The Electromagnetic Data Exchange: Much more than a Common Data Format

A very important aspect of antenna modelling, both for research activities and for industrial use, is the exchange of data among the software tools and the primary approach used for this purpose is the exchange of data in files. The need for common way to describe physical objects and quantities involved in the electromagnetic modelling of antennas has been signalled by many over the past 15 years or so. This paper reports on the development of the electromagnetic data exchange language (EDX), a recent proposal in this area. The concept of data domain modelling and data dictionaries are first discussed. Then, the language developed to describe and record electromagnetic data is introduced, followed by a short illustration of the electromagnetic data interface library and of the translator, a utility that automatically translates data dictionaries definitions into program code to access the data. Finally it is discussed why EDX is expected to lead to improved modelling and measurement tools.