

You do not need to define the listed thermal properties, as the glass plate will not
be in the thermal part of the model.
ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Copper.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Copper (mat4)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Copper
(mat4).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose Metal Boundaries.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type c_const/2.45[GHz]/5.

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5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

For the electromagnetic part of the problem, begin by defining the input port.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Boundary Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Port Boundary.
4 Locate the Port Properties section. From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose
On.
5 In the Pin text field, type 500.
6 Locate the Port Mode Settings section. Specify the E0 vector as
0

cos(pi*y/dg)[V/m]

7 In the text field, type 2*pi/c_const*sqrt(freq^2-c_const^2/(4*dg^2)).

This is the propagation constant for the first propagating mode.

Next, set up the remaining boundary conditions.

Impedance Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Impedance Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Impedance Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Metal Boundaries.

Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Magnetic Conductor.
2 In the Settings window for Perfect Magnetic Conductor, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Symmetry Boundaries.

This concludes the electromagnetic part of the physics.

The Heat Transfer physics will automatically use the electromagnetic heat source from
the Electromagnetic Waves physics thanks to the Electromagnetic Heat Source
coupling feature.

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In order to solve for the temperature in the potato only, deselect all the other domains.
H E A T TR A N S F E R I N S O L I D S ( H T )

On the Physics toolbar, click Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw) and
choose Heat Transfer in Solids (ht).
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Heat Transfer in Solids
(ht).
2 Select Domain 3 only.

Set the initial value for the temperature.

Initial Values 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Heat Transfer in Solids (ht)

click Initial Values 1.

2 In the Settings window for Initial Values, locate the Initial Values section.
3 In the T text field, type T0.
MESH 1

In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and choose
Build All.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type 2.45[GHz].

Step 2: Time Dependent

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 2: Time Dependent.
2 In the Settings window for Time Dependent, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Times text field, type range(0,1,5).

This will give you output at every second from t = 0 s to t = 5 s.

Solution 1
1 On the Study toolbar, click Show Default Solver.
2 In the Model Builder window, expand the Solution 1 node.

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3 Right-click Study 1>Solver Configurations>Solution 1 and choose Other>Solution

Store.
4 Move Store Solution 2 to the position below Stationary Solver 1.
5 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Temperature (ht)
The Graphics window shows the temperature distribution on the surface of the potato
after 5 s. Change the unit to degC to reproduce Figure 4.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Temperature (ht) node, then click
Surface 1.
2 In the Settings window for Surface, locate the Expression section.
3 From the Unit list, choose degC.
4 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Modify an existing plot group to plot the resistive heating on the symmetry plane.

Isothermal Contours (ht)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Isothermal Contours (ht).
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Solution Store 1.
4 Right-click Results>Isothermal Contours (ht) and choose Rename.
5 In the Rename 3D Plot Group dialog box, type Resistive Heating in the New label

text field.
6 Click OK.

Resistive Heating
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Resistive Heating node.
2 Right-click Isosurface 1 and choose Delete.
3 Right-click Resistive Heating and choose Slice.
4 In the Settings window for Slice, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component 1>Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain>Heating and losses>emw.Qrh - Resistive losses.
5 Locate the Plane Data section. From the Plane list, choose zx-planes.
6 From the Entry method list, choose Coordinates.

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7 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The plot should now look like Figure 2. Next, add a nice visualization of the
electromagnetic fields to the temperature plot.

Temperature (ht)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Temperature (ht) and choose
Slice.
2 In the Settings window for Slice, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component 1>Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>Electric field>emw.Ez - Electric field, z component.
3 Locate the Plane Data section. From the Plane list, choose xy-planes.
4 From the Entry method list, choose Coordinates.
5 In the z-coordinates text field, type 0.1.
6 Right-click Results>Temperature (ht)>Slice 1 and choose Deformation.
7 In the Settings window for Deformation, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>emw.Ex,emw.Ey,emw.Ez Electric field.
8 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Derived Values
Make a volume integral of the microwave heating to find out how much of the energy
is absorbed in the potato.
1 On the Results toolbar, click More Derived Values and choose Integration>Volume
Integration.
2 In the Settings window for Volume Integration, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Solution Store 1.
4 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the Expression section. From

the menu, choose Component 1>Heat Transfer in Solids>Heat sources>ht.Qtot - Total

heat source.
Select one point in time for the output. Since the material parameters of the potato
are independent of the temperature, it does not matter which time you choose.
5 Locate the Data section. From the Parameter selection (freq) list, choose From list.
6 Locate the Selection section. From the Selection list, choose Potato.
7 Click the Evaluate button.

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TA BL E

1 Go to the Table window.

The result is 314 W. Finally, to reproduce Figure 3, create a plot of temperature in

the center of the potato as a function of time.
RESULTS

Data Sets
1 On the Results toolbar, click Cut Point 3D.
2 In the Settings window for Cut Point 3D, locate the Point Data section.
3 In the x text field, type 0.134.
4 In the y text field, type 0.
5 In the z text field, type 0.047.

1D Plot Group 4
1 On the Results toolbar, click 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Cut Point 3D 1.
4 Click to expand the Title section. From the Title type list, choose Manual.
5 In the Title text area, type Temperature in potato.
6 Locate the Plot Settings section. Select the x-axis label check box.
7 In the associated text field, type Time (s).
8 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Point Graph.
9 In the Settings window for Point Graph, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the y-axis data section. From the menu, choose Component 1>Heat Transfer
in Solids>Temperature>T - Temperature.
10 Locate the y-Axis Data section. From the Unit list, choose degC.
11 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

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M i c r o w a v e Fi lt er on PCB
This model analyzes the transfer function of a low-pass filter on a printed circuit board.

Introduction
Microstrip filters can be fabricated directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) with a
microstrip line going from the input to the output. Along the microstrip line there are
a number of stubs of certain lengths and widths. The design of the filter involves
choosing the impedance of the microstrip line, the impedance of the stub microstrips,
and the stub lengths. This particular filter is based on a textbook example from Ref. 2.
It is also used as example in Ref. 1, which contains results from other simulation tools
and methods and is freely available online. The filter has a seven-pole low-pass
Chebyshev response with a cutoff frequency of 1 GHz. The entire layout including the
dielectric layer is imported from an ODB++(X) file using the ECAD Import feature.

Model Definition
The model uses the Electromagnetic Waves interface that solves the vector Helmholtz
wave equation. The PCB layout of the Chebyshev filter is imported using the ECAD
Import feature, which creates the entire 3D geometry from the layout and stackup
information of an ODB++ file.
The cutoff frequency of the filter is 1 GHz by design, and the dielectric layer of the
PCB has a relative permittivity of 10.8. The metal layers are modeled as perfect electric
conductors with zero thickness, thereby avoiding a dense meshing of thin conductive
layers. The ECAD import has an option that causes the import engine to ignore the
thickness of metal layers and insert them as faces on the dielectric layer. The width of
the microstrip line is 0.1 mm and the width of the stubs is 5 mm.
The characteristics of the filter are sensitive to the placement and length of the stubs;
therefore this model also analyzes the change in filter characteristics as a function of
mechanical deformation. This is done by adding Solid Mechanics and Moving Mesh
interfaces. The Moving Mesh interface is necessary to enable the Electromagnetic
Waves interface to account for the deformation of the PCB. The deformation comes
from a uniform load across the board with fixed input and output faces.
Because the filter cutoff should be close to 1 GHz, the frequency is swept from
750 MHz up to 1.5 GHz. The first solution step performs this sweep for the

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Electromagnetic Waves interface without any mechanical deformation. Then a

uniform load of 40 N is applied to the PCB, generating a large deformation of the
board. The Solid Mechanics interface calculates the deformation, and the Moving
Mesh interface applies this deformation to the coordinate system that the
Electromagnetic Waves interface uses. After this step, the frequency sweep is
performed again for the Electromagnetic Waves interface using the parametric solver.
This model accounts for the structural deformation in the sense that it solves for the
electromagnetic fields on the deformed geometry, as if the PCB was manufactured in
the deformed shapefree of stress.

Results and Discussion

The purpose of this simulation is to analyze how the S-parameter curve changes when
a force of 40 N is applied on the circuit board. This force bends the PCB significantly,
as you can see in Figure 1.

Figure 1: The graph shows the total displacement of the PCB, due to the load.
Although the PCB deformation is fairly large the S-parameter curve does not change
that much. The cutoff frequency is shifted less than 10 MHz when the force is applied.
Figure 2 displays the difference between the S-parameter curves with and without an

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applied force.

Figure 2: A comparison between the S11 and S21 parameters before and after a force of
40 N has been applied on the PCB. The red and turquoise lines correspond to the
S-parameter curves for the filter with an applied force.

References
1. D.V. Tosic and M. Potrebic, Software Tools for Research and Education,
Microwave Review, vol. 12, no. 2, p. 45, 2006.
2. J.-S.G. Hong and M.J. Lancaster, Microstrip Filters for RF/Microwave
Applications, John Wiley & Sons, 2001.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Passive_Devices/

pcb_microwave_filter_with_stress

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.

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NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

The following steps define the parameters for the frequency sweep.

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

fstart

750[MHz]

7.500E8 Hz

Start frequency

fstop

1.5[GHz]

1.500E9 Hz

Stop frequency

fstep

50[MHz]

5.000E7 Hz

Frequency step

GEOMETRY 1

Set mm as the default unit for length.

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Geometry 1.
2 In the Settings window for Geometry, locate the Units section.
3 From the Length unit list, choose mm.

The major part of the geometry is imported using the ECAD Import tool, which
automatically reads a PCB layout and extrudes the layers to a 3D geometry.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.

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3 In the Width text field, type 100.

4 In the Depth text field, type 40.
5 In the Height text field, type 15.
6 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -5.
7 In the y text field, type -15.
8 In the z text field, type -10.

Import 1 (imp1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Import.
2 In the Settings window for Import, locate the Import section.
3 From the Geometry import list, choose ECAD file (ODB++).
4 Click Browse.
5 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
pcb_microwave_filter_with_stress.xml.

It is located in the same folder as specified in the Model Library Path on page 3.
This path originates from the folder models under the COMSOL Multiphysics
installation folder.
6 From the Type of import list, choose Metal shell.

This will import all metal layers as faces. which drastically reduce the problem size
in this model without compromising the accuracy.

7 Click Import.

The PCB is now placed within the drawn block. To see the PCB, select wireframe
rendering.
8 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

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The next step is to add boundary faces for the input and output ports.

Work Plane 1 (wp1)

1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.
2 In the Settings window for Work Plane, locate the Plane Definition section.
3 From the Plane type list, choose Face parallel.
4 Find the Planar face subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 On the object imp1, select Boundary 2 only.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.

The size and position of the rectangle, as defined below, will perfectly fit it to the
microstrip line.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 1.125.
4 In the Height text field, type 1.27.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -4.77.
6 In the yw text field, type -0.635.

Work Plane 1 (wp1)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1 right-click
Work Plane 1 (wp1) and choose Build Selected.

This action embeds the 2D rectangle in the 3D geometry.

You may click Close on the current Work Plane toolbar to access the Geometry
toolbar.

Work Plane 2 (wp2)

1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.
2 In the Settings window for Work Plane, locate the Plane Definition section.
3 From the Plane type list, choose Face parallel.
4 Find the Planar face subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 On the object imp1, select Boundary 5 only.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.

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3 In the Width text field, type 1.125.

4 In the Height text field, type 1.27.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type 3.645.
6 In the yw text field, type -0.635.

Work Plane 2 (wp2)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1 right-click
Work Plane 2 (wp2) and choose Build Selected.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>FR4 (Circuit Board).
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

FR4 (Circuit Board) (mat2)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click FR4 (Circuit
Board) (mat2).
2 Select Domain 2 only.

The relative permittivity is modified to agree with the value used in Ref. 1. The FR4
material is selected to provide parameters for the solid mechanics simulation.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Relative permittivity

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

epsilonr

10.8

Basic

5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

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E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Scattering Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Scattering Boundary Condition.
2 Select Boundaries 15 and 18 only.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 10 only.
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

This port excites the microstrip line.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 16 only.

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.
2 Select Boundaries 8 and 11 only.

These boundaries represent the microstrip line and the ground plane on the PCB.
MESH 1

Free Triangular 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose More Operations>Free Triangular.

2 Select Boundaries 10 and 16 only.

Size 1
1 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1>Free Triangular 1 and choose Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. Select the Maximum element size check

box.
5 In the associated text field, type 1.

The Maximum element size is reduced to 1 mm to increase the accuracy of the

S-parameter calculations.

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Size
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Mesh 1 and choose Free Tetrahedral.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 From the Predefined list, choose Coarse.
4 Click the Custom button.
5 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Minimum element size text field,

type 0.1.
Allow the Minimum element size to be as small as 0.1 mm to generate a fine mesh
along the thin microstrip.
6 Click the Build All button.
DEFINITIONS

Probe plotting is a convenient technique to plot while solving, which is very useful for
parameter sweeps. It is possible to discover problems before the solution step has
finished, and then stop the sweep to save time. It is also useful in situations when the
solver does more steps than it stores in the output. The probe plot will contain all steps
that the solver takes.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Definitions and

choose Global Variable Probe.

2 In the Settings window for Global Variable Probe, type S11 in the Variable name text

field.
3 Locate the Expression section. Click emw.S11dB - S-parameter, dB, 11 component in

the upper-right corner of the section. In the Model Builder window, right-click
Definitions and choose Global Variable Probe.
4 In the Settings window for Global Variable Probe, type S21 in the Variable name text

field.
5 Locate the Expression section. Click emw.S21dB - S-parameter, dB, 21 component in

the upper-right corner of the section.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, click to expand the Results while
solving section.
3 Locate the Results While Solving section. Select the Plot check box.

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4 Locate the Study Settings section. Click Range.

5 In the Range dialog box, type fstart in the Start text field.
6 In the Step text field, type fstep.
7 In the Stop text field, type fstop.
8 Click Replace.
9 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
TABLE

Go to the Table window.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The Electric Field plot group under the Results node, shows the norm of the electric
field. You can change the frequency by selecting another value from the Parameter
value (freq) list box.
The Probe 1D Plot Group 2 displays the S11- and S21-parameters for the frequency
sweep.
ADDITION OF SOLID MECHANICS AND MOVING MESH TO THE MODEL

The following instructions adds physics from the Solid Mechanics and the Moving
Mesh interfaces for the simulations of the deformed PCB.
ADD PHYSICS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Physics to open the Add Physics window.
2 Go to the Add Physics window.
3 In the Add physics tree, select Structural Mechanics>Solid Mechanics (solid).
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
ADD PHYSICS

1 Go to the Add Physics window.

2 In the Add physics tree, select Mathematics>Deformed Mesh>Moving Mesh (ale).
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Add Physics to close the Add Physics window.

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SOLID MECHANICS (SOLID)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Solid Mechanics
(solid).
2 Select Domain 2 only.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, under Global>Definitions click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

fload

40[N]

40.00 N

Load on PCB

D E F I N I T I O N S O F P C B VO L U M E

The following steps describe how to measure the volume of the PCB and then copy
and paste the value in a parameter definition
GEOMETRY 1

Import 1 (imp1)
1 Click the Select Domains button on the Graphics toolbar.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1 click Import
1 (imp1).
3 On the object imp1, select Domain 1 only.
4 On the Geometry toolbar, click Measure.

