A fast method for computing radiation from printed circuit boards

Abstract

An alternative approach for computing radiation from a multilayer circuit board is presented. Compared to a full-wave electromagnetic approach, this method is much faster and requires less storage space for data. Computational efficiency is the key attribute of the approach. It allows solutions, previously unobtainable, to complex and realistic structures, such as those arising from typical product designs. The radiation is calculated using a transmission line model to find the amplitude and spatial distribution of currents in printed circuit traces. The far field is computed using the Green's function of a current element just above, or inside, a thin dielectric sheet. Two examples are considered: 1) a comparison of results in the frequency domain obtained by using the method described here with those of a full-wave electromagnetic approach based on the method of moments; and 2) a comparison of simulation results with real semianechoic chamber measurements.