1. Getting Started: Ansoft HFSS 8.0
Section 6: Boundary Module

2. Synopsis General Overview Assigning Boundaries
Boundary Types, Definitions, and Parameters
Source Types, Definitions, and Parameters
Interface Layout
Assigning Boundaries
Face Selection
Precedence
Assumptions (the ‘outer’ Boundary)
Boundary Setup Exercise Part 1: Define Boundaries in Example Model
Details of Port Definition and Creation
Size and Position
Mode Count
Degenerate Modes
Calibration, Impedance, and Polarization
Gap Source Ports
Boundary Setup Exercise Part 2: Add ports to Example Model
This presentation is the longest one in the series, and rightly so. It goes into great detail of what constitutes a port and what to watch out for during excitation setup of your model, as improper excitation is one of the surest ways to get incorrect results.
Being the longest, this training module is also the most “boring”, consisting of a great deal of lecture compared to the actual hands-on exercises. It is suggested that the instructor limit discussion of certain topics by flipping through certain charts fairly rapidly, notifying students that they are present for further self-study and review as desired.

3. HFSS Boundary List Perfect E and Perfect H/Natural
Ideal Electrically or Magnetically Conducting Boundaries
‘Natural’ denotes Perfect E ‘cancellation’ behavior
Finite Conductivity
Lossy Electrically Conducting Boundary, with user-provided conductivity and permeability
Impedance
Used for simulating ‘thin film resistor’ materials, with user-provided resistance and reactance in /
Radiation
An ‘absorbing boundary condition,’ used at the periphery of a project in which radiation is expected such as an antenna structure
Symmetry
A boundary which enables modeling of only a sub-section of a structure in which field symmetry behavior is assured.
“Perfect E” and “Perfect H” subcategories
Master and Slave
‘Linked’ boundary conditions for unit-cell studies of infinitely replicating geometry (e.g. an antenna array)
List of all ‘passive’ boundaries available in HFSS. Each will be discussed in individual detail on following slides, so no need to spend excess time on this particular chart.

4. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Perfect E and Perfect H/Natural
Parameters: None
Perfect E is a perfect electrical conductor*
Forces E-field perpendicular to the surface
Represent metal surfaces, ground planes, ideal cavity walls, etc.
Perfect H is a perfect magnetic conductor
Forces H-field perpendicular to surface, E-field tangential
Does not exist in the real world, but represents useful boundary constraint for modeling
Natural denotes effect of Perfect H applied on top of some other (e.g. Perfect E) boundary
‘Deletes’ the Perfect E condition, permitting but not requiring tangential electrical fields.
Opens a ‘hole’ in the Perfect E plane
Perfect E Boundary*
Perfect H Boundary
More detailed description of the Perfect E, Perfect H, and “Natural” boundaries.
Note that the boundary condition created by placing a Perfect H to a face interior to the model with no prior assignment is NOT the same condition as a Perfect H applied over the top of a pre-existing (finite conductivity or Perfect E) boundary.
‘Natural’ Boundary
*NOTE: When you define a solid object as a ‘perf_conductor’ in the Material Setup, a Perfect E boundary condition is applied to its exterior surfaces!!

5. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Finite Conductivity
Parameters: Conductivity and Permeability
Finite Conductivity is a lossy electrical conductor
E-field forced perpendicular, as with Perfect E
However, surface impedance takes into account resistive and reactive surface losses
User inputs conductivity (in siemens/meter) and relative permeability (unitless)
Used for non-ideal conductor analysis*
Finite Conductivity Boundary
Basic description of the Finite Conductivity boundary.
Note on both this slide and the one previous, the relation between material assignment (perfect and finite conductor materials) and the associated boundaries are provided.
*NOTE: When you define a solid object as a non-ideal metal (e.g. copper, aluminum) in the Material Setup module, and it is set to ‘Solve Surface’, a Finite Conductivity boundary is automatically applied to its exterior faces!!

6. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Impedance
Parameters: Resistance and Reactance, ohms/square (/)
Impedance boundary is a direct, user-defined surface impedance
Use to represent thin film resistors
Use to represent reactive loads
Reactance will NOT vary with frequency, so does not represent a lumped ‘capacitor’ or ‘inductor’ over a frequency band.
Calculate required impedance from desired lumped value, width, and length
Length (in direction of current flow)  Width = number of ‘squares’
Impedance per square = Desired Lumped Impedance  number of squares
EXAMPLE: Resistor in Wilkenson Power Divider
Resistor is 3.5 mils long (in direction of flow) and
4 mils wide. Desired lumped value is 35 ohms.
Description of the Impedance Boundary.
Note that an impedance boundary is assumed to be a 2D conductor of some kind, with a known resistance and reactance. Since resistance and reactange is supplied in ohms this material is frequency-independent.

7. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Radiation
Parameters: None
A Radiation boundary is an absorbing boundary condition, used to mimic continued propagation beyond the boundary plane
Absorption is achieved via a second-order impedance calculation
Boundary should be constructed correctly for proper absorption
Distance: For strong radiators (e.g. antennas) no closer than /4 to any structure. For weak radiators (e.g. a bent circuit trace) no closer than /10 to any structure
Orientation: The radiation boundary absorbs best when incident energy flow is normal to its surface
Shape: The boundary must be concave to all incident fields from within the modeled space
Boundary is /4 away from horn aperture in all directions.
Basic description of the radiation boundary. Placement is further discussed in the next slide. May skip over fairly rapidly for waveguide, connector, or module-designer oriented courses which have no interest in radiation or EMI.
Note boundary does not follow ‘break’ at tail end of horn. Doing so would result in a convex surface to interior radiation.

8. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Radiation, cont.
Radiation boundary absorption profile vs. incidence angle is shown at left
Note that absorption falls off significantly as incidence exceeds 40 degrees from normal
Any incident energy not absorbed is reflected back into the model, altering the resulting field solution!
Implication: For steered-beam arrays, the standard radiation boundary may be insufficient for proper analysis.
Solution: Use a Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) construction instead.
Incorporation of PMLs is covered in the Advanced HFSS training course. Details available upon request.
Further details on PML construction and use can be provided if requested during the class, as these involve running the automatic PML construction macros in the modeler and in the Material Manager.
Reflection of Radiation Boundary in dB, vs. Angle of Incidence relative to boundary normal (i.e. for normal incidence,  = 0)

9. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Symmetry
Conductive edges, 4 sides
Parameters: Type (Perfect E or Perfect H)
Symmetry boundaries permit modeling of only a fraction of the entire structure under analysis
Two Symmetry Options:
Perfect E : E-fields are perpendicular to the symmetry surface
Perfect H : E-fields are tangential to the symmetry surface
Symmetry boundaries also have further implications to the Boundary Manager and Fields Post Processing
Existence of a Symmetry Boundary will prompt ‘Port Impedance Multiplier’ verification
Existence of a symmetry boundary allows for near- and far-field calculation of the ‘entire’ structure
This rectangular waveguide contains a symmetric propagating mode, which could be modeled using half the volume vertically....
Perfect E Symmetry (top)
Discussion of Symmetry boundaries. Note that the symmetry boundary is really just the same as the Perfect E or Perfect H, but prompts the impedance multiplier check in the Boundary manager, and prompts the Fields post-processor to recognize the existence of symmetry in any field (far or near) calculations.
...or horizontally.
Perfect H Symmetry (left side)

10. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Symmetry, cont.
Geometric symmetry does not necessarily imply field symmetry for higher-order modes
Symmetry boundaries can act as mode filters
As shown at left, the next higher propagating waveguide mode is not symmetric about the vertical center plane of the waveguide
Therefore one symmetry case is valid, while the other is not!
Implication: Use caution when using symmetry to assure that real behavior in the device is not filtered out by your boundary conditions!!
TE20 Mode in WR90
Perfect E Symmetry (top)
Properly represented with Perfect E Symmetry
Further cautions with symmetry usage.
Mode can not occur properly with Perfect H Symmetry
Perfect H Symmetry (right side)

11. HFSS Boundary Descriptions: Master/Slave Boundaries
Perfectly Matched Layer
(top)
Parameters: Coordinate system, master/slave pairing, and phasing
Master and Slave boundaries are used to model a unit cell of a repeating structure
Also referred to as linked boundaries
Master and Slave boundaries are always paired: one master to one slave
The fields on the slave surface are constrained to be identical to those on the master surface, with a phase shift.
Constraints:
The master and slave surfaces must be of identical shapes and sizes
A coordinate system must be identified on the master and slave boundary to identify point-to-point correspondence
Master Boundary
Slave Boundary
V-axis
Master-Slave boundary description. May skip if no specific interest.
Origin
U-axis
WG Port (bottom)
Ground Plane
Unit Cell Model of End-Fire Waveguide Array

12. HFSS Source List Port Incident Wave Voltage Drop or Current Source
Most Commonly Used Source. Its use results in S-parameter output from HFSS.
Two Subcategories: ‘Standard’ Ports and ‘Gap Source’ Ports
Apply to Surface(s) of solids or to sheet objects
Incident Wave
Used for RCS or Propagation Studies (e.g. Frequency-Selective Surfaces)
Results must be post-processed in Fields Module; no S-parameters can be provided
Applies to entire volume of modeled space
Voltage Drop or Current Source
‘Ideal’ voltage or current excitations
Magnetic Bias
Internal H Field Bias for nonreciprocal (ferrite) material problems
Applies to entire solid object representing ferrite material
List of all “active” sources or excitations available in HFSS. List is not intended to be covered in depth as each is discussed in further detail on the slides following.