Click the Measure button from the toolbar. The volume of the PCB domain is
displayed in the Messages window.
Copy the volume of the PCB from the Messages table.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, under Global>Definitions click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings (by pasting in the previously copied

volume):
Name

Expression

Value

Description

3357.0[mm^3]

3.357E-6 m

Volume of PCB

MOVING MESH (ALE)

On the Physics toolbar, click Solid Mechanics (solid) and choose Moving Mesh (ale).

Prescribed Deformation 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Prescribed Deformation.
2 Select Domain 2 only.
3 In the Settings window for Prescribed Deformation, locate the Prescribed Mesh
Displacement section.
4 In the dx text-field array, type u on the first row.
5 In the dy text-field array, type v on the 2nd row.
6 In the dz text-field array, type w on the 3rd row.

Free Deformation 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Free Deformation.
2 Select Domain 1 only.

Prescribed Mesh Displacement 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Prescribed Mesh Displacement.
2 In the Settings window for Prescribed Mesh Displacement, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose All boundaries.
4 Select Boundaries 617 only.
5 Locate the Prescribed Mesh Displacement section. In the dx text field, type u.
6 In the dy text field, type v.
7 In the dz text field, type w.
SOLID MECHANICS (SOLID)

Body Load 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Body Load.
2 Select Domain 2 only.

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3 In the Settings window for Body Load, locate the Force section.
4 Specify the FV vector as
0

-fload/V

Fixed Constraint 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Fixed Constraint.
2 Select Boundaries 6, 10, 12, and 1517 only.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Physics and Variables
Selection section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Solid Mechanics

physics

Moving Mesh

physics

ADD STUDY

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Preset
Studies for Some Physics Interfaces>Stationary.
4 Find the Physics interfaces in study subsection. In the table, enter the following

settings:
Physics

Solve

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw)

5 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.

6 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.

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STUDY 2

Step 2: Frequency Domain

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Frequency Domain>Frequency
Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Physics and Variables
Selection section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Solid Mechanics

physics

Moving Mesh

physics

4 Locate the Study Settings section. Click Range.

5 In the Range dialog box, type fstart in the Start text field.
6 In the Step text field, type fstep.
7 In the Stop text field, type fstop.
8 Click Replace.
9 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Results While Solving

section.
10 Select the Plot check box.
11 From the Plot group list, choose S-Parameter (emw).
12 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
TABLE

Go to the Table window.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw) 1

The default plot shows a Multislice plot of the norm of the electric field for the last
frequency in the sweep. The plot can be updated for any of the frequencies used, by
selecting another frequency from the Parameter value (freq) list box.

S-Parameter (emw) 1
To compare the S-parameters for the initial and the stressed PCB, add the S-parameter
from the first different solutions.
1 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.

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2 In the Settings window for Global, locate the Data section.

3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Solution 1.
4 Click Add Expression in the upper-right corner of the y-axis data section. From the

menu, choose emw.S11dB - S-parameter, dB, 11 component.

5 Click Add Expression in the upper-right corner of the y-axis data section. From the

menu, choose emw.S21dB - S-parameter, dB, 21 component.

6 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

You should now see the plot in Figure 2.

Stress (solid)
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Stress (solid) node.

You may expand all subnodes under Results>Stress (solid) to reach Deformation.
2 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Stress (solid)>Surface 1 node.
3 Right-click Deformation and choose Disable.
4 In the Model Builder window, under Results>Stress (solid) click Surface 1.
5 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component 1>Solid

Mechanics>Displacement>solid.disp - Total displacement.
6 In the Model Builder window, click Stress (solid).
7 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
8 From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Solution Store 1.
9 Locate the Plot Settings section. From the Frame list, choose Spatial (x, y, z).
10 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

You should now see the plot in Figure 1.

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P la s m o ni c W i r e G rat i n g
Introduction
A plane electromagnetic wave is incident on a wire grating on a dielectric substrate.
The model computes transmission and reflection coefficients for the refraction,
specular reflection, and first order diffraction.

Model Definition
Figure 1 shows the considered grating, with a gold wire on a dielectric material with
refractive index n. The grating constant, or the distance between the wires, is d. A
plane-polarized wave traveling through a medium with refractive index n is incident
on the grating, at an angle in a plane perpendicular to the grating.
n

Au

Figure 1: The modeled grating. The model considers a unit cell of a slice through this
geometry. The grating is assumed to consist of an infinite number of infinitely long wires.
If the wavelengths involved in the model are sufficiently short compared to the grating
constant, one or several diffraction orders can be present. The diagram in Figure 2

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shows two transmissive paths taken by light incident on adjacent cells of the grating,
exactly one grating constant apart.

d sin()

n
n
m

d sin(m)

Figure 2: The geometric path lengths of two transmitted parallel beams. The optical path
length is the geometric path length multiplied by the local refractive index.
The criterion for positive interference is that the difference in optical path length along
the two paths equals an integer number of vacuum wavelengths, or:
m 0 = d ( n sin m n sin )

(1)

with m = 0, 1, 2,..., 0 the vacuum wavelength, and m the transmitted diffracted

beam of order m. For m = 0, this reduces to refraction, as described by Snell's law:
n
sin 0 = ------ sin
n
Because the sine functions can only vary between -1 and 1, the existence of higher
diffraction order requires that
m 0
( n + n ) < ----------- < ( n + n )
d
The model instructions cover only first order diffraction, and are hence only valid for
under the condition
2 0 > d ( n sin + n )

(2)

Note that for the special cases of perpendicular and grazing incidence, the right-hand
side of the inequality evaluates to dn and d(n + n) respectively.

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Figure 3 shows the corresponding paths of the reflected light.

d sin(m)

d sin()
m
n
n

Figure 3: The geometric path lengths of two parallel reflected beams.

For positive interference we get
m 0 = dn ( sin m sin ) ,

(3)

where m is the reflected beam of diffraction order m. Setting m = 0 in this equation

renders
sin 0 = sin ,
or specular reflection. The condition for no reflected diffracted beams of order 2 or
greater being present is
2 0 > dna ( 1 + sin ) .

(4)

The model uses n = 1 for air and n = 1.2 for the dielectric substrate. Allowing for
arbitrary angles of incidence and with a grating constant d = 400 nm, Equation 2 sets
the validity limit to vacuum wavelengths greater than 440 nm. The model uses
0 = 441 nm. For the wire, a complex-valued permittivity of 1.75 5.4i
approximates that of gold at the corresponding frequency.
The performance of the grating depends on the polarization of the incident wave.
Therefore both a transverse electric (TE) and a transverse magnetic (TM) case are
considered. The TE wave has the electric field component in the z direction, out of the
modeling xy-plane. For the TM wave, the electric field vector is pointing in the
xy-plane and perpendicular to the direction of propagation, whereas the magnetic field

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has only a component in the z direction. The angle of incidence is for both cases swept
from 0 to /2, with a pitch of /40.

Results and Discussion

As an example of the output from the model, Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the electric
field norm for an angle of incidence equal to /5, for the TE and TM case respectively.

Figure 4: Electric field norm for TE incidence at /5.

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Figure 5: Electric field norm for TM incidence at /5.

All the computed transmission and reflection coefficients for TE incidence are plotted
in Figure 6. R0, the coefficient for specular reflection, increases rather steadily with the
angle of incidence. This is both because of reflection in the material interface and
because the wave sees the wire as increasingly wider at greater anglesthe same
effect as achieved by a Venetian blind. T0, the refracted but not diffracted transmission,
decreases accordingly. For the considered wavelength to period length ratio, the
transmitted diffracted beam T1 is propagating only for nearly perpendicular
incidence. The reflected diffraction order R1 would need a shorter wavelength or a
larger grating period to show up. Instead, the most prominent diffraction orders are
R1 and T1.
Note first that the sum of all coefficients is consistently less than 1. This is because of
the dielectric losses in the wire. This is even more apparent for TM incidence, as
Figure 7 shows. Here, approximately half of the wave is absorbed in the wire. Another
important feature of the TM case is that there is very little specular reflection (R0)
around 60 degrees.

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Figure 6: Transmission and reflection coefficients for TE incidence.

Figure 7: Transmission and reflection coefficients for TM incidence.

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Notes About the COMSOL Implementation

The model is set up for one unit cell of the grating, flanked by Floquet boundary
conditions describing the periodicity. As applied, this condition states that the solution
on one side of the unit equals the solution on the other side multiplied by a
complex-valued phase factor. The phase shift between the boundaries is evaluated from
the perpendicular component of the wave vector. Because the periodicity boundaries
are parallel with the y-axis, only the x-component is required. Note that due to the
continuity of the field, the phase factor will be the same for the refracted and reflected
beams as for the incident wave.
Port conditions are used both for specifying the incident wave and for letting the
resulting solution leave the model without any non-physical reflections. In order to
achieve perfect transmission through the port boundaries, one port for each mode
(m = 0, m = 1, m = 1) in each direction must be present. This gives a total of 6 ports.
The input to each periodic port is an electric or magnetic field amplitude vector and
an angle of incidence. The angle of incidence is defined as
k n = k sin z ,
where k is the propagation vector of the incident wave, n is the normalized normal
vector, k is the wave number, is the angle of incidence, and z is the unit vector in the
z direction. Note that this definition means that the angle of incidence on the opposite
sides have opposite signs. To automatically create ports for the diffraction orders, you
also provide the refractive index at the port boundary and the maximum frequency
(which in this model is the single frequency that is used).
The below table lists the parameters names used in the model. Internal means that
the variable is not provided as an input parameter
TABLE 4-1: PARAMETER NAMES
MODEL DESCRIPTION

MODEL

DESCRIPTION

na

Refractive index, air

nb

Refractive index, dielectric

alpha

Angle of incidence

Internal

Reflected diffraction angle, order 1

-1

Internal

Reflected diffraction angle, order -1

beta

Refraction angle

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TABLE 4-1: PARAMETER NAMES

MODEL DESCRIPTION

MODEL

DESCRIPTION

Internal

Refracted diffraction angle, order 1

-1

Internal

Refracted diffraction angle, order -1

Model Library path: RF_Module/Tutorial_Models/plasmonic_wire_grating

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 2D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

na

1.0000

Refractive index, air

nb

1.2

1.2000

Refractive index,
dielectric

400[nm]

4.0000E-7 m

Grating constant

lam0

441[nm]

4.4100E-7 m

Vacuum wavelength

f0

c_const/lam0

6.7980E14 1/s

Frequency

alpha

0.0000

Angle of incidence

beta

asin(na*sin(alpha)/nb)

0.0000 rad

Refraction angle

Although the angle of incidence will not remain constant at 0, it needs to be

specified as a parameter to be accessible to the parametric solver.
GEOMETRY 1

Create the geometry entirely in terms of the grating constant, for easy scalability.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type d.
4 In the Height text field, type 3*d.
5 Click the Build Selected button.

Rectangle 2 (r2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type d.
4 In the Height text field, type 3*d.
5 Locate the Position section. In the y text field, type -3*d.
6 Click the Build Selected button.

Circle 1 (c1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type d/5.

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4 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type d/2.

5 Click the Build Selected button.
6 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

The geometry now consists of two rectangular domains for the air and the dielectric,
and a circle centered on their intersection. You can remove the line through the circle
if you first create a union of the objects.

Union 1 (uni1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Union.
2 Click the Build Selected button.

Delete Entities 1 (del1)

1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Geometry 1 and choose Delete Entities.
2 On the object uni1, select Boundary 6 only (this is the horizontal diameter of the

circle in the center of the geometry).

3 Click the Build Selected button.

Form Union (fin)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1 right-click
Form Union (fin) and choose Build Selected.

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

Before setting up the materials, define which constitutive relations you want to use in
the Electromagnetic Waves interface.

Wave Equation, Electric 1

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain
(emw) node, then click Wave Equation, Electric 1.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
3 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Refractive index.

Wave Equation, Electric 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Wave Equation, Electric.
2 Select Domain 3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
4 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Dielectric loss.
MATERIALS

Material 1 (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Materials and

choose Blank Material.

2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

na

Refractive index

4 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 1 (mat1) and choose Rename.

5 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
6 Click OK.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Select Domain 1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.

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4 In the table, enter the following settings:

Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Refractive index

nb

Refractive index

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Dielectric in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Select Domain 3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity (imaginary part)

epsilonBis

5.4

Dielectric losses

Relative permittivity (real part)

epsilonPrim

-1.75

Dielectric losses

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 3 (mat3) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Gold in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

In the first version of this model, you will assume a TE-polarized wave. This means that
Ex and Ey will be zero throughout the geometry, and that you consequently only need
to solve for Ez.
1 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Components section.
2 From the Electric field components solved for list, choose Out-of-plane vector.

Now define the excitation port. A periodic port assumes that the structure is periodic
and simplifies the setup of ports for the diffraction orders.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.

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2 Select Boundary 5 only.

3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Periodic.
5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Notice that you define the electric field by only setting the amplitude. A phase factor
should not be entered.
6 Locate the Port Mode Settings section. Specify the E0 vector as
0

7 In the text field, type alpha.

8 In the n text field, type na.
9 In the fmax text field, type f0.

The order in which you set up the ports will determine how the S-parameters are
labeled. You have just created Port 1 for the excitation. If you set up the next port for
the transmission of the purely refracted beam, the S21-parameter will contain
information on the zero order transmission.

Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 2 only.
3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Periodic.
5 Locate the Port Mode Settings section. Specify the E0 vector as
0

z
The angle of incidence on the exit side corresponds to the angle of incidence an
incident wave on that side would have to provide the correct propagation angle in
the material. Notice that this also means that the sign is opposite that on the entry
side.

6 In the text field, type -beta.

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7 In the n text field, type nb.

8 In the fmax text field, type f0.

Port 1
Continue with the ports for the reflected diffraction orders. Since these diffraction
orders are not propagating at normal incidence, you have to add the ports manually.

Diffraction Order 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Attributes and choose Diffraction Order.
2 In the Settings window for Diffraction Order, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 From the Components list, choose Out-of-plane vector.
4 In the m text field, type -1.

Diffraction Order 2
1 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain
(emw)>Port 1>Diffraction Order 1 and choose Duplicate.
2 In the Settings window for Diffraction Order, locate the Port Properties section.
3 In the Port name text field, type 4.
4 Locate the Port Mode Settings section. In the m text field, type 1.

The transmitted diffraction orders are propagating at normal incidence. Thus, you can
create them automatically by clicking the Compute Diffraction Orders button.

Port 2
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) click Port 2.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 Click Compute Diffraction Orders. You now find the Diffraction Order ports as

subfeatures to Port 2.

Periodic Condition 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Periodic Condition.
2 Select Boundaries 1, 3, 7, and 8 only.
3 In the Settings window for Periodic Condition, locate the Periodicity Settings

section.
4 From the Type of periodicity list, choose Floquet periodicity.

The wave vector in the direction for the periodicity is used by the periodic port.
Thus, you can use that wave vector also for the Floquet periodic condition.

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5 From the k-vector for Floquet periodicity list, choose From periodic port.
MESH 1

The periodic boundary conditions perform better if the mesh is identical on the
periodicity boundaries. This is especially important when dealing with vector degrees
of freedom, as will be the case in the TM version of this model.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Mesh 1.
2 In the Settings window for Mesh, locate the Mesh Settings section.
3 From the Sequence type list, choose User-controlled mesh.

Free Triangular 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 right-click Free
Triangular 1 and choose Delete.

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 click Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 From the Predefined list, choose Extra fine.

