XFDTD versions

v7.4 [Sep 4, 2014]
1. PrOGrid Project Optimized GriddingTM
The algorithm refines the grid around the discontinuities in the copper trace. The major feature of the release is PrOGrid Project Optimized Gridding, a new capability that simplifies grid creation. PrOGrid incorporates best practices in FDTD modeling by considering multiple aspects of a project to optimize the grid for both accuracy and runtime. Users now have the ability to control the following aspects of gridding:
- Finer resolution around conductor edges where fields are strongest
- Minimum number of cells across features, e.g. microstrips and substrates
- Smaller cells inside dielectrics where the wavelength is shorter
- Free space padding that is determined based on a fraction of a wavelength
2. MATLAB Export Functionality
All data available through XF’s Result Browser can be exported to MATLAB and CSV formats. This enables full post-processing of data with MATLAB’s extensive mathematical and visualization capabilities. The following list highlights what is included in the export, but is not exhaustive:
- E, H, B, and J fields for point, planar, and volumetric sensors
- Rotating B /- and SAR results
- Grid vertex locations and Mesh material properties needed for custom SAR post-processing
3. For Biomedical Analysis: Enhanced Biological Thermal Sensor
XF's enhanced Thermal Sensor allows metals and other non-biological objects to be included in the temperature rise computation. The calculations are based on Penne’s Bio-Heat equation and consider the effects of conductive heat transfer between thermally connected materials, blood perfusion, metabolic processes, and general RF heating. The new sensor is well suited for analysis related to:
- Therapeutic heating devices
- MRI heating in patients, including effects of implants, probes, and electrodes
- Microwave thermal ablation
- Implantable devices
Output from the sensor includes the initial temperature, temperature rise, and final temperature distributions. This data can be visualized in the user interface or exported for custom post processing.
4. For Mobile Device Design: Poseable Hands from CADHuman
Mobile devices are held many different ways and XF now has the ability to mimic these numerous grips. The left and right Poseable Hands from CADHuman can be imported and repositioned using controls at each joint in the fingers and thumbs. Further, the imported models can be easily aligned with other Parts in the project, making it easy to grip a device with the imported hand.
5. STL Import
A single STL file can be separated into multiple Parts after import and assigned different Materials.STL has been added to the list of supported file formats that XF can import. Additionally, XF has the ability to identify multiple objects in a single file and separate them into individual Parts. This allows the various Parts to be oriented separately and be assigned different Material Definitions. STL file are imported through the File > Import > CAD file(s)... menu.
6. Dispersive Material Calculator
The Dispersive Material Calculator.XF 7.4 provides a Dispersive Material Calculator that fits a single-pole, frequency-dependent, Debye-Drude material to a set of material data points over a frequency range. The data points can be input as:
- Sampled Data – based on measurements of a material taken at multiple frequencies.
- Constant Loss Tangent – input as a constant relative permittivity and loss tangent over a frequency range.
After finding the Debye-Drude material parameters that match the input data, users are able to run a single simulation with dispersive material definitions instead of multiple simulations at each frequency of interest.
7. Cropped 3D Mesh
Verify connectivity by viewing a portion of the 3D Mesh.Rendering the full geometry as a 3D Mesh can be a time consuming process. New controls have been added that allow the user to specify and view a cropped section of the Mesh. The section can be specified as an arbitrary box or based on the bounding box of selected Parts.
8. Constraint Enhancements
The button controls whether or not constraints are automatically applied.A button has been added to the Constraint Tools in the 2D Sketcher that controls whether constraints are automatically applied. While sketching, XF detects lines that are vertical, horizontal, perpendicular, or parallel and applies constraints that maintain their orientation. For complex geometries, this behavior can be undesirable and manual control over when constraints are applied is advantageous.

v7.2 [May 17, 2011]
XACT Accurate Cell Technology resolves the most intricate designs with fewer computational resources.
CAD Merge seamlessly integrates new versions of CAD files into existing projects. XStream GPU acceleration technology enables XF7 calculations to finish in minutes as compared to hours using a CPU only and is included at no additional cost. XTend Script Library automates modeling and design with pre-loaded, customizable scripts for creating custom features. First EM simulation package in the industry to run natively on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Guided modeling processes, editable modeling history, ability to edit imported CAD files
Intelligent, ultra-fast meshing expedites previewing of finished meshes prior to simulation.
Dynamic and interactive graphing allows results to be viewed and automatically updated as data changes
Customizable Results Browser with filtering and searching tools.