HFSS v9.

0
with Optimetrics

Getting Started with Optimetrics:

Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction
Using HFSS and Optimetrics

May 2003
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Ansoft makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including,
but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. Ansoft shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, perfor-
mance, or use of this material.

© 2003 Ansoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Ansoft Corporation
Four Station Square
Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
USA
Phone: 412-261-3200
Fax: 412-471-9427

HFSS and Optimetrics are registered trademarks or trademarks of Ansoft Corpo-

ration. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

New editions of this manual will incorporate all material updated since the pre-
vious edition. The manual printing date, which indicates the manual’s current
edition, changes when a new edition is printed. Minor corrections and updates
that are incorporated at reprint do not cause the date to change.
Update packages may be issued between editions and contain additional and/or
replacement pages to be merged into the manual by the user. Pages that are
rearranged due to changes on a previous page are not considered to be revised.

Edition D a te S o f t w ar e
Ve r s io n
1 May 2003 Optimetrics 3.0
HFSS 9.0
 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Conventions Used in this Guide

Please take a moment to review how instructions and other useful infor-
mation are presented in this guide.

• Procedures are presented as numbered lists. A single bullet indicates

that the procedure has only one step.
• Bold type is used for the following:
- Keyboard entries that should be typed in their entirety exactly as
shown. For example, “copy file1” means to type the word copy, to
type a space, and then to type file1.
- On-screen prompts and messages, names of options and text boxes,
and menu commands. Menu commands are often separated by car-
ats. For example, click HFSS>Excitations>Assign>Wave Port.
- Labeled keys on the computer keyboard. For example, “Press
Enter” means to press the key labeled Enter.
• Italic type is used for the following:
Alternate methods or
tips are listed in the left
- Emphasis.
margin in blue italic - The titles of publications.
text.
- Keyboard entries when a name or a variable must be typed in place
of the words in italics. For example, “copy file name” means to
type the word copy, to type a space, and then to type a file name.
• The plus sign (+) is used between keyboard keys to indicate that you
should press the keys at the same time. For example, “Press
Shift+F1” means to press the Shift key and the F1 key at the same
time.
• Toolbar buttons serve as shortcuts for executing commands. Toolbar
buttons are displayed after the command they execute. For example,

“On the Draw menu, click Line ” means that you can click the
Draw Line toolbar button to execute the Line command.

iii
Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Getting Help
Ansoft Technical Support
To contact Ansoft technical support staff in your geographical area,
please log on to the Ansoft corporate website, http://www.ansoft.com,
click the Contact button, and then click Support. You will find phone
numbers and e-mail addresses for the technical support staff. Your
Ansoft account manager may also be contacted in order to obtain this
information.
All Ansoft software files are ASCII text and can be sent conveniently by e-
mail. When reporting difficulties, it is extremely helpful to include spe-
cific information about what steps were taken or what stages the simula-
tion reached. This allows more rapid and effective debugging.

Context-Sensitive Help
To access online help from the HFSS user interface, do one of the follow-
ing:
• To open a help topic about a specific HFSS menu command, press
Shift+F1, and then click the command or toolbar icon.
• To open a help topic about a specific HFSS dialog box, open the dia-
log box, and then press F1.

iv
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction
Using Optimetrics with HFSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
About the Nominal Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Using Optimetrics to Improve the T-Junction Design . . . . 1-4
Expected Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

2. Set up the Optimetrics Design

Save the Tee Project Under a New Name . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Delete the Frequency Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
3. Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis
Add a Parametric Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Add a Variable Sweep Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Save Fields for Every Solved Design Variation . . . . . . . . 3-4
Specify the Solution Quantities to Evaluate . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Solve the Parametric Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
4. Review the Parametric Results
Create a Rectangular Plot of S-Parameter Results vs.
Offset Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Create a Rectangular Plot of Power Distribution vs.
Offset Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Contents-1
Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction Using HFSS and Optimetrics