13. HFSS Source Descriptions: Port
EXAMPLE STANDARD PORTS
Parameters: Mode Count, Calibration, Impedance, Polarization, Imp. Multiplier
A port is an aperture through which guided electromagnetic field energy is injected into a 3D HFSS model. There are two types:
Standard Ports: The aperture is solved using a 2D eigensolution which locates all requested propagating modes
Characteristic impedance is calculated from the 2D solution
Impedance and Calibration Lines provide further control
Gap Source Ports: Approximated field excitation is placed on the gap source port surface
Characteristic impedance is provided by the user during setup
Basic description of a port. Hold all questions until later; a full, in-depth section on port settings and parameters follows the first boundary exercise.
EXAMPLE GAP-SOURCE PORTS

14. HFSS Source Descriptions: Incident Wave
Parameters: Poynting Vector, E-field Magnitude and Vector
Used for radar cross section (RCS) scattering problems.
Defined by Poynting Vector (direction of propagation) and E-field magnitude and orientation
Poynting and E-field vectors must be orthogonal.
Multiple plane waves can be created for the same project.
If no ‘ports’ are present in the model, S-parameter output is not provided
Analysis data obtained by post-processing on the Fields using the Field Calculator, or by generating RCS Patterns
In the above example, a plane incident wave is directed at a solid made from dielectrics, to view the resultant scattering fields.
Incident wave description. May skip over fairly quickly if no specific class interest.

15. HFSS Source Descriptions: Voltage Drop and Current Source
Example Current Source (along trace or across gap)
Parameters: Direction and Magnitude
A voltage drop would be used to excite a voltage between two metal structures (e.g. a trace and a ground)
A current source would be used to excite a current along a trace, or across a gap (e.g. across a slot antenna)
Both are ‘ideal’ source excitations, without impedance definitions
No S-Parameter Output
User applies condition to a 2D or 3D object created in the geometry
Vector identifying the direction of the voltage drop or the direction of the current flow is also required
Example Voltage Drop (between trace and ground)
Basic description of ideal circuit sources. Worth pointing out that voltage gap sources are very similar to “gap source ports” to be discussed later, but that those on this page provide no S-parameter output.

16. HFSS Source Descriptions: Magnetic Bias
Parameters: Magnitude and Direction or Externally Provided
The magnetic bias source is used only to provide internal biasing H-field values for models containing nonreciprocal (ferrite) materials.
Bias may be uniform field (enter parameters directly in HFSS)...
Parameters are direction and magnitude of the field
...or bias may be non-uniform (imported from external Magnetostatic solution package)
Ansoft’s 3D EM Field Simulator provides this analysis and output
Apply source to selected 3D solid object (e.g. ferrite puck)
Used for ferrite models only; may skip over fairly rapidly if no specific student interest.

17. Sources/Boundaries and Eigenmode Solutions
An Eigenmode solution is a direct solution of the resonant modes of a closed structure
As a result, some of the sources and boundaries discussed so far are not available for an Eigenmode project. These are:
All Excitation Sources:
Ports
Voltage Drop and Current Sources
Magnetic Bias
Incident Waves
The only unavailable boundary type is:
Radiation Boundary
A Perfectly Matched Layer construction is possible as a replacement
Effects of selecting Eigenmode model type is that sources are unavailable, as is Radiation boundary. Useful as a brief commentary; not worth spending significant time on.

18. The HFSS Source/Boundary Setup Interface
Menu and Toolbar
Side Window
Coordinate Fields and
Snap Options
Graphical View Window
Shows geometry, permits
point-and-click selection,
vector definition, and
assignment.
Pick Options
Controls selection options
in graphical window
Source/Boundary List
Shows all sources and boundaries currently assigned to the project and their status; allows selection for viewing, editing, and deletion
Having discussed all the different types of sources and boundaries in brief to introduce them, we move now to the interface in which they are applied.
It is worthwhile at this point to have the students open a “READ ONLY” session using one of the models provided (that has both geometry and materials completed) to allow them to follow along with the interface discussions interactively. After the preceding 16 slide lecture they may desire a bit more hands-on work.
Source/Boundary Selection Buttons
Source/Boundary Drop-Down
Lists all source or boundary types,
based on radio button selected
Source/Boundary Control
Allows Naming, contains execution
controls (Assign, Clear, Units...)
Boundary Attributes Field
Region Layout changes to provide
entry fields for selected source or boundary
characteristics and options.

