Types of Results

Simulation output in AN-SOF can be analyzed through detailed tabular lists or interactive graphical displays. All data is accessible via the Results menu, organized into five primary analytical groups.

Commands to Display Results

Current Distribution and Impedance

• Plot Current Distribution: Visualizes the magnitude and phase of current along the wire structure.
• Plot/List Currents: Provides graphical or tabular data of the current on specific segments.
• Export Currents: Saves current data for external post-processing.
• List Input Impedances: Tabulates $Z_{in}$ (Resistance and Reactance) and VSWR across the frequency range.

Far-Field Analysis

• Plot Far-Field Pattern: Displays radiation patterns in 2D (Polar/Rectangular) or 3D.
• Plot Far-Field Spectrum: Shows how field parameters change at a fixed point across frequencies.
• List Far-Field Pattern/Spectrum: Provides the raw numerical data for the patterns and spectra.
• Power Budget/RCS: Summarizes input power, radiated power, and efficiency, or the Radar Cross Section for scattering problems.

Near E-Field and H-Field

• Plot Near Field Pattern/Spectrum: Visualizes the Electric ($E$) or Magnetic ($H$) fields in close proximity to the antenna.
• List Near Field Pattern/Spectrum: Tabulates the vector components and magnitudes of the near fields.

Power Density

• Plot/List Power Density Pattern/Spectrum: Analyzes the electromagnetic power flow (Poynting vector magnitude) in either the near or far-field regions.

Data Interpretation: Lists vs. Plots

AN-SOF differentiates between spatial and frequency-based data to provide a comprehensive analysis:

• Tabular Lists: Currents and input impedances are tabulated as a function of frequency.
• Fields (Pattern vs. Spectrum):
  • Pattern: Field values at a fixed frequency plotted against a range of observation points (spatial distribution).
  • Spectrum: Field values at a fixed observation point plotted against the frequency range (frequency response).

The AN-SOF Visualization Suite

The software includes four specialized tools to handle these results:

1. AN-XY Chart: For rectangular plots of spectra and patterns.
2. AN-Smith: Dedicated environment for impedance matching and Smith Chart analysis.
3. AN-Polar: For 2D polar representations of radiation patterns.
4. AN-3D Pattern: For full spatial visualization of lobes and field distributions.

Tip

You can quickly access the most critical results for transmitting antennas, such as Gain, Efficiency, and VSWR, directly in the Results tab of the main window without opening secondary applications.