Animate the Field Overlay Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

5. Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis
Select the Variable to be Optimized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Add an Optimization Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Add a Cost Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Modify the Variable’s Starting Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Modify the Variable’s Minimum and Maximum Values . . . 5-4
Choose to Solve the Parametric Setup Before the
Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Choose to Update the Variable Value After Optimization . 5-5
Solve the Optimization Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
6. Review the Optimization Results
View the Cost vs. Solved Iteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Re-analyze the Design at the Septum’s Optimal Value . . 6-3
Update the Field Overlay Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Close the Project and Exit HFSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Contents-2
 1 Introduction

This Getting Started guide is written for Optimetrics beginners as

well as experienced users who are using Optimetrics version 3 for the
first time.
You must have completed Getting Started with HFSS: A Waveguide T-
Junction before you begin this guide. The parametric and optimiza-
tion setups you will create are based on the design setup, analyses,
and post processing completed in the HFSS Getting Started guide.
By following the steps in this guide, you will learn how to perform the
following tasks:
Create a basic parametric setup.
Solve a parametric analysis.
Create a 2D x-y plot of S-parameter results.
Create a 2D x-y plot of power distribution results.
Create a geometry animation.
Specify a variable to be optimized.
Create an optimization setup, which includes defining a cost
function and setting the range of variable values for an optimiza-
Estimated time to tion.
complete this guide:
45 minutes.
Solve an optimization analysis.
During an optimization analysis, view a plot of cost values versus
solved iterations.
Run an HFSS simulation using the optimal variable value.
Update an existing field overlay plot with new results.

Introduction 1-1
Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Using Optimetrics with HFSS

Optimetrics enables you to determine the best design variation among a
design’s possible variations. You create the original model, the nominal
See the online help design, and then define the design parameters that vary, which can be
about the specific nearly any design parameter assigned a numeric value in HFSS. For exam-
parameter you want to
vary to determine if it ple, you can parameterize the model geometry, material properties, or
can be assigned a boundary conditions. You can then perform the following types of analy-
variable. ses on your nominal design:
Parametric You define one or more variable sweep definitions,
each specifying a series of variable values within a
range, and HFSS solves the design at each variation.
Optimization You identify the cost function and the optimization
goal. Optimetrics changes the design parameter
values to meet that goal.
Sensitivity Optimetrics explores the vicinity of the design point
to determine the sensitivity of the design to small
changes in variables.
Tuning Variable values are changed interactively and the
performance of the design is monitored.
Statistical Optimetrics determines the distribution of a design's
performance, which is caused by a statistical
distribution of variable values.
In this Getting Started guide, you will perform a parametric analysis and
an optimization analysis.

1-2 Introduction
 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

About the Nominal Design

In Getting Started with HFSS: A Waveguide T-Junction, you created a T-
shaped waveguide with an inductive septum.1 A signal at a frequency of
10 GHz entered the waveguide at Port 1 (see below) and exited at Port 2
and Port 3.
Port 2
Septum

Port 3

Port 1
The waveguide’s transmission and reflection of the signal depended on
the position of the septum. You assigned a variable to the septum’s posi-
tion, named offset, and solved the design at two values of offset. When
the septum was located centrally opposite to Port 1 (offset was 0
inches), the septum divided the signal and directed it evenly towards the
output ports, Port 2 and Port 3. When the septum was moved 0.2 inches
closer to Port 2 (offset was 0.2 inches), the transmission through Port 2
decreased and the transmission through Port 3 increased.

[1] “Parametrics and Optimization Using Ansoft HFSS,” Microwave Journal, Product Reviews, November 1999.

Introduction 1-3
Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Using Optimetrics to Improve the T-Junction

Design
In this Getting Started guide, you will use Ansoft’s Optimetrics software
to find an optimal position for the septum. For this guide, the optimal
position will be defined as the one that results in the power distribution
at Port 3 being twice the power distribution at Port 2. In Optimetrics,
this desired result is called the cost function. Optimetrics will search for
The cost function can and solve different design variations until the minimum cost is achieved.
be based on any solu-
Prior to performing the optimization, you will set up and solve a para-
tion quantity that
HFSS can compute, metric analysis. The parametric setup will define a range of values for
such as field values, the variable offset. During the parametric analysis, Optimetrics will
S-parameters, and solve the design at each variation. You will compare the results to deter-
eigenmode data.
mine how each design variation affects the S-parameters and power dis-
tribution within the structure. These results will help to determine a
reasonable range of offset values to specify for the optimization analy-
sis. The results will also help Optimetrics determine an acceptable start-
ing point for the optimization analysis.

