The evolution of MININEC (method of moments computer program for antenna analysis)

The Mini Electromagnetics Code, or MININEC, is a method-of-moments computer program for the analysis of thin-wire antennas. A Galerkin procedure is applied to an electric-field integral equation to solve for the wire currents. This formulation results in an unusually short computer program suitable for implementation on a microcomputer. Hence, MININEC is written in BASIC, which is compatible with many popular microcomputers. MININEC capabilities include determination of impedance and currents, calculation of near and far fields, and calculation of radiation patterns. The solution includes all electromagnetic interactions between conductors, so the code can be used to determine antenna-to-antenna coupling, a necessary requirement for the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessment of a cosite antenna environment. The development of MININEC from its conception is described. The capabilities are described and illustrated with examples. Future developments are included.<>