A graphical user interface for a finite difference time domain simulation tool

Abstract

This paper presents an efficient graphical user interface for the finite difference time domain techniques with emphasis on electromagnetic and antenna applications. The interface is designed for Windows operating systems using combination of programming languages such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Digital Visual Fortran, and the OpenGL 3D graphics API. The interface consists of windows addressing each task in defining the device to be analyzed, the source of the electromagnetic field excitation, the required field parameters to be computed by the finite difference time domain computational engine, and the interactive visualization the parameters for field evolution during the time stepping procedure. One example of simulating a printed antenna is presented.