How to Speed Up Simulations in AN-SOF: Tips for Faster Results

Created OnAugust 9, 2021

Updated OnJuly 9, 2025

By:Tony Golden

Learn how to optimize simulation speed in AN-SOF Antenna Software. Follow valuable tips for faster results by adjusting segments, resolution, and settings. Turbocharge your antenna simulations!

When it comes to simulations, there is always a trade-off between speed and accuracy. However, in the initial stages of antenna design, prioritizing speed is often crucial. To help you speed up your calculations in AN-SOF, here are some valuable tips:

1. Start with the Minimum Number of Segments

Begin with 10 segments per wavelength.
AN-SOF allows you to set the minimum recommended number of segments by entering “0” (zero) as the number of segments for any wire.
To select a group of wires and massively edit the number of segments per wavelength, follow this guide: Modifying a Group of Wires.
For wire grids, use one segment per cell side if the electrical size of each cell is less than 10% of the wavelength.

2. Adjust the Quadrature Tolerance

Navigate to the Setup tab > Settings panel and set the Quadrature Tolerance between 5% and 10%.
This parameter primarily affects simulations involving parallel wires that are very close to each other (approximately two wire radii apart).

3. Reduce the Interaction Distance

Go to the Setup tab > Settings and set the Interaction Distance to 0.1λ (or even zero).
This setting is relevant only for parallel wires that are in close proximity to one another.

4. Optimize Spatial Resolution for Gain, Directivity, and Efficiency Calculations

For calculating gain, directivity, and efficiency, a spatial resolution of 5 or 10 degrees in the far-field is usually sufficient.
Access the Setup tab > Far-Field panel and set Theta Step to 5 degrees and Phi Step to 10 degrees.

5. Calculate Only What You Need

Instead of running unnecessary calculations, focus on what you really require.
If you need currents and far-field data, click on Run Currents and Far-Field (F11).
If you are solely interested in the input impedance, go to Run > Run Currents (Ctrl + R) in the main menu.

Results

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly enhance simulation speed. For example, the figure provided illustrates a case where the simulation runs more than three times faster, especially when setting the Interaction Distance to zero.

You can find the “car.emm” project in the Examples folder, which is installed along with AN-SOF, or you can download the model by clicking the button below.

Remember: Finding the right balance between speed and accuracy is essential. These tips will help you achieve faster simulations in AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Software.

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