Feko is a comprehensive electromagnetic solver with multiple solution methods that is used for electromagnetic field analyses
involving 3D objects of arbitrary shapes.
The model tree contains the variables, named points, the model-creation hierarchy, ports and configuration-specific items of the model.
The model tree is split between construction and configuration items.
The status bar is the small toolbar that provides access to macro recording, general display settings, tools, selection method and
type, snap settings and the model unit.
The message window panel displays general information as well as error and warning messages. Error and warning messages include links to
the relevant wires, edges, faces or regions that resulted in the warning or error.
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.
The application menu is similar to a standard file menu of an application. It allows saving and loading of models, print functionality and gives
access to application-wide settings.
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. Use
the field/current definition 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.
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.
Quick Access Toolbar
The quick access toolbar is a small toolbar that gives quick access to actions that are often performed.
Ribbon
The ribbon is a command bar that groups similar actions in a series of tabs.
Configuration List
The configuration list displays all configurations in the model.
Model Tree
The model tree contains the variables, named points, the model-creation hierarchy, ports and configuration-specific items of the model. The model tree is split between construction and configuration items.
Details Tree
The details tree panel displays the relevant wires, edges, faces and regions for the geometry or mesh part selected in the Construct tab.
Status Bar The status bar is the small toolbar that provides access to macro recording, general display settings, tools, selection method and type, snap settings and the model unit.
Message Window
The message window panel displays general information as well as error and warning messages. Error and warning messages include links to the relevant wires, edges, faces or regions that resulted in the warning or error.
Notes View
The notes view is a rich-text editor tool that allows you to add comments to your model.
3D View
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.
Help
The Help icon provides access to the Feko documentation.
Search Bar
The search bar is a single-line text field that allows you to enter search terms and find relevant information in the GUI or the documentation.
Application Launcher
The application launcher toolbar is a small toolbar that provides quick access to other Feko components.
Application Menu
The application menu is similar to a standard file menu of an application. It allows saving and loading of models, print functionality and gives access to application-wide settings.
Scripting
Use the application programming interface (API) to control CADFEKO from an external script.