Computer graphic visualisation for the transmission line matrix method of microwave electromagnetic field simulation

An interactive 3D electromagnetic vector field visualisation software package is described. The visualisation methods are designed not just to enable the vector fields to be interpreted, but also, more importantly, to enable microwave circuit engineers to interpret the results of a computer simulation as if they were performing an actual experiment. This is done by enabling the operator to place virtual microwave measuring instruments in the 3D simulation space, and by presenting the data in a display format which is similar to that of the measuring instruments, which the engineer can readily interpret. An advantage of a computer-simulated measurement is that the virtual instruments may be placed in parts of the device which would normally be inaccessible, thereby giving valuable information concerning the internal operation of the circuit