Expected Results
The HFSS analysis you ran in Getting Started with HFSS: A Waveguide T-
Junction showed that when the septum is located centrally opposite to
Port 1, it directs the signal evenly towards the output ports, Port 2 and
Port 3. The parametric analysis is expected to show that as the septum
moves closer toward Port 2, the transmission and power distribution will
initially decrease at Port 2 and increase at Port 3. As the septum contin-
ues to move closer toward Port 2, the signal should begin to bounce off
of the T-junction wall opposite Port1, more of the signal will be
reflected, and the performance of the structure will degrade.
To determine if the parametric results are as expected, you will compare
HFSS’s S-parameter calculations at each septum position on a 2D x-y
plot. You will create a second x-y plot that compares the power distribu-
tion at each port as the septum changes position. You will also create an
animated field plot on the model geometry, which will indicate if the
field pattern changes as expected with the septum’s position.
This parametric analysis post processing will provide useful information
for setting up the optimization analysis that follows. For example, it
should reveal the septum position that will most likely result in the
power distribution at Port 3 being twice that at Port 2. It will also narrow
the range of variable values you will set for the optimization.

1-4 Introduction
 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

The optimization analysis is expected to find an optimal septum position

between 0 and 0.2 inches. You will re-analyze the design at the optimal
position, and then update the field overlay plot you created in the ear-
lier HFSS Getting Started guide. The E-field values should indicate that
the fields are twice as great moving toward Port 3 as they are moving
toward Port 2.

Introduction 1-5
Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

1-6 Introduction
 2 Set up the Optimetrics
Design

In this chapter you will complete the following tasks:

Open the project Tee.hfss and save it with a different name.
Delete the sweep setup.

Estimated time to
complete this chapter:
2 minutes.

Set up the Optimetrics Design 2-1

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Save the Tee Project Under a New Name

Open the project Tee.hfss and save it with a new name.

1 On the File menu, click Open .

2 Use the file browser to locate the project Tee.hfss, and then click the
project name.
3 Click Open.
The design appears in the 3D Modeler window and the design infor-
mation and material definitions are listed in the project tree.
4 On the File menu, click Save As.
5 Use the file browser to locate the directory in which you want to save
the project.
6 Type OptimTee in the File name text box, and then click Save.
The project is saved in the directory you selected by the file name
OptimTee.hfss.

Delete the Frequency Sweep

When you solve the parametric and optimization analyses later in this
guide, you will solve at the solution frequency you specified in the Solu-
tion Setup dialog box, 10 GHz. Solving across a range of frequencies for
each design variation is not necessary, so delete the frequency sweep
setup. It is listed in the project tree under Analysis> Setup1.
• Click Sweep1 in the project tree, and then

press Delete .
Save your project fre-
quently: Click Save on
the File menu

.
Now you are ready to set up the parametric analysis.

2-2 Set up the Optimetrics Design

 3 Set up and Solve the
Parametric Analysis

In this chapter you will complete the following tasks:

Add a parametric setup to the project.
Add a variable sweep definition to the parametric setup.
Solve the parametric analysis.

Estimated time to
complete this chapter,
not including solution
time:
10 minutes.

Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis 3-1

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Add a Parametric Setup

A parametric setup specifies all of the design variations that Optimetrics
will drive HFSS to solve. A parametric setup is made up of one or more
variable sweep definitions, each specifying a set of variable values
within a range that you want HFSS to solve when you run the parametric
setup.
First, add the parametric setup to the project:
• Right-click Optimetrics in the project tree, and then click

Add>Parametric on the shortcut menu.

The Setup Sweep Analysis dialog box appears.

