Validated electromagnetic coupling predictions for an electronic subsystem based on the finite-element time-domain method

The finite-element time-domain (FETD) method is used to predict electromagnetic coupling into an electronic subsystem. Accurately predicting coupling into electronics systems is challenging because small changes to geometry and materials can significantly shift the frequencies at which resonances and nulls occur. The test object consisted of two metal chassis, a variety of apertures, an unshielded wire, multipin connectors, Eccosorbtrade RF absorptive sheets, and circuit boards. Experimental validation is provided over a frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 3 GHz. The experimental response of the test object was based on illumination by a double ridge horn antenna at distances of 1 m and 7.5 m, whereas the predictions were based on free-field, plane-wave excitation. Good correlation between measurements and predictions for the amplitude and trend of the coupling data is established down to the circuit-trace level