Losses with advanced mode matching technique

Because 3D FEM calculations are usually much slower than mode matching calculations, Mician has introduced an advanced mode matching technique which is capable of considering these losses by approximation. This feature has been implemented to nearly all elements of the iris and steps library. Some elements do not support the consideration of losses by mode matching technique yet. For those few elements one has to select 3D-FEM on this element again.
Example for a waffle iron filter: total computation time for 500 frequency steps: 16 seconds for “ideal” and 17 seconds for “invar” by normal sweep and 7 seconds for “ideal” and 8 seconds for “invar” by adaptive sweep. (Pentium IV, 2.8GHZ)

Losses by using 3D-FEM

Contrary to most of the fast Mode Matching MM/ 2D FEM BCMM elements, the 3D FEM method supports the rigorous inclusion of losses - either dielectric or arising from finite wall conductivity -into the calculation. Overall field calculations can be performed at almost no additional computational expense.
In version 6.0 of the µWave Wizard a 3D FEM solver was introduced to calculate elements which cannot be calculated by mode-matching methods or 2D FEM. Optionally all existing mode-matching elements can be calculated by 3D-FEM since version 6.0 and losses arising from finite wall conductivity can be taken into account using this 3D FEM calculation option.