Edge 1
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Mesh 1 and choose More Operations>Edge.
2 Select Boundaries 1 and 3 only.

Copy Edge 1
1 Right-click Mesh 1 and choose More Operations>Copy Edge.
2 Select Boundary 3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Copy Edge, locate the Destination Boundaries section.
4 Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select Boundary 8 only.

Copy Edge 2
1 Right-click Mesh 1 and choose More Operations>Copy Edge.
2 Select Boundary 1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Copy Edge, locate the Destination Boundaries section.
4 Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select Boundary 7 only.

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Free Triangular 1
1 Right-click Mesh 1 and choose Free Triangular.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 right-click Free
Triangular 1 and choose Build All.

To set up the study to sweep for the angle of incidence, some modifications of the
solver is required.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 1 node, then click Step 1: Frequency
Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

Parameter unit

alpha
5 Click Range.
6 In the Range dialog box, type 0 in the Start text field.
7 In the Stop text field, type pi/2-pi/40.
8 In the Step text field, type pi/40.
9 Click Replace.
10 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the electric field norm for the last solution, almost tangential
incidence. Look at a more interesting angle of incidence.
1 In the Settings window for 2D Plot Group, locate the Data section.

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2 From the Parameter value (alpha) list, choose 0.62832.

3 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
4 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar. The plot should now look

like Figure 4.
Rename the plot group to make it clear that it shows the TE solution.
5 Right-click Results>Electric Field (emw) and choose Rename.
6 In the Rename 2D Plot Group dialog box, type 2D Plot Group TE in the New label

text field.
7 Click OK.

Add a 1D plot to look at the various orders of reflection and transmission versus the
angle of incidence.

1D Plot Group 2
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, click to expand the Title section.
3 From the Title type list, choose Manual.
4 In the Title text area, type Reflection and Transmission of TE Wave.
5 Locate the Plot Settings section. Select the x-axis label check box.
6 In the associated text field, type Angle of incidence (degrees).
7 Select the y-axis label check box.
8 In the associated text field, type Reflection and transmission coefficients.
9 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.

Since the diffraction orders are not propagating for all angles, use a logic expression
to set the S-parameter to zero when the wave is evanescent and to multiply with one
when it is propagating.
10 In the Settings window for Global, locate the y-Axis Data section.
11 In the table, enter the following settings:
Expression

Unit

abs(emw.S11)^2

abs(emw.S21)^2

abs(emw.S31)^2*(imag(emw.beta_3)==0)

abs(emw.S41)^2*(imag(emw.beta_4)==0)

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Expression

Unit

abs(emw.S51)^2*(imag(emw.beta_5)==0)

abs(emw.S61)^2*(imag(emw.beta_6)==0)

Description

12 Locate the x-Axis Data section. From the Parameter list, choose Expression.
13 In the Expression text field, type alpha*180/pi.
14 Click to expand the Coloring and style section. Locate the Coloring and Style section.

Find the Line markers subsection. From the Marker list, choose Cycle.
15 Click to expand the Legends section. From the Legends list, choose Manual.
16 In the table, enter the following settings:
Legends
R₀
T₀
R_-1
R₁
T_-1
T₁

17 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

18 In the Model Builder window, right-click 1D Plot Group 2 and choose Rename.
19 In the Rename 1D Plot Group dialog box, type 1D Plot Group TE in the New label

text field.
20 Click OK. The plot should now look like Figure 6.

The remaining instructions show to alter the physics so that you solve for an incident
TM wave.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Components section.
2 From the Electric field components solved for list, choose In-plane vector. You will

now solve for Ex and Ey instead of Ez; for a TM wave, Ez is zero.

Port 1
The easiest way to specify a TM wave is to define the magnetic field, since only the z
component is used.

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1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,

Frequency Domain (emw) click Port 1.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 From the Input quantity list, choose Magnetic field.
4 Specify the H0 vector as
0

Diffraction Order 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw)>Port 1 click Diffraction Order 1.
2 In the Settings window for Diffraction Order, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 From the Components list, choose In-plane vector.

Diffraction Order 2
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw)>Port 1 click Diffraction Order 2.
2 In the Settings window for Diffraction Order, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 From the Components list, choose In-plane vector.

Port 2
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw) click Port 2.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Mode Settings section.
3 From the Input quantity list, choose Magnetic field.
4 Specify the H0 vector as
0

5 Click Compute Diffraction Orders to change components for the diffraction orders

that are propagating at normal incidence.

ROOT

Add a new study in order not to overwrite the TE solution.

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ADD STUDY

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency
Domain.
4 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.
STUDY 2

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 2 node, then click Step 1: Frequency
Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

Parameter unit

alpha
5 Click Range.
6 In the Range dialog box, type 0 in the Start text field.
7 In the Stop text field, type pi/2-pi/40.
8 In the Step text field, type pi/40.
9 Click Replace.
10 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

1 In the Settings window for 2D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter value (alpha) list, choose 0.62832.

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3 On the 2D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

4 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
5 Right-click Results>Electric Field (emw) and choose Rename.
6 In the Rename 2D Plot Group dialog box, type 2D Plot Group TM in the New label

text field.
7 Click OK. You have now reproduced Figure 5.

For the transmission and the reflection of the TM waves, copy and reuse the 1D plot
for the TE waves.

1D Plot Group TE 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click 1D Plot Group TE and choose
Duplicate.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Title section.
3 In the Title text area, type Reflection and Transmission of TM Wave.
4 Locate the Data section. From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Solution 2.
5 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
6 Right-click Results>1D Plot Group TE 1 and choose Rename.
7 In the Rename 1D Plot Group dialog box, type 1D Plot Group TM in the New label

text field.
8 Click OK. Compare the resulting plot with that in Figure 7.

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Quarter-Wave Transformer
Introduction
Transmission lines are used when the frequency of the electromagnetic signals is so
high that the wave nature of the signals must be taken into account. A consequence of
the wave nature is that the signals are reflected if there are abrupt changes of the
characteristic impedance along the transmission line. Similarly, the load impedance,
ZL, at the end of the transmission line must match its characteristic impedance, Z0.
Otherwise there will be reflections from the transmission lines end.
A quarter-wave transformer (see Figure 1) is a component that can be inserted
between the transmission line and the load to match the load impedance to the
transmission lines characteristic impedance. To get this functionality, the transformer
must be a quarter of a wavelength long and the relation between the impedances
involved must be
Z in
Z------- = -----Z
ZL

(1)

If the length and the impedance requirements are fulfilled, the load impedance will not
give rise to any reflections.
Typically, the characteristic impedance of transmission lines, Z0, is 50 . Thus, Zin in
Equation 1 should be set to
Z in = Z 0 = 50

(2)

when solving for the characteristic impedance of the quarter-wave transformer, Z.

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Figure 1: Schematic of a quarter-wave transformer. The input impedance is Zin, the

impedance of the transformer transmission line is Z, and the load impedance is ZL.
This model exemplifies some of the characteristics of a quarter-wave transformer. In
particular, the model simulation shows that the transformer only provides matching for
one particular frequency, namely that for which the transformer is a quarter of a
wavelength long.

Model Definition
The 1D geometry of the model consists of two line intervals. Each line interval
represents a separate transmission line, with different electrical parameters (distributed
capacitance and inductance) and lengths.
To excite and terminate the transmission lines, use lumped ports. This also makes it
easy to obtain the reflection (S11) and transmission (S21) coefficients for the system.

Results and Discussion

As an example of the output from the model, Figure 2 shows the voltage amplitude
distribution along the transmission lines for a frequency where the quarter-wave
transformer matches the load impedance to the characteristic impedance of the
incoming transmission line. The figure shows that the amplitude is constant, indicating
that there is no reflection and therefore no standing waves. Figure 3 shows the
frequency spectrum for the same transformer. As is evident from the graph, the

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quarter-wave transformer only operates without reflection in a certain wavelength

range.

Figure 2: Absolute value of the voltage versus the x-coordinate. The quarter-wave
transformer starts at x-coordinate 0.02 m.

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Figure 3: Spectral response for the transmission line. Notice that the transmission
coefficient (S21) peaks at the frequency (1 GHz) for which the transformer is a
quarter-wave long. At that frequency the reflection coefficient (S11) is zero (approaches
negative infinity which the dB scale used in the graph).

Model Library path: RF_Module/Transmission_Lines_and_Waveguides/

quarter_wave_transformer

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 1D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Transmission Line (tl).

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3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

First add some parameters that defines the electrical and geometrical properties of the
transmission lines.

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

L1

2.5e-6[H/m]

2.5000E-6 H/m

Distributed inductance,
first transmission line

C1

1e-9[F/m]

1.0000E-9 F/m

Distributed capacitance,
first transmission line

1[GHz]

1.0000E9 Hz

Frequency

wl1

1/(f*sqrt(L1*C1))

0.020000 m

Wavelength, first
transmission line

d1

wl1

0.020000 m

Length, first transmission

line

Z1

sqrt(L1/C1)

50.000

Characteristic impedance,
first transmission line

ZL

4*Z1

200.00

Terminating impedance

Z2

sqrt(Z1*ZL)

100.00

Characteristic impedance,
second transmission line

C2

C1

1.0000E-9 F/m

Distributed capacitance,
second transmission line

L2

C2*Z2^2

1.0000E-5 H/m

Distributed inductance,
second transmission line

wl2

1/(f*sqrt(L2*C2))

0.010000 m

Wavelength, second
transmission line

d2

wl2/4

0.0025000 m

Length, second
transmission line

hmax

d2/10

2.5000E-4 m

Maximum discretization
step

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GEOMETRY 1

Set up the geometry as two intervals.

Interval 1 (i1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Interval.
2 In the Settings window for Interval, locate the Interval section.
3 From the Number of intervals list, choose Many.
4 In the Points text field, type 0, d1, d1+d2.
5 Click the Build All Objects button.
TR A N S M I S S I O N L I N E ( T L )

Assign the first transmission line the distributed capacitance and inductance C1 and L1,
respectively.

Transmission Line Equation 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Transmission Line (tl) click
Transmission Line Equation 1.
2 In the Settings window for Transmission Line Equation, locate the Transmission Line
Equation section.
3 In the L text field, type L1.
4 In the C text field, type C1.

Now define the second transmission line by adding a transmission line equation feature
to the second interval.

Transmission Line Equation 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Transmission Line Equation.
2 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
3 Select Domain 2 only, to make the size of the transmission line suitable for selecting

the second interval.

Add the electrical parameters for the second transmission line.
4 In the Settings window for Transmission Line Equation, locate the Transmission Line
Equation section.
5 In the L text field, type L2.
6 In the C text field, type C2.

Replace the default absorbing boundary condition with lumped ports. With the
lumped ports, it is easy to excite the transmission line and also to plot the S-parameters,

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that is, the reflection and transmission coefficient, for the transmission line.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 1 only.

Select that this port shall be excited. You can use the default voltage for the port.
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 3 only.

This lumped port should have a different characteristic impedance than the first
lumped port and the two transmission lines.
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Settings section.
4 In the Zref text field, type ZL.
MESH 1

Let the mesh have a maximum subinterval that is one tenth of the quarter-wave part
of the transmission line.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Mesh 1.
2 In the Settings window for Mesh, locate the Mesh Settings section.
3 From the Sequence type list, choose User-controlled mesh.

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 click Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type hmax.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

Set the frequency for the frequency-domain study and create a first default plot.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.

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2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f.
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Potential (tl)

To clearly demonstrate that the quarter-wave transformer works, replace the plot
expression with the absolute value of the voltage.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Potential (tl) node, then click Line
Graph 1.
2 In the Settings window for Line Graph, locate the y-Axis Data section.
3 In the Expression text field, type abs(V).
4 Click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner of the x-axis data section. From

the menu, choose Model>Geometry>Coordinate>x - x-coordinate.

5 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot. You should now have a graph as in Figure 2.

Notice that the left part of the curve is flat, with a unit amplitude, indicating that
there are no standing waves, despite the fact that the second lumped port has a load
impedance that normally would not be matched with the transmission line.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

Now modify the study settings to create a frequency sweep around 1 GHz, but first
define the frequency sweep parameters.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, under Global>Definitions click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

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Expression

Value

Description

df

500[MHz]

5.0000E8 Hz

Half of frequency sweep

fstep

10[MHz]

1.0000E7 Hz

Frequency step

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STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Range.
4 In the Range dialog box, type f-df in the Start text field.
5 In the Step text field, type fstep.
6 In the Stop text field, type f+df.
7 Click Replace.
8 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Potential (tl)

Create a new plot group for a global plot of the S11 (reflection) and S21 (transmission)
coefficients.

1D Plot Group 2
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.
3 In the Settings window for Global, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the y-axis data section. From the menu, choose Model>Component 1>Transmission
Line>Ports>S-parameter, dB>tl.S11dB - S-parameter, dB, 11 component.
4 Click Add Expression in the upper-right corner of the y-axis data section. From the

menu, choose Model>Component 1>Transmission Line>Ports>S-parameter,

dB>tl.S21dB - S-parameter, dB, 21 component.
5 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Modify the y-axis limits to show that S21 actually has its maximum value for the
frequency where S11 is at its minimum value.
6 In the Model Builder window, click 1D Plot Group 2.
7 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, click to expand the Axis section.
8 Select the Manual axis limits check box.
9 In the y minimum text field, type -30.
10 In the y maximum text field, type 2.

Move the legend panel, so it doesn't cover the curves.

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11 Click to expand the Legend section. From the Position list, choose Lower right.
12 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot. You should now have a plot of the spectrum

for S11 and S21, similar to the one in Figure 3.

Electric Potential (tl)

To demonstrate that the quarter-wave transformer only eliminates the reflection at one
frequency, plot the last frequency in the first plot group.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Electric Potential (tl).
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Parameter selection (freq) list, choose Last.
4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Notice that the curve in the left part of the plot is not flat. The sinusoidal oscillation
in the absolute value of the voltage is a signature of the standing wave that appears
when there is a reflection point along the transmission line. For the selected
frequency the quarter-wave transformer is not a quarter-wave long and, thus, there
are now reflections.

To demonstrate that the quarter-wave transformer not only should have a matched
length, but also a matched characteristic impedance, set the characteristic impedance
of the second lumped port to 50 ohms.

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TR A N S M I S S I O N L I N E ( T L )

Lumped Port 2
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Transmission Line (tl) click
Lumped Port 2.
2 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Settings section.
3 In the Zref text field, type 50.

Compute the spectral plot again.

STUDY 1

On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Potential (tl)

Select the central frequency (1 GHz) in the Electric Potential (tl) plot group.
1 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter selection (freq) list, choose From list.
3 In the Parameter values (freq (Hz)) list, select 1.0000E9.

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4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot. Notice that there is now a standing wave

also at the center frequency.

Select the second plot group to see the spectral response.

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1D Plot Group 2
Notice that there is still a resonance at the center frequency. However, as was already
indicated by the spatial plot, there is considerable reflection also at the resonance
frequency.

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Computing the Radar Cross Section

o f a P e r f e c tly Con d u ct i n g S p h ere
General Description
This classic benchmark problem in computational electromagnetics is about
computing the monostatic radar cross section (RCS) of a perfectly conducting sphere
in free space, illuminated by a linearly polarized plane wave. The RCS is computed for
sphere radius to free space wavelength ratios ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 and is compared
to an exact analytical solution. This region represents the lower half of a transition zone
between a long wavelength asymptotic solution, Rayleigh scattering, and a short
wavelength asymptotic solution, Geometrical Optics. The transition zone is known
as the Mie region after the originator of the exact solution. A mesh convergence
study is performed for the first scattering resonance at a sphere radius to free space
wavelength ratio of approximately 0.16364.

