CAD File Import and Export
The Antenna Toolbox™ provides multiple objects and functions to import and export CAD files. Formats supported include stereolithography files (STL), Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP), Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), Graphics Library Transmission Format (glTF), and Gerber files.
You can use CAD files for designing custom antennas and arrays, creating platforms for antenna installation and radar cross section (RCS), generating Gerber files for PCB fabrication, and creating a scenario for ray tracing analysis. This table shows objects and functions from Antenna Toolbox that support each CAD format.
Objects
Functions
Featured Examples
Import and Analyze Custom 3-D Antenna Geometry
Simulate a 3-D custom antenna geometry from an STL (stereolithography) file. An STL file is a tessellation of a structure in 3-D space using triangles. To simulate a 3-D custom antenna geometry, use the customAntennaStl object. This object allows you to simulate a custom 3-D geometry from an *.stl file.
Installed Antenna Analysis - Modeling Antennas with Platforms
The example models an antenna element in presence of a large platform. The antenna is modeled accurately using the Method of Moments (MoM) while the effect of the electrically large platform is considered using physical optics (PO).
Radar Cross Section Benchmarking
Radar cross section benchmarking example.
Create Antenna Model from Gerber Files
Create an antenna model from Gerber files and subsequently analyze the antenna. The Gerber file format is used in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and is defined in the RS-274X standard which is the newer extended Gerber format. The Antenna Toolbox™ supports the newer RS-274X format both to generate Gerber files from an antenna model as well as to create an antenna model from a set of Gerber files.
Design, Analyze, and Prototype 2-by-2 Patch Antenna Array
Create a 2-by-2 patch antenna array on an FR4 substrate, analyze the antenna, and generate PCB Gerber files for prototyping. The design operates at around 2.4 GHz.
Design, Analysis, and Prototyping of Microstrip-Fed Wide-Slot Antenna
Model a microstrip-fed printed wide slot antenna with FR4 substrate, analyze it and finally enables its prototyping by generating Gerber files. The design is intended for operation in the L-band and has a bandwidth of about 17% over the band 1.6 - 1.8 GHz.
Create Scene from 3-D Shapes and Perform Ray Tracing Analysis
Model a scenario of antennas installed inside a tunnel using 3-D modeling features of the Antenna Toolbox™.
