Matching Network Design and Simulation in XFdtd

Advanced Matching Network Analysis in XFdtd

Remcom’s XFdtd EM Simulation Software offers unique capabilities to help engineers navigate antenna design challenges with speed and accuracy. In particular, XF includes several innovations that simplify matching network design, including a schematic editor and the Circuit Element Optimizer.

Diplex Matched Antenna Tutorial Preview

This tutorial demonstrates XF's workflow for evaluating a diplex matched antenna and analyzing two different matching network states simultaneously.

Key Takeaways:

• Demonstrates evaluation of a diplex matched antenna using the XF schematic editor.
• Dual-band antenna designed for GPS L1 and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi operation.
• Uses an FDTD simulation to extract unmatched S‑parameters and antenna impedance.
• Implements a diplex matching network with separate GPS and Wi‑Fi arms.

View the full Diplex Matched Antenna Tutorial...

Tune a Fixed-Band Matched Antenna Using XFdtd’s Schematic Editor Tutorial Preview

XFdtd’s schematic editor includes matching network tuning, enabling users to easily adjust component values to meet design goals and better understand the behavior of a circuit.

Key Takeaways:

• Demonstrates how to tune a fixed-band antenna matching network using XFdtd’s schematic editor and analysis tools.
• Starts with an existing FDTD antenna simulation that provides the unmatched antenna impedance and S-parameters.
• A lumped-element matching network is connected to the antenna model within the schematic environment.
• The example focuses on optimizing performance over a specific frequency band, rather than wideband matching.

View the full Tune a Fixed-Band Matched Antenna Tutorial…

Tune a Tunable Matched Antenna Using XFdtd’s Schematic Editor Preview

In this tutorial, we demonstrate the ease of adjusting, or tuning, multiple operating modes so that capacitance values match various frequency bands. Using XF’s schematic editor with tuning slider bars, the correct values can be found in moments.

Key Takeaways:

• Demonstrates how to tune a tunable (variable) antenna matching network using XFdtd’s schematic editor.
• Builds on an existing FDTD antenna simulation, using its unmatched impedance and S-parameters as the starting point.
• The matching network includes tunable components (such as variable capacitors or inductors) instead of fixed values.
• Tuning sliders are automatically generated for tunable components, enabling real-time adjustment.

View the full Tune a Tunable Matched Antenna Tutorial…

Dynamic Matched Antenna Using XFdtd’s Schematic Editor

In this video tutorial, an antenna's intrinsic impedance is simulated for two conditions--in free space and against a head. A three-port switch with two possible states is also included.

Key Takeaways: 

• Demonstrates use of a switchable component to dynamically match an antenna under different loading conditions.
• Two antenna environments are modeled: free space and proximity to a human head.
• Initial simulations show poor performance due to an unmatched antenna in both loading scenarios.
• A matching network schematic is created using a voltage source, shunt inductor, and series inductors.

View the full Dynamic Matched Antenna Tutorial…