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Model Setup
GEOMETRY

Due to symmetry, it is sufficient to model only one quarter of the sphere. Figure 1
shows the geometry and boundary conditions.
PMC symmetry plane

PEC sphere

PEC symmetry plane

Figure 1: The computational domain for computing the RCS of a PEC sphere in free
space. Due to symmetry, it is sufficient to model one quarter of the sphere.
The geometry consists of two concentric spherical shells. The innermost shell, adjacent
to the sphere, represents the free space domain, and the second shell represents a
perfectly matched layer (PML) region that is used to provide an approximately
reflection free termination of the, in reality unbounded, free space domain.
EQUATION

The model is set up and solved using a frequency domain formulation for the scattered
electric field. The incident plane wave travels in the positive x direction, with the
electric field polarized along the z-axis. The governing frequency domain equation can
be written in the form
2

( r 1 ( E i + E sc ) ) k 0 rc ( E i + E sc ) = 0

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where the scattered electric field Esc is the dependent variable and the incident electric
field Ei= (0,0,Ez), with
E z = 1 [ V m ]e

jk0 x

The equation is discretized using second order edge elements (also known as vector
elements, Nedelec elements, or curl-conforming elements). It is well known that in
order to resolve the wave field, one should strive for 10 or more discretization points
per wavelength. The combination of using second-order elements and 8 elements per
wavelength fulfills this criterion with some margin. To respect the geometry, a mesh
that is somewhat finer for the longest wavelengths is required on the surface of the
scatterer. A maximum element size of half the radius is used on those boundaries. The
PML region requires special meshing as described under the section Perfectly Matched
Layer below.
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

The sphere has perfect electric conductor (PEC) boundaries. The PEC boundary
condition
nE = 0
sets the tangential component of the electric field to zero. It is used for the modeling
of lossless metallic surfaces or as a symmetry type boundary condition. It imposes
symmetry for magnetic fields and magnetic currents and antisymmetry for electric
fields and electric currents.
PEC boundary conditions and perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) boundary
conditions apply on the symmetry planes used to subdivide the sphere model.
The PMC boundary condition
nH = 0
sets the tangential component of the magnetic field and thus also the surface current
density to zero. On external boundaries, this can be interpreted as a high surface
impedance boundary condition or used as a symmetry type boundary condition. It
imposes symmetry for electric fields and electric currents and antisymmetry for
magnetic fields and magnetic currents.
PERFECTL Y MATCH ED LAYER

The PML region, the second concentric shell around the sphere, provides an
approximately reflection free termination of the computational domain by applying a

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complex-valued coordinate stretching in the radial (outward) direction. For good

accuracy, there should be at least five elements through the thickness of the PML. This
condition is usually most efficiently met by using a swept mesh so that the effective
element quality becomes insensitive to the scaling in the radial direction. The mesh
used in this model is shown in Figure 2. It consists of a free tetrahedral mesh around
the sphere and a swept mesh in the PML domain.

Figure 2: A free tetrahedral mesh is used in the free-space region around the sphere, and a
swept mesh is used in the PML region.
The free space region around the sphere is defined to be the far-field domain. This
specifies that a near-field to far-field calculation is done on the boundary of this
domain, which takes the computed electric fields around the sphere and uses the
Stratton-Chu equation to find the scattered electric field infinitely far away from the
origin.
In 3D, this is:
jk
E p = ------ r 0 [ n E r 0 ( n H ) ] exp ( jkr r0 ) dS
4

For scattering problems, the far field in COMSOL is identical to what in physics is
known as the scattering amplitude.

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The radiating or scattering object is located in the vicinity of the origin, while the
far-field point p is taken at infinity but with a well-defined angular position ( , ) .
In the above formulas,
E and H are the fields on the aperturethe surface S enclosing the sphere.
r0 is the unit vector pointing from the origin to the field point p. If the field points
lie on a spherical surface S', r0 is the unit normal to S'.
n is the unit normal to the surface S.
is the wave impedance:
=

k is the wave number.

is the wavelength.
r is the radius vector (not a unit vector) of the surface S.
Ep is the calculated far field in the direction from the origin towards point p.
The unit vector r0 can be interpreted as the direction defined by the angular position
( , ) and Ep is the far field in this direction.

Results and Discussion

Figure 3 compares the simulation result for the RCS with the analytic solution
computed using the scattered component of the electric field from this model and
equation 11-247 in Ref. 1. As the figure shows, there is good agreement between the

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analytic solution determined in this manner and the finite-element model.

Figure 3: Comparison of the analytic solution and the COMSOL Multiphysics model of the
RCS of a PEC sphere in free space.

Mesh Convergence
For the wavelength corresponding to the first maximum in the RCS plot in Figure 3,
a mesh convergence study is performed to validate that the model converges toward a
unique solution when refining the mesh isotropically. The model is solved in a
parametric sweep over the number of mesh elements per wavelength. In the PML, the
mesh density is not changed in the radial outward direction (that is, in the sweep
direction for the swept mesh). The PML is resolved by 5 element layers in this
direction which is sufficient to resolve the exponential damping in the radial direction.
Thus the error contribution from the PML is not expected to decrease by adding more
element layers. The main error contribution from the PML is due to the fact that it is
not perfectly absorbing because of finite thickness and damping rather than mesh
density. Thus, it is expected to give a contribution to the error in the computed RCS
that will not decrease when refining the mesh.
Figure 4 shows the mesh convergence. The displayed error is the difference between
the RCS from the finite element model and the exact solution from equation 11-247

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in Ref. 1. As mentioned, the PML is expected to yield an error contribution which

cannot be eliminated by refining the mesh. As there is no sign of stagnation in the
convergence plot, this error contribution must be smaller than 0.1%. The RCS plot in
Figure 3 corresponds to 8 elements per wavelength, that is a relative error of about 3%
at the wavelength of the maximum in the RCS versus wavelength curve.

Figure 4: Mesh convergence for the difference in backscattering (monostatic) RCS between
the COMSOL model and the exact solution.

Reference
1. C.A. Balanis, Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics, John Wiley & Sons, 1989.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Verification_Models/rcs_sphere

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.

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NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

r_lda

0.5

0.5000

Sphere radius in wavelengths

r0

5[cm]

0.05000 m

Sphere radius

lda

r0/r_lda

0.1000 m

Wavelength

k0

2*pi/lda

62.83 1/m

Wavenumber

f0

c_const/lda

2.998E9 1/s

Frequency

t_air

lda/2

0.05000 m

Thickness of air around sphere

t_pml

lda/2

0.05000 m

Thickness of PML

h_size

8.000

Number of elements per wavelength

E0

1[V/m]

1.000 V/m

Incident field magnitude

GEOMETRY 1

First, create a sphere with two layer definitions. The outermost layer represents the
PMLs and the core represents the PEC sphere for RCS analysis. The median layer is
the air domain.

Sphere 1 (sph1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Sphere.

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2 In the Settings window for Sphere, locate the Size section.

3 In the Radius text field, type r0+t_air+t_pml.
4 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (m)

Layer 1

t_pml

Layer 2

t_air

5 Click the Build All Objects button.

DEFINITIONS

Add a view with a different angle of perspective.

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Definitions and

choose View.

Camera
Change only the sign of y in the Position and Up Vector sections:
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the View 2 node, then click Camera.
2 In the Settings window for Camera, locate the Position section.
3 In the y text field, type 1.871.
4 Locate the Up Vector section. In the y text field, type -0.412.
5 Click the Update button.

Choose wireframe rendering to get a better view of the interior parts.

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6 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

GEOMETRY 1

Due to the symmetry of the structure, it is sufficient to model only one quarter of the
sphere. Delete the domains which are not part of the modeling domain.

Delete Entities 1 (del1)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Geometry 1 and

choose Delete Entities.

2 In the Settings window for Delete Entities, locate the Entities or Objects to Delete

section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.

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4 On the object sph1, select Domains 13, 57, and 915 only.

5 Click the Build All Objects button.

DEFINITIONS

View 1
After removing unnecessary domains, change the view to the first view definition
which gives a better angle showing all layers.

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1 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

This is the modeling domain for RCS analysis.

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Now set up the physics. You will solve the model for the scattered field, which requires
background electric field (E-field) information. The background plane wave is
traveling in the positive x direction, with the electric field polarized along the z-axis.
The default boundary condition is perfect electric conductor, which applies to all
exterior boundaries including the boundaries perpendicular to the background E-field
polarization.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Settings section.
3 From the Solve for list, choose Scattered field.
4 Specify the Eb vector as

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5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Choose wireframe rendering in the current view to get a better view of the interior
parts.
6 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

Scattering Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Scattering Boundary Condition.
2 Select Boundaries 3 and 14 only.

DEFINITIONS

The outermost domains from the center of the sphere are the PMLs.

Perfectly Matched Layer 1 (pml1)

1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Perfectly Matched Layer.

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2 Select Domains 1 and 4 only.

3 In the Settings window for Perfectly Matched Layer, locate the Geometry section.
4 From the Type list, choose Spherical.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Set PMC on the boundaries parallel to the background E-field polarization.

Perfect Magnetic Conductor 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Magnetic Conductor.

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2 Select Boundaries 1, 4, 9, and 12 only.

Far-Field Domain 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Far-Field Domain.
2 Select Domains 2 and 3 only.

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Far-Field Calculation 1
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Far-Field Domain 1 node, then click Far-Field
Calculation 1.
2 In the Settings window for Far-Field Calculation, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 Click Clear Selection.
4 Select Boundaries 6 and 13 only.

5 Locate the Far-Field Calculation section. Select the Symmetry in the y=0 plane check

box.
6 Select the Symmetry in the z=0 plane check box.
7 From the Symmetry type list, choose Symmetry in H (PEC).
MATERIALS

Next, assign material properties. Use air for all domains.

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.

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MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.
MESH 1

Use a tetrahedral mesh for the air domains.

Free Tetrahedral 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Free Tetrahedral.

2 In the Settings window for Free Tetrahedral, locate the Domain Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.
4 Select Domains 2 and 3 only.

The maximum mesh size is at most 0.2 wavelengths in free space. In this model, use
0.125 wavelengths.

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 click Size.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
3 Click the Custom button.
4 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. In the Maximum element size text field,

type lda/h_size.

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5 In the Minimum element size text field, type lda/h_size.

Use a swept mesh for the PML domains.

Swept 1
In the Model Builder window, right-click Mesh 1 and choose Swept.

Distribution 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 right-click Swept
1 and choose Distribution.
2 Right-click Distribution 1 and choose Build All. Compare the mesh with that shown

in Figure 2.
STUDY 1

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

r_lda

range(0.1,0.025,0.8)

Parameter unit

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.
4 In the Model Builder window, click Study 1.
5 In the Settings window for Study, locate the Study Settings section.
6 Clear the Generate default plots check box.
7 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Follow the instructions below to reproduce the plot in Figure 3 First, show the
computed RCS values using square markers.

1D Plot Group 1
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.

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2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.
4 Click to expand the Title section. From the Title type list, choose Custom.
5 Find the Type and data subsection. Clear the Unit check box.
6 Clear the Description check box.
7 Clear the Type check box.
8 Find the User subsection. In the Prefix text field, type RCS Calculation.
9 Locate the Plot Settings section. Select the x-axis label check box.
10 In the associated text field, type Sphere radius in wavelengths (a/
lambda₀).

11 Select the y-axis label check box.

12 In the associated text field, type Normalized monostatic RCS
(sigma_3-D/pi a²).

13 Locate the Axis section. Select the y-axis log scale check box.
14 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Point Graph.
15 Select Point 2 only.
16 In the Settings window for Point Graph, locate the y-Axis Data section.
17 In the Expression text field, type 4*pi*(emw.normEfar^2/E0^2)/(pi*r0^2).
18 Locate the x-Axis Data section. From the Axis source data list, choose Outer solutions.
19 Click to expand the Coloring and style section. Locate the Coloring and Style section.

Find the Line style subsection. From the Line list, choose None.
20 Find the Line markers subsection. From the Marker list, choose Square.
21 From the Positioning list, choose In data points.

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22 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The observed RCS graph pattern is oscillatory in the Mie region.

Next, proceed to perform the mesh convergence study at the first resonance in the Mie
region.
Start by extending the parameter list with the resonant radius and the associated
theoretical RCS value.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, under Global>Definitions click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 Add the two rows at the end and change the first line according to:

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Name

Expression

Value

Description

r_lda

r1

0.1636

Sphere radius in
wavelengths

r0

5[cm]

0.05000 m

Sphere radius

lda

r0/r_lda

0.3056 m

Wavelength

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Name

Expression

Value

Description

k0

2*pi/lda

20.56 1/m

Wavenumber

f0

c_const/lda

9.811E8 1/s

Frequency

t_air

lda/2

0.1528 m

Thickness of air around

sphere

t_pml

lda/2

0.1528 m

Thickness of PML

h_size

8.000

Number of elements per

wavelength

E0

1[V/m]

1.000 V/m

Incident field magnitude

r1

0.16363636363636364

0.1636

Relative radius at 1st

resonance

RCS1

3.6549540474068576

3.655

RCS at 1st resonance

MESH 1

Add a new mesh with some tweaks to make sure that the curvature of the sphere is
always resolved.
This is to avoid inverted mesh elements.
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Duplicate.
COMPONENT 1 (COMP1)

In the Model Builder window, expand the Component 1 (comp1)>Meshes node.

MESH 2

In the Model Builder window, expand the Component 1 (comp1)>Meshes>Mesh 2node.

MESH 2

Size
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Component 1 (comp1)>Meshes>Mesh 2

node, then click Size.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size Parameters section.
3 In the Minimum element size text field, type r0/2.

Size 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Meshes>Mesh 2

right-click Free Tetrahedral 1 and choose Size.

2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.

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3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.

4 Click Paste Selection.
5 In the Paste Selection dialog box, type 7,10 in the Selection text field.
6 Click OK.
7 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size section.
8 Click the Custom button.
9 Locate the Element Size Parameters section. Select the Maximum element size check

box.
10 In the associated text field, type r0/2.
ROOT

Add a new frequency domain study for the mesh convergence analysis.
ADD STUDY

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency
Domain.
4 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.
STUDY 2

A parametric sweep is needed to loop over the mesh sizes.

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

h_size

3 6 9 12 15 20

Parameter unit

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 2 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.

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3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.

4 In the Model Builder window, click Study 2.
5 In the Settings window for Study, locate the Study Settings section.
6 Clear the Generate default plots check box.
7 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Continue to plot the relative error versus elements per wavelength.

1D Plot Group 2
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 2/Parametric Solutions 2.
4 Locate the Plot Settings section. Select the x-axis label check box.
5 In the associated text field, type Number of elements / lambda₀.
6 Select the y-axis label check box.
7 In the associated text field, type Relative error.
8 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Point Graph.
9 In the Settings window for Point Graph, locate the Selection section.
10 Click Paste Selection.
11 In the Paste Selection dialog box, type 2 in the Selection text field.
12 Click OK.
13 In the Settings window for Point Graph, locate the y-Axis Data section.
14 In the Expression text field, type (4*pi*(emw.normEfar^2/E0^2)/
(pi*r0^2)-RCS1)/RCS1.

