Feko is a comprehensive electromagnetic solver with multiple solution methods that is used for electromagnetic field analyses
involving 3D objects of arbitrary shapes.
3D views are used to display and interact with the model. You can zoom, rotate and pan around a 3D model using the keyboard,
mouse or a combination of both. You can use a 3D mouse, specify a view or select specific parts of a model. Multiple 3D
views are supported.
Define field or current data using either far field data, near field data, spherical mode data or PCB current data. The
field/current definition is used when defining an equivalent source or a receiving antenna.
Define a medium with specific material properties, import a predefined medium from the media library or add a medium from
your model to the media library.
Defined media can be applied to the model in various ways. Some media settings are applied to regions, others on faces
and wires. The rules for defining media varies between the different solution methods.
Use a periodic boundary condition (PBC) to analyse infinite periodic structures. A typical application of PBC is to
analyse frequency selective surface (FSS) structures.
Create an arbitrary finite antenna array that consists of an array of contributing elements, either with direct feeds for
each element or via indirect coupling, and solve with the efficient domain Green's function method (DGFM).
Use the windscreen tools to define a curved reference surface constrained by a cloud of points, normals and optional U′V′ parameters. The constrained surface is then used as a reference to create a work surface where windscreen layers and curved
parameterised windscreen antenna elements can be created.
Many electromagnetic compatibility and interference problems involve cables that either radiate, irradiate or cause coupling
into other cables, devices or antennas. Use the cable modelling tool and solver to analyse the coupling and radiation.
Cable harnesses are becoming increasingly complex with innovations in the automotive industry. Import a complex cable harness
from a .kbl file using the “harness description list” (KBL) specification.
A twisted pair consists of two cores that are twisted together for the purposes of cancelling electromagnetic interference.
Each core can have an optional coating.
A cable bundle may consist of multiple defined cables (for example, single conductors, coaxial cables, ribbon cables,
twisted pairs, other cable bundles and non-conducting elements) that are embedded in a medium with an optional shield.
For a complex cable harness, it is not a simple task to find a specific cable instance in the 3D view. Use the “Find cable” tool to locate a cable instance.
The cable schematic view allows you to add cable ports, complex loads, resistors, capacitors, inductors, external SPICE
circuits, general networks (defined using N-port Touchstone files) and probes to a specific cable harness as well as connecting
cables to one another.
For a frequency domain result, the electromagnetic fields and currents are calculated at a single frequency or frequency
range. When the finite difference time domain (FDTD) solver is used, the frequency must be specified to convert the native time domain results to the frequency domain.
The excitation of an antenna is normally specified as a complex voltage, but it may be useful to specify the total radiated
or source power instead. The result is then scaled to yield the desired source power level.
A port is a mathematical representation of where energy can enter (source) or leave a model (sink). Use a port to
add sources and discrete loads to a model.
Obtain multiple solutions for a single model using multiple configurations. Multiple configurations remove the requirement
to create multiple models with different solution requests.
Use an infinite plane or half-space to model a ground plane efficiently. The number of triangles in the model is reduced
as the ground plane is not discretised into triangles.
A CADFEKO.cfm file can be imported into EDITFEKO to make use of more advanced features available in EDITFEKO and to directly edit the .pre file for more flexible solution configurations.
During the design process, the development of a model can introduce a range of issues that can lead to a non-simulation-ready
model. Use the validation toolset to verify that the model is simulation-ready or to search, detect and flag discrepancies.
The default solver used in Feko is the method of moments (MoM) - surface equivalence principle (SEP). Whether a solver is specified per model, per face or per region, depends on the solver in question.
CADFEKO has a collection of tools that allow you to quickly validate the model, for example, perform calculations using
a calculator, measure distances, measure angles and export images.
EDITFEKO is used to construct advanced models (both the geometry and solution requirements) using a high-level scripting language
which includes loops and conditional statements.
One of the key features in Feko is that it includes a broad set of unique and hybridised solution methods. Effective use of Feko features requires an understanding of the available methods.
Feko offers state-of-the-art optimisation engines based on generic algorithm (GA) and other methods, which can be used
to automatically optimise the design and determine the optimum solution.
Feko writes all the results to an ASCII output file .out as well as a binary output file .bof for usage by POSTFEKO. Use the .out file to obtain additional information about the solution.
CADFEKO and POSTFEKO have a powerful, fast, lightweight scripting language integrated into the application allowing you to create
models, get hold of simulation results and model configuration information as well as manipulation of data and automate
repetitive tasks.
Many electromagnetic compatibility and interference problems involve cables that either radiate, irradiate or cause coupling
into other cables, devices or antennas. Use the cable modelling tool and solver to analyse the coupling and radiation.
A cable bundle may consist of multiple defined cables (for example, single conductors, coaxial cables, ribbon cables,
twisted pairs, other cable bundles and non-conducting elements) that are embedded in a medium with an optional shield.
When defining a cable bundle, you can specify the outer insulation and shielding for
the cables contained in the bundle.
The following shield types are supported for the cable bundle:
Insulated, embedded in background medium
(sheath/jacket)
Not shielded, embedded in a dielectric
Not shielded, embedded in background medium
Shielded, dielectric filled
Insulated, Embedded in Background Medium (Sheath / Jacket)
Add an outer sheath / jacket to cables contained in a bundle. The cables are embedded
in the background medium, which is by default free space.
Note: A sheath or jacket is
a close-fitting cover that protects the internal conductors of the cable against
moisture, chemicals, and mechanical damage and insulates the cable
electrically.
The sheath/jacket is specified using Insulation
thickness and Sheath thickness.
Not Shielded, Embedded in a Dielectric
Embed cables contained in a bundle, in a dielectric. The bundle is unshielded (no
shield). The dielectric is specified using Insulation
medium.
Not Shielded, Embedded in Background Medium
Embed cables contained in a bundle, in the background medium. By default the
background medium is free space.
Shielded, Dielectric Filled
Add an outer shield to cables contained in a bundle. The inner cable bundle is
embedded in a dielectric. Optionally, you can add an insulation layer / coating over
the shield.