Antennas are the keystone technology that allows connected smart devices to communicate wirelessly with the world. A modern cell phone contains multiple antennas to provide location awareness and connectivity for a whole host of communication standards. Including support for 5G and the emerging 6G communication standards (such as MIMO and mm-wave array functionality) alongside existing standards - like 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GNSS - in already crowded devices has wide-reaching implications for system design and integration. At the same time, developers are facing increasing pressure to streamline development processes, by reducing the number of costly and time-consuming prototyping cycles.
The Dassault Systèmes Antenna Engineering and Certification solution provides a comprehensive set of simulation tools to address the full design and engineering process. From the initial concept phase, where Antenna Magus technology accelerates the exploration of suitable antenna options, to the optimization of antenna performance in the full device while complying with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and human safety requirements, such as specific absorption rate (SAR) or maximum permissible exposure (MPE). The range of advanced simulation capabilities provided through CST Studio Suite technology enables the fast and accurate simulation of antennas in realistic environments.
Seamless collaboration between designers, electronic and mechanical engineers using a unified modeling and simulation approach on a common platform allows them to make and communicate necessary changes to the product quickly and so improves engineering efficiency. Automatic optimization and design exploration enables better informed design decisions. The ability to simulate a complete cell phone, including all antennas in their operation modes efficiently can be key to a smooth certification process.
Antenna Engineering and Certification Industry Process Experience delivers an enterprise design & engineering platform that enables:
- Fully defensible device validation
- Support of rapid innovation, reduced life cycles and regulatory compliance
- Efficient collaboration between design and engineering
Antenna Engineering & Certification Workflows
Integrated Antenna Design
Antennas form the basis of modern communications. Antennas come in all shapes and sizes, integrated in densely populated PCBs, or as electrically large arrays and reflector antennas. Antenna design based on CST Studio Suite and Antenna Magus technology is a core strength of the SIMULIA electromagnetics simulation portfolio. The performance of antennas depends on their installation environment. Efficient simulation technology enables the exploration of the installed performance of antennas.
Co-site Interference
Modern communication requires the integration of antenna systems serving different purposes on one platform. Co-site interference analysis helps to understand the interaction between these antenna systems, predicting coupling levels and identifying critical coupling paths. By mitigating co-site interference, the reliable operation of a device in its intended electromagnetic environment in the presence of other radio systems can be ensured.
SAR Optimization and Certification
The specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate of electromagnetic energy being absorbed by the body. This energy is typically emitted by devices such as mobile phones. With the use of mmWave bands for 5G, the spatial power distribution is used to verify MPE. Simulation can help to analyze SAR and MPE values and ensure the product fulfills the required human exposure certification standards.