15 Locate the x-Axis Data section. From the Axis source data list, choose h_size.
16 From the Parameter list, choose Expression.
17 In the Expression text field, type h_size.
18 Click to expand the Coloring and style section. Locate the Coloring and Style section.

Find the Line style subsection. In the Width text field, type 2.
19 Find the Line markers subsection. From the Marker list, choose Square.
20 From the Positioning list, choose In data points.
21 Click the x-Axis Log Scale button on the Graphics toolbar.

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22 Click the y-Axis Log Scale button on the Graphics toolbar. Compare the convergence

plot with that shown in Figure 4.

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RF Heating
Introduction
This is a model of an RF waveguide bend with a dielectric block inside. There are
electromagnetic losses in the block as well as on the waveguide walls which cause the
assembly to heat up over time. The material properties of the block are functions of
temperature. The transient thermal behavior, as well as the steady-state solution, are
computed.

Dielectric block

Copper coating

H-bend waveguide

Figure 1: A waveguide bend with a dielectric block inside. Top boundaries of the
waveguide are removed only for visualization.

Model Definition
The waveguide bend shown in Figure 1 is connected to a 100 W power source,
operating at 10 GHz, via a rectangular waveguide operating in the TE10 mode. The
other end of the bend is also connected to a rectangular waveguide operating in the
TE10 mode. The objective of such a bend is primarily to change the direction of

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propagation of the energy. Here, however, a block of dielectric is introduced as an

example of a lossy material interacting with an electromagnetic field.
The waveguide is made of aluminum. To reduce surface losses, the inside walls are
coated with copper, a high-conductivity metal. The dielectric block is modeled as
having electrical conductivity of = 0, relative permeability of r = 1, and a relative
permittivity of r = 2.1, with a loss tangent that is a function of temperature,
= 0.001(1 + T/300 K). The thermal conductivity of this block is also a function of
temperature, k = 0.3(1 + T/300 K) W/m/K. Furthermore, the density is 2200 kg/m3
and the specific heat is 1050 J/kg/K. These are generic properties representative of a
dielectric material.
At the operating frequency, the skin depth of the copper coating is much smaller than
the dimensions of the waveguide, that is, the electromagnetic fields penetrate a
negligible distance into the walls. This means that the electromagnetic losses can be
localized entirely on the surface, and that there is no need to solve Maxwells equations
inside of the walls themselves. Thus, Maxwells equations only need to be solved in the
air domain inside of the waveguide, as well as inside of the block. The heat transfer
equation is solved in the block as well as the waveguide walls.
The objective of the analysis is to observe how the assembly of the dielectric block and
waveguide heat up over time, as well as to find the steady-state temperature. The
waveguide is initially assumed to be at a constant temperature throughout. After the
power source is turned on, the electromagnetic fields interact with the highly
conductive interior boundaries of the waveguide, as well as the lossy dielectric block.
The losses in the block and on the walls are sources of heat that will raise the
temperature. The block is assumed to be in perfect thermal contact with the walls of
the waveguide, that is, any heat generated in the block will be conducted away into the
walls. The outside boundaries of the walls are assumed to be facing ambient air, which
will lead to free convective cooling off of these faces. This model uses an averaged heat
transfer coefficient to represent this free convection to ambient air.
The model solves two governing equations: Maxwells equations, which describe the
electromagnetic fields, and the heat transfer equation, which describes the
temperature. It is assumed that the operating frequency is much higher than any
thermal transients, and thus it is possible to solve the problem either in a
frequency-transient or a frequency-stationary sense.
A frequency-transient simulation solves Maxwells equations in the frequency domain.
This implicitly assumes that all material properties used to solve Maxwells equations
are constant over a single period of oscillation of the electromagnetic wave. The heat

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transfer equation is, on the other hand, is solved transiently. The electromagnetic fields
are only recomputed when the material properties have changed significantly, as
determined by a criterion involving the relative tolerance of the time-dependent solver.
The objective of the analysis is to determine the change in temperature from given
initial conditions and how long these changes take.
A frequency-stationary simulation solves Maxwells equations in the frequency
domain, but it solves the stationary heat transfer equation under the assumption that
all initial transient variations have died out. Although no transient information is
obtainable, this computation is significantly faster than a frequency-transient analysis
and gives the steady-state temperature distribution.

Results and Discussion

Figure 2 plots the peak temperature within the dielectric block over time, showing that
it takes several minutes for the block to reach thermal equilibrium.
Figure 3 plots the fields inside of the waveguide, as well as the temperature of the
assembly, for the steady-state temperature solution after all thermal transients have
died out. The dielectric block shows a significant temperature variation, which affects
the thermal conductivity and loss tangent, plotted in Figure 4.

Figure 2: The maximum temperature, evaluated over the volume of the block, is plotted as
a function of temperature.

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Figure 3: The electric fields (red arrows) magnetic fields (green arrows) and power flow
(blue arrows) are shown inside of the waveguide. The steady-state temperature is plotted
on the block and waveguide walls.

Figure 4: The loss tangent within the dielectric block for the steady-state solution shows that
the variation in temperature affects the material properties.

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Model Library path: RF_Module/Microwave_Heating/rf_heating

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Heat Transfer>Electromagnetic Heating>Microwave
Heating.
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies for Selected Physics
Interfaces>Frequency-Transient.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

f0

10[GHz]

1.0000E10 Hz

Current frequency

lda0

c_const/f0

0.029979 m

Wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*lda0

0.0059958 m

Maximum mesh element

size, air

Here, c_const is a predefined COMSOL constant for the speed of light in vacuum.

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GEOMETRY 1

First, import the geometry of the waveguide including a dielectric block inside the
waveguide.

Import 1 (imp1)
1 On the Model toolbar, click Import.
2 In the Settings window for Import, locate the Import section.
3 Click Browse.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
rf_heating.mphbin.

5 Click Import.

Use the wireframe rendering to see the inner parts of the waveguide.
6 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.
DEFINITIONS

Create a set of selections for use before setting up the physics. First, create a selection
for the dielectric block.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.

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2 Select Domain 3 only.

3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 1 and choose Rename.

4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Dielectric in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Add a selection for the air-filled region inside the waveguide.

Explicit 2
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.

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2 Select Domain 2 only.

3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 2 and choose Rename.

4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Air in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Add a selection for the waveguide structure.

Explicit 3
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.

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2 Select Domain 1 only.

3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 3 and choose Rename.

4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Waveguide in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Add a selection for the inner surface of the waveguide.

Explicit 4
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.

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4 Select Boundaries 1618, 35, 53, 54, 72, 74, 75, 78, 96, and 97 only.

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 4 and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Waveguide inside surfaces in the New
label text field.
7 Click OK.

Add a selection for the outer surface of the waveguide.

Explicit 5
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.

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4 Select Boundaries 4852, 55, 69, and 98 only.

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 5 and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Waveguide outside surfaces in the New
label text field.
7 Click OK.

To get a better view, suppress some of the boundaries. Furthermore, by assigning the
resulting settings to a View node, you can easily return to the same view later by
clicking the Go to View 2 button on the Graphics toolbar.

View 2
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Definitions and choose View.
2 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.
3 On the 3D view toolbar, click Hide Geometric Entities.
4 In the Settings window for Hide Geometric Entities, locate the Geometric Entity
Selection section.
5 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.

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6 Select Boundaries 18 and 50 only.

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Domain Selection section.
3 In the list, select 1.
4 Click Remove from Selection.
5 Select Domains 2 and 3 only.

Wave Equation, Electric 1

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain
(emw) node, then click Wave Equation, Electric 1.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Electric Displacement
Field section.
3 From the Electric displacement field model list, choose Loss tangent.
H E A T TR A N S F E R I N S O L I D S ( H T )

On the Physics toolbar, click Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw) and
choose Heat Transfer in Solids (ht).

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1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Heat Transfer in Solids
(ht).
2 In the Settings window for Heat Transfer in Solids, locate the Domain Selection

section.
3 In the list, select 2.
4 Click Remove from Selection.
5 Select Domains 1 and 3 only.

Heat Flux 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Heat Flux.
2 In the Settings window for Heat Flux, locate the Boundary Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Waveguide outside surfaces.
4 Locate the Heat Flux section. Click the Convective heat flux button.
5 In the h text field, type 5.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.
5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Wave Equation, Electric 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Wave Equation, Electric.
2 In the Settings window for Wave Equation, Electric, locate the Domain Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Air.

Impedance Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Impedance Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Impedance Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.

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3 From the Selection list, choose Waveguide inside surfaces.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 Select Boundary 15 only.

3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.
5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.
6 In the Pin text field, type 100.

Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.

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2 Select Boundary 79 only.

3 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of port list, choose Rectangular.
MATERIALS

Next, assign material properties on the model. Begin by specifying Aluminum for the
waveguide structure.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Aluminum.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

Aluminum (mat1)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Aluminum
(mat1).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Waveguide.

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ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

Air (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Air (mat2).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Air.

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 Select Domain 3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity (real

part)

epsilo
nPrim

2.1

Dielectric losses

delta

delta

0.001*
(T/
300[K]
)

Dielectric losses

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Thermal conductivity

0.3[W/
m/
K]*(T/
300[K]
)

W/
(mK)

Basic

Density

rho

2200

kg/m

Basic

Heat capacity at constant

pressure

Cp

1050

J/
(kgK)

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 3 (mat3) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Dielectric in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

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ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Copper.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Copper (mat4)
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Copper
(mat4).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 From the Selection list, choose Waveguide inside surfaces.
MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

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STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency-Transient
1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency-Transient.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency-Transient, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Times text field, type range(0,15,300).
4 Select the Relative tolerance check box.
5 In the associated text field, type 0.001.
6 In the Frequency text field, type f0.
7 In the Model Builder window, click Study 1.
8 In the Settings window for Study, locate the Study Settings section.
9 Clear the Generate default plots check box.
10 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Data Sets
Plot the transient response of the peak temperature.
1 On the Results toolbar, click More Data Sets and choose Evaluation>Maximum.

1D Plot Group 1
1 On the Results toolbar, click 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Maximum 1.
4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Point Graph.
5 In the Settings window for Point Graph, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the y-axis data section. From the menu, choose Model>Component 1>Heat
Transfer in Solids>Temperature>T - Temperature.
6 Locate the y-Axis Data section. From the Unit list, choose degC.
7 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Compare the resulting plot with that shown in Figure 2.

Next, add a Frequency-Stationary study to evaluate the peak temperature which can
be observed with the Frequency-Transient study after applying a enough long time so
the peak temperature is saturated.

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ADD STUDY

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to open the Add Study window.
2 Go to the Add Study window.
3 Find the Studies subsection. In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Empty
Study.
4 Click Add Study in the window toolbar.
5 On the Model toolbar, click Add Study to close the Add Study window.
STUDY 2

Step 1: Frequency-Stationary
1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Stationary>Frequency-Stationary.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency-Stationary, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequency text field, type f0.
4 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Temperature (ht)
The default plots show the distribution of the electric field norm and the temperature.
For the temperature plot, first change the unit to the degree Celsius and then, add
arrow plots of the electric fields, magnetic fields, and power flow.
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Temperature (ht) node, then click Surface 1.
2 In the Settings window for Surface, locate the Expression section.
3 From the Unit list, choose degC.
4 In the Model Builder window, right-click Temperature (ht) and choose Arrow Volume.
5 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>emw.Ex,emw.Ey,emw.Ez Electric field.
6 Locate the Arrow Positioning section. Find the x grid points subsection. In the Points

text field, type 40.

7 Find the y grid points subsection. In the Points text field, type 40.
8 Find the z grid points subsection. In the Points text field, type 1.
9 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

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10 Right-click Results>Temperature (ht)>Arrow Volume 1 and choose Duplicate.

11 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Magnetic>emw.Hx,emw.Hy,emw.Hz Magnetic field.
12 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Green.
13 Right-click Results>Temperature (ht)>Arrow Volume 2 and choose Duplicate.
14 In the Settings window for Arrow Volume, click Replace Expression in the upper-right

corner of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Energy and
power>emw.Poavx,...,emw.Poavz - Power flow, time average.
15 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color list, choose Blue

Compare the resulting plot with that shown in Figure 3.

Finally, reproduce the plot of the loss tangent on the dielectric block shown in
Figure 4. To create the plot, reuse the plot group named Isothermal Contours (ht).

Isothermal Contours (ht)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results right-click Isothermal Contours (ht) and

choose Rename.
2 In the Rename 3D Plot Group dialog box, type Loss Tangent (emw) in the New label

text field.
3 Click OK.

Loss Tangent (emw)

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Loss Tangent (emw) node.
2 Right-click Isosurface 1 and choose Delete.
3 Right-click Loss Tangent (emw) and choose Surface.
4 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Material properties>emw.delta - Loss
tangent.
5 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
6 Click the Zoom Box button on the Graphics toolbar and then use the mouse to zoom

in.

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Tunable Evanescent Mode Cavity

Fi lte r U s i ng a Pi ez o A c t u at or
Introduction
An evanescent mode cavity filter can be realized by adding a structure inside of the
cavity. This structure changes the resonant frequency below that of the dominant
mode of the unfilled cavity. A piezo actuator is used to control the size of a small air
gap which provides the tunability of the resonant frequency.
Piezo actuator disk
Slot
Shorted

Substrate

Lumped port

Microstrip line

Metallic post
Air-filled metallic cavity

Figure 1: A tunable evanescent mode cavity filter is composed of a rectangular cavity with
a metallic post, a piezo actuator disk, and slot-coupled microstrip lines. There is a small
gap between the top of the post and the bottom side of the piezo actuator. The front part of
the cavity wall is removed for visualization purposes.

Note: In addition to the RF Module, this model requires one of the Acoustics
Module, the MEMS Module, or the Structural Mechanics Module.

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Model Definition
This example starts from a basic rectangular cavity filter, whose resonant frequencies
are given by
c
m 2
n 2
l 2
f nml = ---------------------- -------- + ------- + -----
a
b
d
2 r r

(1)

where a and b are the waveguide aperture dimensions and d is the length of the
waveguide cavity. In this model, the cavity width, height, and length are a = 100 mm,
b = 50 mm, and d = 50 mm, respectively. The resulting resonant frequency of the
dominant mode, TE101, is 3.354 GHz.
By adding a metallic post and creating reactance inside the cavity, the resonance
frequency can be lowered. The cavity is air filled and the height of the post is slightly
smaller than b, which creates a small gap between the top of the post and the cavity
where the electric fields are confined. Two shorted 50 microstrip lines on a dielectric
substrate, fed by a lumped port, are coupled into the cavity. The dimensions and
locations of the slots can be adjusted to improve input matching properties and power
transfer between input and output ports. The air box around the microstrip lines are
enclosed by a scattering boundary condition representing the infinite air space. A
circular aperture at the top of the cavity is closed with a piezo actuator and the bottom
surface of the disk is finished with a layer of a highly conductive material that is several
skin depths in thickness.
Model all metal partsthe cavity walls, post, substrate ground planes, microstrip lines,
and the bottom surface of the piezo deviceas perfect electric conductors (PECs).
The material for the piezo actuator is Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT-5H). It is
z-polarized and generates mainly z-directional deflection of the device.
Mesh the model using a tetrahedral mesh with approximately five elements per
wavelength in each material at the highest simulation frequency. When the piezo
device deforms due to the input bias, the Moving Mesh interface is used to deform the
mesh for the Electromagnetic Waves physics.

