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Concerto - electromagnetic software for RF & Microwave design

 

Concerto is an advanced analysis package for RF and Microwave design. It includes a 3D Geometric Modeler that allows easy data import from CAD systems, as well as the facility to create and parameterize new models.

 

There are a number of modules available, incorporating different analysis techniques, and including low cost entry level products. All modules include the 3D Geometric Modeler as standard - making it easy to transfer data, as well as upgrading to other modules.

 

Concerto's reputation for fast and accurate computation of em fields is acknowledged by independant experts as the most suitable for RF and microwave design.

 

Typical application include:

 

  1. Antenna design
  2. Antenna coupling and installed performance
  3. Microwave component design, including:
    1. Filters
    2. Diplexers
    3. Couplers
    4. Junctions
    5. Phase shifters
    6. Polarizers
  4. Microstrip component design
  5. Microstrip to waveguide transitions
  6. Microwave heating and food processing
  7. RF cavity design
  8. Radar signature calculations
 helicopter_antenna_placement
 

Concerto includes the following modules:

 

Concerto AS: Introducing Low Cost Solution for Coaxial Connector Design

 

The FDTD method is used for the specific task of designing coax connectors using a fast and efficient 2D axi-symmetric analysis. More information on Concerto AS is available here.

 

Concerto ES: Entry Level 3D FDTD analysis

 

The Concerto ES module includes the highly efficient FDTD method, with options to add other analysis modules. The entry price is kept very competitive by restricting the size of model that can be solved, whilst retaining its ability to analyze a wide range of devices. More details on Concerto ES are available here.

 

Concerto 2D: Axi-symmetric Analysis using 2D FDTD

 

The 2D axi-symmetric module is unique in that it allows fast and efficient analysis of models including horn antennas, circular waveguide components and connectors. Both TEM and waveguide modes are supported (up to order 99), with only a 2D cross section required to specify the full model. More information is available here.

 

Concerto PR: The Professional Option

 

For those requiring the full power of the Concerto suite, the Professional option offers unique opportunities. All three of the main analysis methods are available (FDTD, FEM, MoM), along with an included Optimizer, and optional Thermal analysis.

 

The following table summarizes the difference options:

 

Module /
Function
Full 3D
Geometric
Modeler
Optimizer
Plus
FDTDFEM MoM Thermal
Concerto ASYesOptionYes
Concerto ESYesOptionYesOptionOption
Concerto 2DYesOptionYesOptionOption
Concerto PRYesYesAdvanced *OptionOptionOption

* Advanced FDTD includes Prony and Multi-Thread as standard.

More information on the options in the table follows:

 

3D Geometric Modeler

  1. A fully featured geometric modeler with an easy-to-use interface, including De-featuring and healing capabilities and CAD import and export facilities
  2. Automatic Mesh Generation using the Expert Mesher
  3. Powerful scripting language allowing automation, parameterization

 

Finite Difference Time Domain module (Concerto FDTD)

  1. Time domain analysis
  2. Conforming Mesh technology
  3. Ideal for microwave component design, including micro-strip and 2D axi-symmetric geometries
  4. Thermal modeling option available

 

Method of Moments module (Concerto MOM)

  1. Frequency domain analysis (single frequencies)
  2. Only the surfaces are modeled (using triangular and wire elements)
  3. Ideal for antenna coupling, antenna installed performance
  4. Radar signature calculations (including mono-static and bi-static RCS)

 

Finite Element Method (Concerto FEM)

  1. Eigenvalue analysis of resonant structures analysis (single frequencies)
  2. Uses finite element method for efficient modeling, with automatic mesh generation
  3. Ideal for RF and other cavities

 

Optimizer+ (for use with FDTD)

  1. Takes variables defined in Modeler, and performs optimization
  2. Mixed steepest descent and random search algorithms
  3. Multiple objective functions and search variables

 

Thermal (for use with FDTD analysis in Concerto PR)

    • Uses heat generated in lossy materials as source
    • Look up tables to include material properties as function on temperature
    • Phase changes in materials included
    • Adiabatic heating and Diffusion options both available