Modelling a PCB antenna from TI CC-Antenna-DK2

Hello,
I'm fairly new to Feko, and I did most of the tutorials in the E-book. My task is to model the following dual-band PCB antenna from the TI CC-Antenna-DK2. The goal is to ensure that the simulated S11 is the same as the S11 measured by VNA. The CADFEKO model I made so far is attached, and I have a few questions:
- Do I need to consider the thickness of the PCB in the model (using Cuboid instead of Rectangle)?
- Do I have to include the ground plane and the through holes in the model? How?
- How can I model the loads (Z38, Z36, Z35, Z37)? The schematic is also attached.
Please let me know if you need more information. Thank you so much for your time and support!
Best regards,
Pengyu
Answers
-
Hi @Joe_Ji0729 ,
Here are some tips:
- Do I need to consider the thickness of the PCB in the model (using Cuboid instead of Rectangle)?> You can model the substrate using a cuboid and assigning to it the proper dielectric material and thickness. You can then solve using the SEP method.
- Do I have to include the ground plane and the through holes in the model? How?> You can for instance define the lower surface of the cuboid as PEC, to model a ground plane. You can create the holes by first creating cylinders, then subtracting them from the substrate cuboid using the Construct > Modify > Subtract From feature.
- How can I model the loads (Z38, Z36, Z35, Z37)? The schematic is also attached.You can add passive elements to you model by creating ports and adding corresponding loads using Source/Load > Loads/Network group > Add Load. I see though that you have loads with 0 ohms of value, so you do not need to model them actually.
For the model construction you can check out these examples that would help you see the steps of building the patch antenna part: Microstip Patch Antenna
Best,
Zeina
1 -
Hi Zeina,
Thank you so much for your reply! Your tips really helped me get started!
The first two screenshots below are my current model. As you can see, the patch is modeled in the shape of the meander line antenna. I also created a cuboid as the substrate and defined its lower surface as PEC.
Also, I tried to add a wire port and a voltage source, but when I solve it, I got the error which is shown on the third screenshot. I don't know how to fix it.
As a result, my follow-up questions are:
- Is there anything wrong with my current design?
- How to add the appropriate port and voltage source in my model?
Thank you so much for your time and support!
Best regards,
Pengyu
0 -
Hi @Joe_Ji0729 ,
- Is there anything wrong with my current design?
> You need to union your antenna part with the substrate (select both > Union). Otherwise, two different meshes will be created for each geometry part, hence the intersections. - How to add the appropriate port and voltage source in my model?
You have options of creating wire ports, or edge ports. These two cases are shown in the examples I shared previously, please have a look. For this case, you will probably use wire ports. As for the voltage source, you will apply it according to the antenna feed in the design by creating the source at a corresponding wire port: Source/Load > Voltage Source .
Best Regards,
Zeina
1 - Is there anything wrong with my current design?