Results and Discussion

A +300 V potential is applied across the piezo actuator, which causes the device to
deflect ~90 m toward the bottom; see Figure 2. This makes the reactance stronger
and shifts the resonant frequency lower than the negative bias case. Figure 3 plots the
electric field norm at the resonance. At the center of the cavity as well as in the gap

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between the top of the post and the bottom of the piezo device, strong electric fields
are observed.

Figure 2: This plot shows the total piezo displacement when 300 V is applied on the
actuator. The visualization is exaggerated to emphasize the deflection.
The S-parameters plotted in Figure 4 show the effect of the piezo device deflection on
the filters resonant frequency. The tunable frequency range of this model is ~40MHz.
This range can be adjusted by different choices of the piezo disk size and the input bias
voltage.

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Figure 3: The dominant mode inside the cavity is observed from the electric field
distribution plot.

Figure 4: The deflection for the piezo device controlled by the input bias can shift the
resonance frequency of the filter.

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Notes About the COMSOL Implementation

This model uses the built-in Piezoelectric Devices multiphysics interface which couples
the Solid Mechanics and Electrostatics interfaces through the Piezoelectric Effect node
located under the Multiphysics branch. Other physics interfaces used are Moving Mesh
and Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain. A Stationary study is used for the
Solid Mechanics, Electrostatics and Moving Mesh interfaces, and a Frequency Domain
study is used for the Electromagnetic Waves interface.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Passive_Devices/tunable_cavity_filter

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Structural Mechanics>Piezoelectric Devices.
3 Click Add.
4 In the Select physics tree, select Mathematics>Deformed Mesh>Moving Mesh (ale).
5 Click Add.
6 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
7 Click Add.
8 Click Study.
9 In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Empty Study.
10 Click Done.
GEOMETRY 1

The model geometry is available as a parameterized geometry sequence in a separate

MPH-file. If you want to build it from scratch, follow the instructions in the section
Appendix: Geometry Modeling Instructions. Otherwise load it from file with the

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following steps.
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Insert Sequence.
2 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
tunable_cavity_filter_geom_sequence.mph.

3 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Geometry 1 and

choose Build All Objects.

4 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

DEFINITIONS

Add parameters that are not related to geometry.

Parameters
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Global>Definitions node, then click
Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.

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3 In the table, enter the following settings:

Name

Expression

Value

Description

V0

300[V]

300.00 V

Piezo actuator bias

f_min

3[GHz]

3.0000E9 Hz

Minimum frequency sweep

f_max

3.06[GHz]

3.0600E9 Hz

Maximum frequency sweep

ldao

c_const/f_max

0.097971 m

Minimum wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*ldao

0.019594 m

Maximum element size,

air

Here, c_const is a predefined COMSOL constant for the speed of light in vacuum.
Create a set of selections for use when setting up the physics. First, create a selection
for the microstrip feed line.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, type Feed line in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Input Entities section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.
4 Select Boundaries 17, 22, 47, and 50 only.

Add a selection for the ground.

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Explicit 2
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, type Ground in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Input Entities section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.
4 Select Boundaries 6, 16, 28, 39, and 53 only.

Add a selection for the substrate.

Explicit 3
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, type Substrate in the Label text field.

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3 Select Domains 2, 4, 6, and 8 only.

Add a selection for the piezo actuator disk.

Explicit 4
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, type Piezo actuator in the Label text field.

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3 Select Domain 5 only.

Add a selection for fixed edges of the piezo disk.

Explicit 5
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, type Piezo fixed edges in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Input Entities section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose Edge.

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4 Select Edges 50, 51, 63, and 66 only.

Add a selection for the open boundaries of RF domain.

Explicit 6
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, type Open boundaries in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Input Entities section. From the Geometric entity level list, choose
Boundary.

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4 Select Boundaries 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 23, 25, 37, 38, 40, 41, 4345, 56, and 57

only.

Before defining materials, specify domains for each physics.

SOLID MECHANICS (SOLID)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Solid Mechanics
(solid).
2 In the Settings window for Solid Mechanics, locate the Domain Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Piezo actuator.
ELECTROSTATICS (ES)

On the Physics toolbar, click Solid Mechanics (solid) and choose Electrostatics (es).
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electrostatics (es).
2 In the Settings window for Electrostatics, locate the Domain Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Piezo actuator.

Set up the Moving Mesh interface. Because the substrate and air domains are
deflection free regions, do not include them in this physics.
MOVING MESH (ALE)

On the Physics toolbar, click Electrostatics (es) and choose Moving Mesh (ale).

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1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Moving Mesh (ale).
2 In the Settings window for Moving Mesh, locate the Domain Selection section.
3 Click Clear Selection.
4 Select Domain 1 only.

Set up the Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain interface. Suppress the piezo
actuator disk domain.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, FREQUENCY DOMAIN (EMW)

On the Physics toolbar, click Moving Mesh (ale) and choose Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw).
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic
Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).

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2 Select Domains 14 and 68 only.

Assign material properties. Use three materials for this model: PZT-5H, air, and a
user-defined substrate.
MATERIALS

On the Model toolbar, click More Windows and choose Add Material.
ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Piezoelectric>Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT-5H).
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT-5H) (mat1)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Lead
Zirconate Titanate (PZT-5H) (mat1).
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Piezo actuator.

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ADD MATERIAL

1 Go to the Add Material window.

2 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

Air (mat2)
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.
2 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Materials click Air (mat2).
3 Select Domains 1, 3, and 7 only.

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Substrate.
4 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

3.38

Basic

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Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

SOLID MECHANICS (SOLID)

Now, set up the physics constraints. Start by assuming the bottom rim of piezo
actuator part is attached on the same size circular aperture of the cavity top and no
deflection is expected.

Fixed Constraint 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Edges and choose Fixed Constraint.
2 In the Settings window for Fixed Constraint, locate the Edge Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Piezo fixed edges.
ELECTROSTATICS (ES)

Next, define the Electrostatics constraints.

Electric Potential 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Electric Potential.
2 Select Boundary 29 only.
3 In the Settings window for Electric Potential, locate the Electric Potential section.

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4 In the V0 text field, type -V0.

Ground 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Ground.
2 In the Settings window for Ground, locate the Boundary Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Ground.
MOVING MESH (ALE)

Prescribed Mesh Displacement 1

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Moving Mesh (ale) node, then click
Prescribed Mesh Displacement 1.
2 In the Settings window for Prescribed Mesh Displacement, locate the Prescribed
Mesh Displacement section.
3 In the dx text field, type u.
4 In the dy text field, type v.
5 In the dz text field, type w.

Free Deformation 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Free Deformation.
2 Select Domain 1 only.

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Prescribed Mesh Displacement 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Prescribed Mesh Displacement.
2 In the Settings window for Prescribed Mesh Displacement, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 Click Paste Selection.
4 In the Paste Selection dialog box, type 1-27,29-57 in the Selection text field.
5 Click OK.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.
2 In the Settings window for Perfect Electric Conductor, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Feed line.

Perfect Electric Conductor 3

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.
2 In the Settings window for Perfect Electric Conductor, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Ground.

Scattering Boundary Condition 1

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Scattering Boundary Condition.
2 In the Settings window for Scattering Boundary Condition, locate the Boundary
Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Open boundaries.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 14 only.
3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.

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4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 54 only.

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Before generating the mesh, set the physics to control the mesh size.
1 In the Model Builder window, click Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.
4 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.
5 In the Model Builder window, click Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
6 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Analysis Methodology section.
7 From the Methodology options list, choose Fast.
MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Mesh 1.

2 In the Settings window for Mesh, locate the Mesh Settings section.
3 From the Sequence type list, choose User-controlled mesh.

Size 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 click Size 1.
2 In the Settings window for Size, locate the Element Size Parameters section.
3 In the Maximum element size text field, type 10.
4 In the Minimum element size text field, type 2.

Free Tetrahedral 1
1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1 click Free
Tetrahedral 1.
2 In the Settings window for Free Tetrahedral, locate the Domain Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.
4 From the Selection list, choose All domains.
5 Select Domains 14 and 68 only.

Swept 1
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Mesh 1 and choose Swept.
2 In the Settings window for Swept, locate the Domain Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Domain.
4 Select Domain 5 only.

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Distribution 1
1 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Mesh 1>Swept 1 and choose Distribution.
2 In the Settings window for Distribution, locate the Distribution section.
3 In the Number of elements text field, type 2.
4 Click the Build All button.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Stationary
1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Stationary>Stationary.
2 In the Settings window for Stationary, locate the Physics and Variables Selection

section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain (emw)

physics

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Step 2: Frequency Domain

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Frequency Domain>Frequency
Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(f_min,2.5[MHz],f_max).
4 Locate the Physics and Variables Selection section. In the table, enter the following

settings:
Physics interface

Solve for

Discretization

Solid Mechanics

physics

Electrostatics

physics

Moving Mesh

physics

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

V0

-300,300

Parameter unit

5 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Stress (solid)
Replace the default stress plot by displacement plot.
1 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, type Displacement in the Label text

field.

Displacement
1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Results>Displacement node, then click
Surface 1.
2 In the Settings window for Surface, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Component 1>Solid

Mechanics>Displacement>solid.disp - Total displacement.
3 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

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4 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

This plot shows the deflected piezo actuator disk; compare with Figure 2.

Electric Potential (es)

The electric potential inside the piezo actuator disk

Electric Field (emw)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click Electric Field (emw).
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Parameter value (freq (Hz)) list, choose 3.0075E9.
4 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
5 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click
Multislice 1.
6 In the Settings window for Multislice, click to expand the Range section.
7 Select the Manual color range check box.
8 In the Maximum text field, type 1000.

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9 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The resulting plot shows strong electric fields resulting from the dominant
resonance at the center of the cavity as well as in the gap between the metallic post
and the ceiling of the cavity.Compare the plot with that shown in Figure 3.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, click to expand the Legend section.
2 From the Position list, choose Lower left.
3 In the Model Builder window, expand the S-Parameter (emw) node, then click Global
1.
4 In the Settings window for Global, locate the x-Axis Data section.
5 From the Unit list, choose GHz.
6 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

The plotted S-parameters show the frequency shift as a function of the input bias on
the piezo actuator; compare with Figure 4.

Appendix: Geometry Modeling Instructions

ROOT

On the Model toolbar, click Add Component and choose 3D.

DEFINITIONS

Load geometrical parameters from a file.

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 Click Load from File.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
tunable_cavity_filter_parameters.txt.
GEOMETRY 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Geometry 1.

2 In the Settings window for Geometry, locate the Units section.
3 From the Length unit list, choose mm.

First, create a block for the cavity.

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Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, type Cavity in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Size section. In the Width text field, type 100.
4 In the Depth text field, type 50.
5 In the Height text field, type 50.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.

Add a substrate block.

Block 2 (blk2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, type Substrate in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Size section. In the Width text field, type 25.
4 In the Depth text field, type 50.
5 In the Height text field, type thickness.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the x text field, type -37.5.
8 In the z text field, type 25+thickness/2.

Add a block for the air domain.

Block 3 (blk3)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, type Air block in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Size section. In the Width text field, type 25.
4 In the Depth text field, type 50.
5 In the Height text field, type 10.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the x text field, type -37.5.
8 In the z text field, type 30.
9 Click the Build Selected button.

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10 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

Add a block for the microstrip line feed.

Block 4 (blk4)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, type Feed_line in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Size section. In the Width text field, type l_feed+w_slot.
4 In the Depth text field, type 3.2.
5 In the Height text field, type thickness.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the x text field, type -x_slot-l_feed/2.
8 In the z text field, type 25+thickness/2.

Add a work plane where you will draw a slot.

Work Plane 1 (wp1)

1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.
2 In the Settings window for Work Plane, locate the Plane Definition section.
3 In the z-coordinate text field, type 25.

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Plane Geometry
Add a rectangle for the slot.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type w_slot.
4 In the Height text field, type l_slot.
5 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
6 In the xw text field, type -x_slot.
7 Click the Build Selected button.
8 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Generate the 2nd slot coupled microstrip line by mirroring some geometries.

Mirror 1 (mir1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Transforms and choose Mirror.
2 Select the objects wp1, blk3, blk2, and blk4 only.
3 In the Settings window for Mirror, locate the Input section.
4 Select the Keep input objects check box.
5 Locate the Normal Vector to Plane of Reflection section. In the x text field, type 1.

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6 In the z text field, type 0.

7 Click the Build All Objects button.

Add a block for the metal post in the middle of the cavity.

Block 5 (blk5)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, type Post in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Size section. In the Width text field, type 15.
4 In the Depth text field, type 15.
5 In the Height text field, type 50-gap_post.
6 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -7.5.
7 In the y text field, type -7.5.
8 In the z text field, type -25.
9 Click the Build Selected button.

Add a cylinder for the piezo actuator disk.

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, type Piezo actuator in the Label text field.
3 Locate the Size and Shape section. In the Radius text field, type 21.
4 In the Height text field, type 0.5.
5 Locate the Position section. In the z text field, type 25.
6 Click the Build Selected button.

The inside of the metal post is not part of the modeling domain. Therefore, subtract
it from the cavity.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the object blk1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the object blk5 only.
6 Click the Build All Objects button.
7 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

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V i v a ldi Ante nn a
Introduction
A tapered slot antenna, also known as a Vivaldi antenna, is useful for wide-band
applications. Here, an exponential function is used for the taper profile. The objective of
this model is to compute the far-field pattern and to compute the impedance of the
structure. Good matching is observed over a wide frequency band.

Shorted

Substrate
with PEC ground

Lumped port
on a microstrip line

Perfectly matched layer

Figure 1: The Vivaldi antenna is realized on a thin dielectric substrate. The entire domain is
bounded by a perfectly matched layer.

Model Definition
In this Vivaldi antenna model, the tapered slot is patterned with a perfect electric
conductor (PEC) ground plane on the top of the dielectric substrate. A simple exponential
function, e0.044x is used to create the tapered slot curves. One end of the slot is open to
air and the other end is finished with a circular slot. On the bottom of the substrate, the
shorted 50 microstrip feed line is modeled as PEC surfaces. The entire modeling
domain is bounded by a perfectly matched layer (PML) which acts like an anechoic

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chamber absorbing all radiated energy. To excite the antenna, a lumped port is used. The
model is meshed using a tetrahedral mesh with approximately five elements per wavelength
in each material and simulation frequency.

Results and Discussion

The simulated SWR plot, Figure 2, shows good wide-band matching properties. A Vivaldi
antenna utilizes traveling waves generating a directive radiation pattern toward the open
end of the tapered slot. The 3D far-field pattern in Figure 3 shows a directive radiation
pattern.

Figure 2: The frequency response SWR of the Vivaldi antenna shows wide-band impedance
matching, better than 2:1 in most of the simulated frequency range.

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Figure 3: 3D far-field pattern at 5.5 GHz shows a directional radiation pattern.

References
1. D.M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
2. C.A. Balanis, Antenna Theory, John Wiley & Sons, 1997.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Antennas/vivaldi_antenna

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

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MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
GEOMETRY 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Geometry 1.