Next, add a variable sweep definition to the parametric setup.

3-2 Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Add a Variable Sweep Definition

1 Under the Sweep Definitions tab, click Add.
The Add/Edit Sweep dialog box appears.
2 offset is listed in the Variable pull-
down list by default. This is the
variable for which you are defining
the sweep definition.
A Linear Step sweep 3 Select Linear step as the sweep
type enables you to
specify a linear range
type.
of values with a 4 In the Start box, type 0, and then select in.
constant step size.
5 In the Stop box, type 1, and then select in.
6 In the Step box, type 0.1, and then select in.
The step size determines the number of design variations between
the start and stop values. HFSS will solve the model at each step in
the specified range, including the start and stop values.
7 Click Add. The dialog box looks like the following:

8 Click OK.
You return to the Setup Sweep Analysis dialog box.

Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis 3-3

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

The sweep definition is listed in the top half of the window.

View the design
variations that will be
solved in table format
under the Table tab.
This enables you to
visualize the design
variations that will be
solved and manually
adjust sweep points if
necessary.

For more information

about the other options
in the Setup Sweep
Analysis
dialog box, see the
online help. Save Fields for Every Solved Design Variation
By default, HFSS does not save field solution data for every solved design
variation in a parametric setup. You will want those field solutions avail-
able for post processing, so do the following:
• Under the General tab, select Save Fields.

3-4 Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Specify the Solution Quantities to Evaluate

Now you will identify 3 solution quantities that will be of interest during
post processing. HFSS will extract the solution quantities from the solu-
tion and make them available during post processing. You will create 3
output variables that represent the mathematical expressions for the
power distribution quantities at Port 1, Port 2, and Port 3.
1 Under the Calculations tab, click Add.
By default, the solution quantity will be extracted from the last adap-
tive solution generated for the solution setup.
2 Click Edit Calculation.
The Output Variables dialog box appears.
3 Define the first output variable representing the quantity you want to
evaluate:
a. In the Name text box, type Power11.
b. In the Category list, click S Parameter.
c. In the Quantity list, click S(Port1, Port1).
d. In the Function list, click mag.
e. Click Insert Quantity Into Expression.
f. At the end of the expression, in the Expression text box, type *,
and then click Insert Quantity Into Expression again.
The expression should appear as follows:

g. Click Add.
The new output variable Power11 and the expression it represents
are added to the output variables list at the top of the dialog box.
4 Follow step 3 to define a second output variable named Power21, but
To automatically this time, click S(Port2, Port1) in the Quantity list.
expand the project tree The expression should appear as follows:
when an item is added
to the project: Click
mag(S(Port2,Port1))*mag(S(Port2,Port1)).
Tools>Options> Gen- 5 Follow step 3 to add a third output variable named Power31, but this
eral Options. time, click S(Port3, Port1) in the Quantity list.
Under Project Options,
select Expand Project The expression should appear as follows:
Tree on Insert. mag(S(Port3,Port1))*mag(S(Port3,Port1)).
Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis 3-5
Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

6 Click Done.
The most recently created output variable, Power31, appears in the
Calculation text box.
By default, the calculation range of Power31 is set to the single fre-
quency 10 GHz, the adaptive frequency that was defined in the solu-
tion setup. The solution quantity will be extracted from the solution
at this frequency value.
7 Click Add.
8 In the new row, select Power21 in the Calculation pull-down list, and
then press Enter.
9 Click Add.
10 In the new row, type Power11 in the Calculation pull-down list, and
then press Enter.
The dialog box looks like the following:

11 Click OK.
The new parametric setup is listed in the
project tree under Optimetrics. It is
named ParametricSetup1 by default.

3-6 Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Solve the Parametric Analysis

Now you will run the parametric analysis, which will generate results for
the T-junction when the septum is located at each position specified in
the variable sweep definition.
• Right-click ParametricSetup1 in the project tree, and then click
Analyze on the shortcut menu.
HFSS computes the 3D field solution for every design variation specified
in the parametric setup’s variable sweep definition, except those it
already solved during the nominal project’s analyses. For example, you
may notice in the Progress window that HFSS does not solve for the val-
ues of 0 inches and 0.2 inches because those solutions are already avail-
able.

