FEKO Suite 6.3 delivers several new solver features as well as improvements of the user interface. FEKO users can find more detail in the FEKO Suite 6.3 download area or consult the release notes which can be found in the FEKO Suite 6.3 installation directory.

The main features of this Suite 6.3 release include:

Higher Order Basis Functions on Curvilinear Surface Meshes 
Support for curvilinear meshes in connection with Higher Order Basis Functions (HOBF) was added for MoMand MLFMM. The curvilinear meshing allows larger elements without sacrificing model accuracy. This can result in significant reductions in run-time and memory requirements for some structures. The triangles are second order curvilinear triangles with 6 vertex points consisting of 3 corner points and 3 points in the middle of the triangle edges.

CAD Import and Healing Tools
As of September 2013, all users of FEKO Silver, Gold or Platinum licences (new purchases or with active Maintenance & Support contracts) have access to all CAD import and export filters. This additional power allows users to import a wide range of models from their native CAD formats. Imported CAD files often require additional work to condition the model into a format where it can be meshed in FEKO. This task has been simplified with the introduction of a set of CAD healing and fixing tools. Examples of these tools include automated fixing of various problems associated with edges and faces as well as a tool to fill complex shaped holes in a model with automatically generated surfaces.  

Continuous Far Field Calculations

Antenna designers will no longer have to be concerned about the angle increments that are used to sample far field radiation patterns or RCS plots as FEKO can automatically compute a continuous representation of the data. The plotting of continuous far field data can then be sampled with any resolution in POSTFEKO. The implementation is accurate and efficient, and faster than using a fine angular sampling. It is well suited for the simulation of large gain antennas or RCS of large objects where a fine angular resolution would be required.

Characteristic Mode Analysis (CMA)

Characteristic modes are now tracked by correlating modes between individual frequencies of a sweep. The mode tracking is based on ordering the modes correctly at each frequency relative to their rankings at the reference frequency (typically the first frequency point). This algorithm makes working with CMA even more intuitive. CMA was also extended to support dielectric and magnetic materials with MoM with the surface equivalence principle and apertures with the planar Green's function.

Cable Modelling

Numerous extensions were made to the cable modelling interface including selection and snapping to cables in the 3D view, definition of cable paths at a constant distance from model faces, improved searching with the Find cable tool and rectangle selection in the schematic view. The projection of cable network from the 3D view to the cable schematic view has been extended by allowing the user to select the most appropriate projection. The distance between connectors displayed in the schematic view can be varied to prevent overlapping.
 

Scripting and Automation

Application automation was added to CADFEKO similar to the existing capability in POSTFEKO. This will enable users to create scripts that build repetitive structures, generate parametric models beyond the capability of variables and automate menial tasks. Parameters can also be sent to scripts when launching CADFEKO from a command line.
Application macros are available, which users can use to create their own tools with user interfaces. Scripts may also be downloaded from the FEKO website, and commonly used application macros can be added to the custom command library. The scripts will automatically populate the Application Macros menu when CADFEKO or POSTFEKO is started, and can then be launched from the ribbon. The automated scripts can also query the user for parameters via forms. 

New EDITFEKO Look and Feel

EDITFEKO was completely rewritten and now boasts a number of new features including a ribbon interface, a search bar, support for drag and drop and syntax highlighting.

Availability

FEKO Suite 6.3 is immediately available for existing FEKO customers with active Maintenance & Support contracts. A FREE 45 day evaluation, including technical support, can also be arranged.