19. Boundary Manager: Object/Face Selection
The Graphical Pick options (1) control the result of clicking in the graphical view window.
Object: mouse-click selects exterior of entire object
Face: mouse-click selects closest face of object
Boundary: mouse-click selects closest existing boundary condition (if any)
To shift your focus to an object or face deeper into the model, use the right mouse menu (2) choice Next Behind, or the hotkey “N”
Selected faces will highlight in a grid pattern; selected objects will have their wireframe highlighted
Multiple faces may be selected simultaneously; a second click deselects already-selected faces 2. 1.
Self-explanatory.
NOTE: The same graphical view manipulation shortcuts for rotation, panning, and zooming found in the Draw module also work here; the visibility icon also assists object/face selection by ‘hiding’ exterior objects.

20. Boundary Manager: Object/Face Selection, cont.
The Edit menu (3) provides further Select options, including Faces Intersection
Faces intersection opens a list box containing all objects in the model
Selecting two touching objects from the list will prompt the interface to automatically find all intersecting faces
Note: only exterior faces in intersection are selected, not faces of one object which are inside the volume of the other
The Edit menu Select option By Name (4) provides a list of all faces in the model, numbered and sorted by object, for selection. 3. 4.
Self-explanatory, but worth live-demoing.

21. Boundary Assignment: General Procedure
Select Source or Boundary radio button, and desired type from the drop-down listing
Select the face or faces on which you wish to apply the source/boundary condition
(Above 2 steps interchangeable)
Fill in any necessary parameters for the source/boundary
Name the source/boundary, and press the Assign button
2. Select face(s)
5. New Boundary will appear in list
1. Select source or boundary and type
Self-explanatory.
4. Name and Assign
3. Fill in Parameters as necessary

22. Boundary Assignment: Precedence
Boundary assignments are order dependent:
Boundaries assigned later supercede those assigned earlier over any shared surfaces
Ports are the exception; they always supercede any earlier or later assignments
Ports will sort to the bottom of the boundary list to reflect this fact
Boundaries can be re-prioritized using the Model menu
VERY IMPORTANT!!! Make sure this point is made clearly, as it represents one of the frequent failing points in beginning users’ models.
In the pictured example, the ‘radiation’ boundary overlays the orange rectangle (on the back face) which was earlier assigned as the port. Ports, however, always take precedence, and show at the bottom of the boundary listing.

23. Boundary Assignment: Default Boundary
Any exterior face of the modeled geometry not given a user-defined boundary condition is assumed to be a Perfect E
Default boundary called outer
Imagine entire model buried in solid metal unless you instruct otherwise
To view boundaries and see if you missed an assignment, use the Boundary Display pick from the Model menu
Graphical window shows both user and auto-assigned boundaries
This is less important but still a useful factor to point out. If a user believes he or she needs to apply all exterior boundaries, he/she may be wasting time.
On the other hand if they think they have applied them all and see an ‘outer’ in their listing, then they know they’ve missed something.

24. Boundary Setup Exercise Part 1
We will practice by assigning boundaries to a Coax to Microstrip transformer model
This exercise is only Part 1 of the entire operation; excitation assignment will be covered after a detailed description of HFSS sources and port assignment
In the Maxwell Project Manager, find the project entitled “bnd_exer” and Open it
Once open, proceed to Setup Boundaries/Sources
An exercise will now guide them through assigning boundaries to a model, including using precedence to supercede some prior assignments.
NOTE: The model for this exercise is nearly identical to that used in the Material Setup exercise, but has been split in half along the axis of the microstrip and coax feed to demonstrate symmetry boundary application as well.

25. Boundary Setup Exercise: Trace Metalization
NOTE: Since solid Material parameters are already applied, there is already a boundary on the exterior of the metal objects “pin”, “pin1”, and “pin2”. We only need to apply the surface metalization for the actual microstrip trace line, and define outer radiation, ground plane, and symmetry boundaries.
1. Select the Boundary radio Button.
2. From the list of available boundaries, select Perfect E.
3. Set the Graphical Pick option to Face.
4. Click in the graphical window as if you are touching the trace. The nearest face of the air box will highlight, since it is between your view and the trace.
5. Right-click to bring up the pop-up menu and select Next Behind, or use the “N” key on the keyboard to shift focus deeper. Continue this operation until the trace is selected.
NOTE: If you appear to have selected the bottom-most face of the model, you have gone too far. Use the right-click menu to pick Deselect All and start over.
6. In the Name field, type in “trace_metal”, and click the Assign button.
7. The boundary should appear in the boundary list at left. 5. 3. 7. 4. 6. 1. 2.