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, and it is categorized into five primary analytical groups.

Commands to Display Results

Current Distribution and Impedance

• Current Distribution 3D: Displays a 3D plot of the current amplitude mapped directly onto the structure.
• Current Profile 2D: Opens a 2D Cartesian plot to analyze the magnitude and phase of currents along a selected wire.
• Current vs. Freq: Tabulates the current magnitude and phase for a specific segment across the simulated frequency range.
• Export Current Data: Saves the current distribution data along a selected wire to a TXT or CSV file for external post-processing.
• Input Impedance Table: Tabulates the input impedance, VSWR, and reflection coefficient at the antenna terminals across the frequency range.

Far-Field Analysis

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

Near E-Field and H-Field

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

Power Density

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

Data Interpretation: Tables 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 (Angular/Spatial Pattern vs. Spectrum):
  • Angular/Spatial Pattern: Field values at a fixed frequency plotted against a range of observation points (angular or 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 Metrics tab of the main window without opening secondary applications.