Exporting Radiation Patterns to MSI Planet Format: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to export your antenna radiation patterns from AN-SOF to the MSI Planet format for seamless integration into network planning tools. This step-by-step guide walks you through computing 3D patterns, defining horizontal and vertical slices, and managing the export process for high-precision propagation analysis. Essential for antenna professionals moving from antenna design to network coverage and site optimization.

AN-SOF provides the functionality to export antenna radiation patterns into the .msi file format. This specific format is required for importing antenna data into Planet, the propagation simulation and network planning tool developed by MSI.

Follow these steps to generate and export your pattern files correctly.

1. Compute the Far-Field Pattern

Before exporting, you must calculate the far-field data for your antenna model.

1. Navigate to the Setup tab and locate the Far-Field panel (Fig. 1).
2. Select the Full 3D option.
3. Set your desired Theta and Phi ranges. If you enter a Step (increment) size greater than 1 degree, AN-SOF will automatically apply interpolation to ensure the exported file meets the 1-degree increment requirement expected by Planet.
4. Run the simulation to compute the far-field.

2. Configure the 2D Pattern Slices

Once the simulation is complete, you must define the horizontal and vertical slices that will constitute the MSI file.

1. Go to the AN-SOF main menu and select Results > Plot Far-Field Pattern > Polar Plot 2 Slices. Alternatively, click the Polar Plot 2 Slices button on the main toolbar.
2. In the configuration window (Fig. 2), you must assign a horizontal slice to Slice 1 and a vertical slice to Slice 2:
   • Horizontal Slice (H-Plane): Typically, this is a horizontal plane defined by Fixed Theta = 90 deg (the XY-plane).
   • Vertical Slice (V-Plane): This choice depends on your antenna’s main beam orientation:
     • If the main beam points toward the X-axis, set Fixed Phi = 0.
     • If the main beam points toward the Y-axis, set Fixed Phi = 90 deg.

3. Export the .msi File

After setting the slices, the radiation patterns will be displayed in the AN-Polar plotting window (Fig. 3).

1. In the AN-Polar window, navigate to File > Export.
2. In the “Save as type” dropdown menu, select MSI Planet Files (*.msi).
3. Choose your save location, and name the file.

The resulting file is now ready to be imported into Planet for network coverage and propagation analysis.

See Also:

• AN-SOF Data Export: A Guide to Streamlining Your Workflow

• Front-to-Rear and Front-to-Back Ratios: Applying Key Antenna Directivity Metrics

Technical Keywords: MSI Planet Format, Radiation Pattern Export, Antenna Propagation Modeling, Full 3D Far-Field, AN-Polar, 2D Slices, MSI File Header, Interpolation, H-Plane, V-Plane.

About the Author

Tony Golden

RF ENGINEER & PHYSICS PH.D. With 25+ years in Computational Electromagnetics, I’m a passionate researcher focused on antenna modeling and design. As Founder of Golden Engineering LLC, I develop accessible, high-performance simulation tools that help RF engineers optimize their designs, educators teach complex concepts, and hobbyists bring antenna projects to life.

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