Reverberation chambers: Full 3D FDTD simulations and measurements of independent positions of the stirrers

Abstract

This paper describes the developing and the testing of our FDTD code to simulate the whole reverberation chamber. In order to reduce computer load some approximations were introduced, and we validated the results with the experimental ones measured in our reverberation chamber. Simulated and measured results were compared using the same statistical software. In addition, the computations easily provide other results that cannot be obtained by measurements like the ones that regard field distribution inside the cavity. The developed FDTD code is able to simulate the statistical properties of an RC as function of its dimensions and stirrer geometry. Many numerical techniques haves been proposed to simulate reverberation chambers. Every method requires very large computer resources if a full 3D simulation is done. The developed FDTD code is able to simulate different geometries and movements of the stirrer(s) allowing the designer to obtain the best configuration using the simulator, and saving time for experimental tests. Simulations integrate experimental measurements when long measurement time or destructive tests are required.