CEM methods in R.F and microwave engineering in the context of parameters that influence the outcome of modeling

Abstract

The starting point toward modeling of a given electromagnetic (EM) problem is to know the modeling constraints/features of different modeling tools, and hence figure out if they are compatible to meet the intended objectives. In the face of popularity of some modeling tools, due to either marketing strategy or researcher bias, and compounded by lack of empirical data toward bench marking different methods for comparison, an intuitive choice will compromise accuracy, speed and efficiency. In this paper, an attempt is made to present the commonly used computational electromagnetic (CEM) methods in the context of basic parameters and their limiting values that influence the modeling outcome. A prospective researcher can make a checklist of these parameters and customize them fit into the given EM problem. This facilitates the selecting of an optimal method from the many that are available. This is important to mitigate the problem of computation cost that creep in the design/synthesis emanating from wrong choice of the modeling tool, and also, in the perspective of research and development, the life cycle is reduced that add to the economic viability of the modeled prototype. For an entry-level researcher, some level of proficiency in the CEM methods and EM simulators based on these methods enhance the prospect of employment in radio-frequency and microwave industry/research.