07-04-2012, 02:52 PM
HFSS- High Frequency Structure Simulator
What is HFSS?
HFSS is a high-performance full-wave electromagnetic(EM) field simulator for
arbitrary 3D volumetric passive device modeling that takes advantage of the
familiar Microsoft Windows graphical user interface. It integrates simulation,
visualization, solid modeling, and automation in an easy-to-learn environment
where solutions to your 3D EM problems are quickly and accurately obtained.
Ansoft HFSS employs the Finite Element Method(FEM), adaptive meshing, and
brilliant graphics to give you unparalleled performance and insight to all of your
3D EM problems. Ansoft HFSS can be used to calculate parameters such as SParameters,
Resonant Frequency, and Fields.
System Requirements
Microsoft Windows XP(32/64), Windows 2000, or Windows 2003 Server. For upto-
date information, refer to the HFSS Release Notes.
Pentium –based computer
128MB RAM minimum
8MB Video Card minimum
Mouse or other pointing device
CD-ROM drive
Starting Ansoft HFSS
1. Click the Microsoft Start button, select Programs, and select the Ansoft, HFSS 10
program group. Click HFSS 10.
2. Or Double click on the HFSS 10 icon on the Windows Desktop
Converting Older HFSS file to HFSS v10
Because of changes to the HFSS files with the development of HFSS v10,
opening a HFSS document from an earlier release may take more time than you
are used to experiencing. However, once the file has been opened and saved,
subsequent opening time will return to normal
Ansoft HFSS v10 provides a way for you to automatically convert your HFSS
projects from an earlier version to the HFSS v10 format.
WebUpdate
This new feature allows you to update any existing Ansoft software from the
WebUpdate window. This feature automatically scans your system to find any
Ansoft software, and then allows you to download any updates if they are
available.
To access HFSS projects in an earlier version.
Ansoft Terms
The Ansoft HFSS window has several optional panels:
A Project Manager which contains a design tree which lists the structure of
the project.
A Message Manager that allows you to view any errors or warnings that
occur before you begin a simulation.
A Property Window that displays and allows you to change model
parameters or attributes.
A Progress Window that displays solution progress.
Getting Started
Launching Ansoft HFSS
1. To access Ansoft HFSS, click the Microsoft Start button, select Programs, and select
the Ansoft HFSS 10 program group. Click HFSS 10.
Setting Tool Options
To set the tool options:
Note: In order to follow the steps outlined in this example, verify that the
following tool options are set :
1. Select the menu item Tools > Options > HFSS Options
2. HFSS Options Window:
1. Click the General tab
Use Wizards for data entry when creating new boundaries:
Checked
Duplicate boundaries with geometry: Checked
2. Click the OK button
3. Select the menu item Tools > Options > 3D Modeler Options.
4. 3D Modeler Options Window:
1. Click the Operation tab
Automatically cover closed polylines: Checked
2. Click the Drawing tab
Edit property of new primitives: Checked
3. Click the OK button
Excitation – Calibration
Ports must be calibrated to ensure consistent results. Determines:
Direction and polarity of fields
Voltage calculations.
Solution Type: Driven Modal
Expressed in terms of the incident and reflected powers of the waveguide modes.
Definition not desirable for problems having several propagating quasi-TEM modes
Coupled/Multi-Coupled Transmission Lines
Always used by the solver
Calibration: Integration Line
Phase between Ports
Modal voltage integration path: Zpi, Zpv, Zvi
Solution Type: Driven Terminal
Linear combination of nodal voltages and currents for the Wave Port.
Equivalent transformation performed from Modal Solution
Calibration: Terminal Line
Polarity
Nodal voltage integration path
Application of Boundary Conditions
Isolate part of a structure (i.e. Exciting arbitrary transmission lines)
Not physically possible to measure in the laboratory
Full-Wave analysis not required for total system
Or total system too complex
Design work/Component level optimization
Post production problem solving