Electromagnetic computer modelling for EMC (integral methods)

The paper reviews methods for computer modelling of electromagnetic fields with particular application to EMC. The interconnection system of a piece of electronic equipment, which comprises PCB, cables, packages etc. is described as an additional component, which acts as both a source and receiver of stray electromagnetic fields. This component, which in general has extremely complex shape, is modelled by solving Maxwell´s equations. Emphasis is given to integral methods of generating the appropriate model. Integrating this model with simulators used in electronic design, thus allowing combined electronic/electromagnetic modelling is also discussed. Currently available methods of numerical analysis and computer hardware restrict application of many tools to small subsets of full EMC problems. Various approximations which allow realistic structures to be modelled are therefore examined. An application of the Philips´ PCB layout simulator FASTERIX is given