2 In the Settings window for Geometry, locate the Units section.
3 From the Length unit list, choose mm.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

thickness

60[mil]

0.001524 m

Substrate thickness

w_slot

0.5[mm]

5.000E-4 m

Slot with

f_min

2.0[GHz]

2.000E9 Hz

Minimum frequency in
sweep

f_max

6.5[GHz]

6.500E9 Hz

Maximum frequency in
sweep

f0

f_max

6.500E9 Hz

Current frequency in
sweep

lda0

c_const/f0

0.04612 m

Current wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*lda0

0.009224 m

Maximum element size,

air

Here, 'mil' refers to the unit milliinch and c_const is a predefined COMSOL constant
for the speed of light in vacuum.

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GEOMETRY 1

Create a block for the antenna substrate.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 110.
4 In the Depth text field, type 80.
5 In the Height text field, type thickness.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 1 (blk1) and choose Rename.
8 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
9 Click OK.

Next, add a block for the 50 microstrip feed line.

Block 2 (blk2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 3.2.
4 In the Depth text field, type 40+w_slot/2.
5 In the Height text field, type thickness.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the x text field, type -26.
8 In the y text field, type -20+w_slot/4.
9 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 2 (blk2) and choose Rename.
10 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Feed line in the New label text field.
11 Click OK.

Next, create a work plane where you will draw the Vivaldi antenna pattern. Use two
parametric curves for the tapered slot.

Work Plane 1 (wp1)

1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.
2 In the Settings window for Work Plane, locate the Plane Definition section.
3 In the z-coordinate text field, type thickness/2.

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Plane Geometry
1 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Add a parametric curve using the exponential profile.

Parametric Curve 1 (pc1)

1 On the Geometry toolbar, click More Primitives and choose Parametric Curve.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Curve, locate the Parameter section.
3 In the Maximum text field, type 70.
4 Locate the Expressions section. In the xw text field, type s-15.
5 In the yw text field, type exp(0.044*s)-1+w_slot/2.

Generate the other parametric curve by mirroring the first one.

Mirror 1 (mir1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Transforms and choose Mirror.
2 In the Settings window for Mirror, locate the Normal Vector to Line of Reflection section.
3 In the yw text field, type 1.
4 In the xw text field, type 0.
5 Locate the Input section. Select the Keep input objects check box.
6 Select the object pc1 only.
7 Click the Build Selected button.

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Add a rectangle describing the thin slot connected to the tapered slot.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 20.
4 In the Height text field, type w_slot.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -35.
6 In the yw text field, type -w_slot/2.

Add a circle attached to the end of the slot.

Circle 1 (c1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 12.
4 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -40.5.

Create a union of the circle and the rectangle to remove unnecessary boundaries.

Union 1 (uni1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Union.
2 Select the objects r1 and c1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Union, locate the Union section.
4 Clear the Keep interior boundaries check box.

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5 On the Work plane toolbar, click Build All.

Add a sphere for the PMLs. Use a layer definition to create a shell-type structure.

Sphere 1 (sph1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Sphere.
2 In the Settings window for Sphere, locate the Size section.
3 In the Radius text field, type 110.
4 Click to expand the Layers section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Layer name

Thickness (mm)

Layer 1

30

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Sphere 1 (sph1) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Sphere dialog box, type PML in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.
8 Click the Build All Objects button.
9 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Choose wireframe rendering to get a better view of the interior parts.

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10 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

DEFINITIONS

Add a perfectly matched layer.

Perfectly Matched Layer 1 (pml1)

1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Perfectly Matched Layer.
2 Select Domains 14 and 811 only.
3 In the Settings window for Perfectly Matched Layer, locate the Geometry section.
4 From the Type list, choose Spherical.

View 1
Hide some domains to get a better view of the interior parts when setting up the physics
and reviewing the mesh.
1 On the 3D view toolbar, click Hide Geometric Entities.

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2 Select Domains 2, 5, and 9 only.

EL E CTROM AG N ET IC WAVE S, FREQ U E NCY DO M AI N (E M W)

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic Waves,
Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.
5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose Fast.

Now set up the physics. Use the selections already defined when assigning boundary
conditions.

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.
2 Select Boundaries 16, 21, 22, 24, and 27 only.
3 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains and choose Far-Field Domain.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.

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2 Click the Zoom In button on the Graphics toolbar.

3 Click the Zoom In button on the Graphics toolbar.
4 Select Boundary 20 only.

5 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
6 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.
MATERIALS

Assign material properties for the model. First, use air for all domains.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
1 Go to the Add Material window.
2 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
3 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Override the substrate with a dielectric material of r = 3.38.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.

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2 Select Domains 6 and 7 only.

3 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Material Contents section.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

3.38

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.
MESH 1

1 In the Settings window for Mesh, locate the Mesh Settings section.
2 From the Element size list, choose Coarse.
3 Click the Build All button.

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STUDY 1

Parametric Sweep
1 On the Study toolbar, click Parametric Sweep.
2 In the Settings window for Parametric Sweep, locate the Study Settings section.
3 Click Add.
4 In the table, enter the following settings:
Parameter name

Parameter value list

f0

range(f_min,0.5[GHz],f_max)

Parameter unit

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type f0.
4 On the Study toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click Multislice
1.
2 In the Settings window for Multislice, locate the Expression section.
3 In the Expression text field, type 20*log10(emw.normE).
4 Locate the Multiplane Data section. Find the x-planes subsection. In the Planes text field,

type 0.
5 Find the y-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.

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6 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

Strong electric fields are observed in the slot and microstrip line.

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Polar Plot Group 2

2D far-field radiation patterns in the xy-plane plotted for all frequencies.

3D Plot Group 3
1 In the Model Builder window, under Results click 3D Plot Group 3.
2 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Parameter value (f0 (1/s)) list, choose 5.500E9.
4 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot.
5 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

Compare the resulting 3D radiation pattern plot with Figure 3.

1D Plot Group 4
1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Plot Group and choose 1D Plot Group.
2 In the Settings window for 1D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
3 From the Data set list, choose Study 1/Parametric Solutions 1.
4 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Global.
5 In the Settings window for Global, locate the x-Axis Data section.
6 From the Axis source data list, choose Outer solutions.
7 Click to expand the Legends section. Clear the Show legends check box.

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8 Locate the y-Axis Data section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Expression

Unit

Description

(1+abs(emw.S11))/
(1-abs(emw.S11))

SWR

9 On the 1D plot group toolbar, click Plot.

This SWR plot replicates the wide-band frequency response shown in Figure 2.

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Waveguide Adapter
Introduction
This is a model of an adapter for microwave propagation in the transition between a
rectangular and an elliptical waveguide. Such waveguide adapters are designed to keep
energy losses due to reflections at a minimum for the operating frequencies. To
investigate the characteristics of the adapter, the simulation includes a wave traveling
from a rectangular waveguide through the adapter and into an elliptical waveguide.
The S-parameters are calculated as functions of the frequency. The involved
frequencies are all in the single-mode range of the waveguide, that is, the frequency
range where only one mode is propagating in the waveguide.

Model Definition
The waveguide adapter consists of a rectangular part smoothly transcending into an
elliptical part as seen in Figure 1.

Figure 1: The geometry of the waveguide adapter.

The walls of manufactured waveguides are typically plated with a good conductor such
as silver. The model approximates the walls by perfect conductors. This is represented
by the boundary condition n E = 0.

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The rectangular port is excited by a transverse electric (TE) wave, which is a wave that
has no electric field component in the direction of propagation. This is what an
incoming wave would look like after traveling through a straight rectangular
waveguide with the same cross section as the rectangular part of the adapter. The
excitation frequencies are selected so that the TE10 mode is the only propagating mode
through the rectangular waveguide. The cutoff frequencies for the different modes can
be achieved analytically from the relation
2

c m
n
( c ) mn = --- ----- + ---
2 a
b

where m and n are the mode numbers, and c is the speed of light. For the TE10 mode,
m = 1 and n = 0. With the dimensions of the rectangular cross section (a = 2.286 cm
and b = 1.016 cm), the TE10 mode is the only propagating mode for frequencies
between 6.6 GHz and 14.7 GHz.
Although the shape of the TE10 mode is known analytically, this model lets you
compute it using a numerical port. This technique is very general, in that it allows the
port boundary to have any shape. The solved equation is
2

2 2

( n H n ) + ( n k 0 )H n = 0
Here Hn is the component of the magnetic field perpendicular to the boundary, n the
refractive index, the propagation constant in the direction perpendicular to the
boundary, and k0 the free space wave number. The eigenvalues are = j.
The same equation is solved separately at the elliptical end of the waveguide. The
elliptical port is passive, but the eigenmode is still used in the boundary condition of
the 3D propagating wave simulation. The dimensions of the elliptical end of the
waveguide are such that the frequency range for the lowest propagating mode overlaps
that of the rectangular port.
With the stipulated excitation at the rectangular port and the numerically established
mode shapes as boundary conditions, the following equation is solved for the electric
field vector E inside the waveguide adapter:
1
2
j
( r E ) k 0 r --------- E = 0

where r denotes the relative permeability, j the imaginary unit, the conductivity,
the angular frequency, r the relative permittivity, and 0 the permittivity of free space.
The model uses the following material properties for free space: = 0 and r = r = 1.

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Results
Figure 2 shows a single-mode wave propagating through the waveguide.

Figure 2: The x component of the propagating wave inside the waveguide adapter at the
frequency 10 GHz.
Naming the rectangular port Port 1 and the elliptical port Port 2, the S-parameters
describing the reflection and transmission of the wave are defined as follows:

( ( E c E 1 ) E 1 ) dA 1

1
---------------------------------------------------------------S 11 = Port
( E 1 E 1 ) dA 1

Port 1

( E c E 2 ) dA 2

Port 2
S 21 = ----------------------------------------------*
( E 2 E 2 ) dA 2

Port 2

Here Ec is the calculated total field. E1 is the analytical field for the port excitation,
and E2 is the eigenmode calculated from the boundary mode analysis and normalized

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with respect to the outgoing power flow. Figure 3 shows the S11 and S21 parameters
as functions of the frequency.

Figure 3: The S11 parameter and S21 parameter (in dB) as a function of the frequency.
This parameter describes the reflections when the waveguide adapter is excited at the
rectangular port and a measure of the part of the wave that is transmitted through the
elliptical port when the waveguide adapter is excited at the rectangular port, respectively.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Transmission_Lines_and_Waveguides/

waveguide_adapter

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.
NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

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2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency

Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Custom Studies>Empty Study.
6 Click Done.
STUDY 1

Step 1: Boundary Mode Analysis

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Other>Boundary Mode Analysis.
2 In the Settings window for Boundary Mode Analysis, locate the Study Settings

section.
3 In the Mode analysis frequency text field, type 7[GHz]. The exact value of this

frequency is not important. What matters is that it should be above the cutoff
frequency for the fundamental mode, but below that for the next mode. This setting
ensures that the boundary mode analysis finds the fundamental mode.
Add another boundary mode analysis, for the second port.

Step 2: Boundary Mode Analysis 2

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Other>Boundary Mode Analysis.
2 In the Settings window for Boundary Mode Analysis, locate the Study Settings

section.
3 In the Port name text field, type 2.
4 In the Mode analysis frequency text field, type 7[GHz].

Finally, add the 3D equation for the propagating wave in the waveguide.

Step 3: Frequency Domain

1 On the Study toolbar, click Study Steps and choose Frequency Domain>Frequency
Domain.

Proceed to import the geometry.

GEOMETRY 1

Import 1 (imp1)
1 On the Model toolbar, click Import.
2 In the Settings window for Import, locate the Import section.

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3 Click Browse.
4 Browse to the models Model Library folder and double-click the file
waveguide_adapter.mphbin.

5 Click Import.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Air (mat1)
By default, the first material you add applies on all domains so you need not alter any
settings.
E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Physics-Controlled Mesh section.
3 Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

4 In the Maximum element size text field, type c_const/1.0e10[Hz]/6.
5 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
3 From the Type of port list, choose Numeric.
4 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.
5 Select Boundary 13 only. The wave enters the adapter through the port with a

rectangular cross section.

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Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Port.
2 In the Settings window for Port, locate the Port Properties section.
3 From the Type of port list, choose Numeric.
4 In the Port name text field, type 2.
5 Select Boundary 6 only. This is the exit port, the one with an elliptical cross-section.
MESH 1

In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and choose
Build All.
STUDY 1

Now set up the study to find the boundary modes and use them when computing the
field distribution over a range of frequencies.

Step 1: Boundary Mode Analysis

1 In the Model Builder window, expand the Study 1 node, then click Step 1: Boundary
Mode Analysis.
2 In the Settings window for Boundary Mode Analysis, locate the Study Settings

section.
3 In the Search for modes around text field, type 50. This value should be in the vicinity

of the value that you expect the fundamental mode to have. If you do not know this
in advance, you can experiment with some different values or estimate one from
analytical formulas valid for cross-sections resembling yours.
4 From the Transform list, choose Out-of-plane wave number.

Step 2: Boundary Mode Analysis 2

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 2: Boundary Mode Analysis 2.
2 In the Settings window for Boundary Mode Analysis, locate the Study Settings

section.
3 In the Search for modes around text field, type 50.
4 From the Transform list, choose Out-of-plane wave number.

Step 3: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 3: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(6.6e9,3.4e9/49,1.0e10).

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4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.

RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

1 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.

The default plot shows the norm of the electric field on slices through the
waveguide; you can simplify and improve this plot.
First, delete the Multislice plot.
2 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node.
3 Right-click Multislice 1 and choose Delete.
4 Right-click Electric Field (emw) and choose Slice.
5 In the Settings window for Slice, click Replace Expression in the upper-right corner

of the Expression section. From the menu, choose Model>Component

1>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain>Electric>Electric field>emw.Ex - Electric
field, x component.
6 Locate the Coloring and Style section. From the Color table list, choose WaveLight.
7 Locate the Plane Data section. In the Planes text field, type 1.

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8 On the 3D plot group toolbar, click Plot. The plot now shows the x-component of

the electric field at the highest frequency, 10 GHz (compare with Figure 2). If you
would like to see the field for other frequencies, you can select them by clicking on
the Electric Field (emw) plot group.
Proceed by checking the plot of the S-parameters as functions of the frequency.

S-Parameter (emw)
1 Select the S-Parameter (emw) plot group under Results in Model Builder. The plot

should closely resemble that in Figure 3.

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SMA Connectorized Wilkinson Power

Di v i de r
Introduction
Resistive power dividers and T-junction power dividers are two conventional types of
three-port power dividers. Such dividers are either lossy or not matched to the system
reference impedance at all ports. In addition, isolation between two coupled ports is
not guaranteed. The Wilkinson power divider outperforms both the lossless T-junction
divider and the resistive divider and does not have the issues mentioned above. This
example shows how to model such a device.
Metal package

Coaxial lumped port

SMA receptacle

Metal screw

Coaxial lumped port

100 resistor

Figure 1: A Wilkinson power divider is fabricated on a 60 mil substrate. An SMA

receptacle is added on each port and the circuit board is suspended in the metal package
using screws.

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Model Definition
The Wilkinson power divider is a three-port device composed of 50 and 70.7
microstrip lines on a dielectric substrate with a ground plane and a 100 resistor
mounted between two ports. The model also includes a metal enclosure, screws, and
SMA receptacles connected to each port representing a complete package of a power
divider shown in Figure 1. Model all microstrip lines, the SMA receptacles, screws, and
the metal package using perfect electric conductor (PEC) boundaries. The SMA
receptacle and screw domains enclosed by these PEC boundaries are not part of the
model analysis. The relative dielectric constant, r, of the 60 mil substrate is 3.38. The
boundaries facing the dielectric-filled coaxial connector of the SMA receptacles are
specified as coaxial lumped ports. The 100 resistor is realized via a uniform lumped
port with100 characteristic impedance.

