Calculating slow-wave circuit parameters with HFSS

Slow-wave circuits provide the wave propagation structures for microwave devices such as TWTs, and CFAs. In this paper we show how to use Ansoft HFSS to calculate dispersion relations for slow wave circuits. The technique could also be used to study other periodic structures. The advantages of accurately simulating the slow-wave circuit are many. Prototyping of circuits can be eliminated. The effect of anisotropic materials such as APBN can be included in the simulation. Fields can be visualized and field quantities can be calculated. In addition, the solutions are fast enough that the method is amenable to parametric design and optimization.