Results and Discussion

Figure 2 shows the symmetric E-field norm distribution on the top of the substrate.
The input energy is equally coupled to each output port.

Figure 2: The E-field norm plot shows that the input is evenly split between the two output
ports.

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The S-parameters plotted in Figure 3 show the frequency response of the Wilkinson
power divider. Good input impedance matching characteristics are observed and the
coupled power at each output port is about 3 dB around 3 GHz.

Figure 3: The S-parameters show very good input matching at 3 GHz and evenly divided
power at the two output ports.

References
1. D.M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
2. R.E. Collin, Foundation of Microwave Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 1992.

Model Library path: RF_Module/Passive_Devices/wilkinson_power_divider

Modeling Instructions
From the File menu, choose New.

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NEW

1 In the New window, click Model Wizard.

MODEL WIZARD

1 In the Model Wizard window, click 3D.

2 In the Select physics tree, select Radio Frequency>Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency
Domain (emw).
3 Click Add.
4 Click Study.
5 In the Select study tree, select Preset Studies>Frequency Domain.
6 Click Done.
DEFINITIONS

Parameters
1 On the Model toolbar, click Parameters.
2 In the Settings window for Parameters, locate the Parameters section.
3 In the table, enter the following settings:
Name

Expression

Value

Description

r_ring

8.5[mm]

0.0085000 m

Radius, microstrip line

ring

w_subs

30[mm]

0.030000 m

Width, substrate

l_subs

26[mm]

0.026000 m

Length, susbtrate

r_inner

0.635[mm]

6.3500E-4 m

Radius, coax inner

r_outer

2.05[mm]

0.0020500 m

Radius, coax outer

l_sma

8[mm]

0.0080000 m

Length, SMA

f_min

2[GHz]

2.0000E9 Hz

Minimum frequency in
sweep

f_max

4[GHz]

4.0000E9 Hz

Maximum frequency in
sweep

lda0

c_const/f_max

0.074948 m

Wavelength, air

h_max

0.2*lda0

0.014990 m

Maximum mesh size, air

Here, c_const is a predefined COMSOL constant for the speed of light in vacuum.
GEOMETRY 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Geometry 1.

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2 In the Settings window for Geometry, locate the Units section.

3 From the Length unit list, choose mm.

First, create the substrate.

Block 1 (blk1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type w_subs.
4 In the Depth text field, type l_subs.
5 In the Height text field, type 1.524.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the z text field, type -0.762.
8 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 1 (blk1) and choose Rename.
9 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
10 Click OK.

Add a block for the metal package.

Block 2 (blk2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type w_subs.
4 In the Depth text field, type l_subs.
5 In the Height text field, type 20.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the z text field, type 2.
8 Click the Build Selected button.

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9 Click the Wireframe Rendering button on the Graphics toolbar.

10 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 2 (blk2) and choose Rename.

11 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Package in the New label text field.
12 Click OK.

Add a work plane for drawing the layout of the power divider.
13 On the Geometry toolbar, click Work Plane.

Plane Geometry
Add two circles to create the ring strip part.

Circle 1 (c1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.
2 Click the Zoom Extents button on the Graphics toolbar.
3 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
4 In the Radius text field, type r_ring.
5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Work Plane 1 (wp1)>Plane
Geometry>Circle 1 (c1) and choose Rename.
6 In the Rename Circle dialog box, type Ring outer in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

Circle 2 (c2)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Circle.

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2 In the Settings window for Circle, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type r_ring-1.87.
4 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Work Plane 1 (wp1)>Plane
Geometry>Circle 2 (c2) and choose Rename.
5 In the Rename Circle dialog box, type Ring inner in the New label text field.
6 Click OK.

Rectangle 1 (r1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 2.
4 In the Height text field, type 3.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -1.
6 In the yw text field, type -9.
7 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Work Plane 1 (wp1)>Plane
Geometry>Rectangle 1 (r1) and choose Rename.
8 In the Rename Rectangle dialog box, type Ring cut in the New label text field.
9 Click OK.

Difference 1 (dif1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Difference.
2 Select the object c1 only.
3 In the Settings window for Difference, locate the Difference section.
4 Find the Objects to subtract subsection. Select the Active toggle button.
5 Select the objects r1 and c2 only.

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6 Click the Build Selected button.

Add a rectangle for the 100 ohm resistor.

Rectangle 2 (r2)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 2.
4 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -1.
5 In the yw text field, type -8.
6 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Work Plane 1 (wp1)>Plane
Geometry>Rectangle 2 (r2) and choose Rename.
7 In the Rename Rectangle dialog box, type Lumped element in the New label text

field.
8 Click OK.

Add rectangles for the 50 ohm microstrip feed lines.

Rectangle 3 (r3)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 3.2.
4 In the Height text field, type 5.

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5 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
6 In the yw text field, type 10.5.

Rectangle 4 (r4)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 3.2.
4 In the Height text field, type 2.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -7.
6 From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the yw text field, type -12.

Rectangle 5 (r5)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Primitives and choose Rectangle.
2 In the Settings window for Rectangle, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 3.2.
4 In the Height text field, type 6.
5 Locate the Position section. In the xw text field, type -8.6.
6 In the yw text field, type -11.
7 Locate the Rotation Angle section. In the Rotation text field, type -28.

Mirror 1 (mir1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Transforms and choose Mirror.
2 Select the objects r4 and r5 only.
3 In the Settings window for Mirror, locate the Input section.
4 Select the Keep input objects check box.

Create a union of all objects except the small rectangle for the resistor (r2) to remove
unnecessary boundaries.

Union 1 (uni1)
1 On the Work plane toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Union.
2 Select the objects mir1(1), dif1, mir1(2), r3, r4, and r5 only.
3 In the Settings window for Union, locate the Union section.
4 Clear the Keep interior boundaries check box.

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5 On the Work plane toolbar, click Build All.

The power divider layout drawn on the substrate.

Create the coax SMA receptacle composed of the coax inner and outer conductors, the
SMA connector part, and the flange.

Cylinder 1 (cyl1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Radius text field, type r_inner.
4 In the Height text field, type l_sma+2.
5 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -7.
6 In the y text field, type -l_subs/2-l_sma.
7 Locate the Axis section. From the Axis type list, choose y-axis.
8 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 1 (cyl1) and choose Rename.
9 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type Coax inner in the New label text field.
10 Click OK.

Cylinder 2 (cyl2)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.

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3 In the Radius text field, type r_outer+0.6.

4 In the Height text field, type l_sma.
5 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -7.
6 In the y text field, type -l_subs/2-l_sma.
7 Locate the Axis section. From the Axis type list, choose y-axis.
8 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 2 (cyl2) and choose Rename.
9 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type SMA in the New label text field.
10 Click OK.

Block 3 (blk3)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Block.
2 In the Settings window for Block, locate the Size section.
3 In the Width text field, type 12.7.
4 In the Depth text field, type 12.7.
5 In the Height text field, type 1.65.
6 Locate the Position section. From the Base list, choose Center.
7 In the x text field, type -7.
8 In the y text field, type -(l_subs+1.65)/2.
9 Locate the Axis section. From the Axis type list, choose y-axis.
10 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Block 3 (blk3) and choose Rename.
11 In the Rename Block dialog box, type Flange in the New label text field.
12 Click OK.

Create a union of a couple of objects, the SMA connector, and the flange to remove
unnecessary boundaries.

Union 1 (uni1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Booleans and Partitions and choose Union.
2 Select the objects cyl2 and blk3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Union, locate the Union section.
4 Clear the Keep interior boundaries check box.

Cylinder 3 (cyl3)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.

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3 In the Radius text field, type r_outer.

4 In the Height text field, type l_sma.
5 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -7.
6 In the y text field, type -l_subs/2-l_sma.
7 Locate the Axis section. From the Axis type list, choose y-axis.
8 Click the Build Selected button.

9 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 3 (cyl3) and choose Rename.

10 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type Coax dielectric in the New label text

field.
11 Click OK.

Create two more SMA receptacles.

Copy 1 (copy1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Transforms and choose Copy.
2 Select the objects uni1, cyl1, and cyl3 only.
3 In the Settings window for Copy, locate the Displacement section.
4 In the x text field, type 7,14.

Rotate 1 (rot1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Transforms and choose Rotate.

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2 Select the objects copy1(1), copy1(3), and copy1(5) only.

3 In the Settings window for Rotate, locate the Rotation Angle section.
4 In the Rotation text field, type 180.

Add a cylinder for the metal screw.

Cylinder 4 (cyl4)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Cylinder.
2 In the Settings window for Cylinder, locate the Size and Shape section.
3 In the Height text field, type 8.
4 Locate the Position section. In the x text field, type -12.
5 In the y text field, type -10.
6 In the z text field, type -8.
7 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Geometry 1>Cylinder 4 (cyl4) and choose Rename.
8 In the Rename Cylinder dialog box, type Screw in the New label text field.
9 Click OK.

Array 1 (arr1)
1 On the Geometry toolbar, click Transforms and choose Array.
2 Select the object cyl4 only.
3 In the Settings window for Array, locate the Size section.
4 In the x size text field, type 2.
5 In the y size text field, type 2.
6 Locate the Displacement section. In the x text field, type 24.
7 In the y text field, type 20.

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8 Click the Build All Objects button.

DEFINITIONS

Create a set of selections to use when setting up the physics. Begin with the microstrip
line boundaries including the substrate ground plane.

Explicit 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 In the Settings window for Explicit, locate the Input Entities section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.

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4 Select Boundaries 6, 54, 61, 102, and 147 only.

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 1 and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Microstrip line in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

Add a selection for the substrate.

Explicit 2
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.

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2 Select Domains 2, 11, 15, and 21 only.

3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 2 and choose Rename.

4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Add a selection for the coax dielectric (PTFE).

Explicit 3
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.
2 Select Domains 9, 14, and 19 only.
3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 3 and choose Rename.
4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Coax dielectric in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Add a selection for the domains consisting of metal. These domains are not part of the
model analysis.

Explicit 4
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Explicit.

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2 Select Domains 48, 10, 12, 13, 1618, 20, and 2226 only.

3 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Explicit 4 and choose Rename.

4 In the Rename Explicit dialog box, type Metal volume in the New label text field.
5 Click OK.

Define the model domain, which is the complement of the metal volume selection.

Complement 1
1 On the Definitions toolbar, click Complement.
2 In the Settings window for Complement, locate the Input Entities section.
3 Under Selections to invert, click Add.
4 In the Add dialog box, select Metal volume in the Selections to invert list.
5 Click OK.
6 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Definitions>Complement 1 and choose Rename.
7 In the Rename Complement dialog box, type Model domain in the New label text

field.
8 Click OK.

View 1
Suppress some boundaries to get a view of the interior while setting the physics and
mesh.

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1 On the 3D view toolbar, click Hide Geometric Entities.

2 In the Settings window for Hide Geometric Entities, locate the Geometric Entity
Selection section.
3 From the Geometric entity level list, choose Boundary.
4 Select Boundaries 7, 8, and 10 only.

Now, set up the physics.

E LE C TROM A GN E TI C WAVES , FRE QU E NC Y D OM AI N ( EM W )

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) click Electromagnetic

Waves, Frequency Domain (emw).
2 In the Settings window for Electromagnetic Waves, Frequency Domain, locate the
Domain Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Model domain.
4 Locate the Physics-Controlled Mesh section. Select the Enable check box.

Set the maximum mesh size to 0.2 wavelengths or smaller.

5 In the Maximum element size text field, type h_max.
6 Locate the Analysis Methodology section. From the Methodology options list, choose
Fast.

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Perfect Electric Conductor 1

The Perfect Electric Conductor applies by default to all exterior boundaries. After
restricting the Electromagnetics Waves, Frequency Domain interface to the model
domain, these outer boundaries include the coax SMA receptacles and the metal
screws. Add a Perfect Electric Conductor condition to the microstrip line and the
substrate ground plane.

Perfect Electric Conductor 2

1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Perfect Electric Conductor.
2 In the Settings window for Perfect Electric Conductor, locate the Boundary Selection

section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Microstrip line.

Proceed with the Lumped Port conditions.

Lumped Port 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 95 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of lumped port list, choose Coaxial.
5 From the Wave excitation at this port list, choose On.

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Lumped Port 2
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.
2 Select Boundary 51 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of lumped port list, choose Coaxial.

Lumped Port 3
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Port.

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2 Select Boundary 136 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Port, locate the Lumped Port Properties section.
4 From the Type of lumped port list, choose Coaxial.

Add a lumped element for the 100 ohm resistor.

Lumped Element 1
1 On the Physics toolbar, click Boundaries and choose Lumped Element.

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2 Select Boundary 97 only.

3 In the Settings window for Lumped Element, locate the Settings section.
4 In the Zelement text field, type 100[ohm].
MATERIALS

Next, assign material properties. First, specify air for all domains.
ADD MATERIAL

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to open the Add Material window.
2 Go to the Add Material window.
3 In the tree, select Built-In>Air.
4 Click Add to Component in the window toolbar.
MATERIALS

1 On the Model toolbar, click Add Material to close the Add Material window.

Override the material for the substrate domains with a dielectric material of r = 3.38.

Material 2 (mat2)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Substrate.

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4 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

3.38

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 2 (mat2) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type Substrate in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

Similarly, override the coax dielectric domains with a material of r = 2.1.

Material 3 (mat3)
1 In the Model Builder window, right-click Materials and choose Blank Material.
2 In the Settings window for Material, locate the Geometric Entity Selection section.
3 From the Selection list, choose Coax dielectric.
4 Locate the Material Contents section. In the table, enter the following settings:
Property

Name

Value

Unit

Property group

Relative permittivity

epsilonr

2.1

Basic

Relative permeability

mur

Basic

Electrical conductivity

sigma

S/m

Basic

5 Right-click Component 1 (comp1)>Materials>Material 3 (mat3) and choose Rename.

6 In the Rename Material dialog box, type PTFE in the New label text field.
7 Click OK.

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MESH 1

1 In the Model Builder window, under Component 1 (comp1) right-click Mesh 1 and

choose Build All.

STUDY 1

Step 1: Frequency Domain

1 In the Model Builder window, under Study 1 click Step 1: Frequency Domain.
2 In the Settings window for Frequency Domain, locate the Study Settings section.
3 In the Frequencies text field, type range(f_min,0.1[GHz],f_max).
4 On the Model toolbar, click Compute.
RESULTS

Electric Field (emw)

The default plot shows the E-field norm distribution. Change the settings to plot the
E-field norm on the substrate.
1 In the Settings window for 3D Plot Group, locate the Data section.
2 From the Parameter value (freq (Hz)) list, choose 3.0000E9.

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3 In the Model Builder window, expand the Electric Field (emw) node, then click
Multislice 1.
4 In the Settings window for Multislice, locate the Multiplane Data section.
5 Find the x-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
6 Find the y-planes subsection. In the Planes text field, type 0.
7 Find the z-planes subsection. From the Entry method list, choose Coordinates.
8 In the Coordinates text field, type 0.
9 Click to expand the Range section. Select the Manual color range check box.
10 In the Maximum text field, type 1000.

The resulting plot shows the E-field equally split between Port 2 and Port 3.
Compare with Figure 2.

S-Parameter (emw)
The reproduced plot shows the calculated S-parameters. Compare with Figure 3.

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