The Progress window during the parametric analysis.

If the Progress window is not visible, click Progress Window on the View menu.

The solution process is expected to take approximately 20 - 30 minutes.

When the solution is complete, a confirmation message appears in the
Message Manager.

Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis 3-7

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

3-8 Set up and Solve the Parametric Analysis

 4 Review the Parametric
Results

In this chapter you will complete the following tasks:

Create a 2D x-y plot of S-parameters at each solved offset
position.
Create a 2D x-y plot of the power distribution at each solved
offset position.
Animate the field overlay plot at each solved offset position.

Estimated time to
complete this chapter:
15 minutes.

Review the Parametric Results 4-1

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Create a Rectangular Plot of S-Parameter Results

vs. Offset Position
Now you will create a 2D x-y (rectangular) plot that compares the S-
parameter results at each port for each solved septum position.
1 Right-click Results in the project tree, and then click Create Report.
The Create Report dialog box appears.
2 Click Modal S Parameters in the Report Type list.
3 Click Rectangular Plot in the Display Type list, and then click OK.
The Traces dialog box appears.
4 Under the Y tab, specify the information to plot along the y-axis:
a. In the Category list, click S parameter.
b. In the Quantity list, press Ctrl and click S(Port1, Port1), S(Port1,
Port2), and S(Port1, Port3).
c. In the Function list, click mag.
5 Under the X tab, select Use Primary Sweep.
The first (primary) sweep variable listed under the Sweeps tab will
be plotted along the x-axis.
6 Click the Sweeps tab.
7 By default, the primary sweep variable is Freq, which HFSS recognizes
as the frequency at which the solution was generated. You want to
sweep all of the values of offset that were solved during the analysis
along the x-axis, so change the primary sweep variable to offset:
a. Select Sweep Design and Project variable values.
b. Click the name Freq, and then click the name offset in the pull-
down list that appears.
8 Click Add Trace.
The trace is added to the traces list at the top of the dialog box.
9 Click Done.
The magnitude of the S-parameters will be plotted against each off-
set value on an x-y graph, as shown on the next page. The plot is
listed under Results in the project tree.

4-2 Review the Parametric Results

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

The blue line shows the S-parameter values at Port 1, the red line shows
the S-parameter values at Port 2, and the green line shows
the S-parameter values at Port 3 for each value of offset.

As expected, as the septum moves closer to Port 2, the transmission

initially decreases at Port 2 (see ) and increases at Port 3 (see
). As the septum is moved more than 0.3 inches toward Port 2,
it becomes less effective at steering the signal toward Port 3. Reflec-
tion increases at the input port, Port 1 (see ), as the signal
bounces back against the T-junction wall opposite the port. There-
fore, you will set the maximum value for the optimization to be 0.3
inches. (More about setting the maximum value follows in the next
chapter.)

Review the Parametric Results 4-3

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Create a Rectangular Plot of Power Distribution vs.

Offset Position
Now you will create a 2D x-y (rectangular) plot that compares the power
distribution results at each port for each solved septum position.
1 Right-click Results in the project tree, and then click Create Report.
The Create Report dialog box appears.
2 Click Modal S Parameters in the Report Type list.
3 Click Rectangular Plot in the Display Type list, and then click OK.
The Traces dialog box appears.
4 Under the Y tab, specify the information to plot along the y-axis:
a. In the Category list, click Output Variables.
b. In the Quantity list, press Shift and click Power11, Power21, and
Power31.
c. In the Function list, click <none>.
5 Under the X tab, select Use Primary Sweep.
6 Click the Sweeps tab.
7 Change the primary sweep variable to offset:
a. Select Sweep Design and Project variable values.
b. Click the name Freq, and then click the name offset in the pull-
down list that appears.
8 Click Add Trace.
9 Click Done.
The power distribution at each port is plotted against each offset
value on an x-y graph, as shown on the next page. The plot is listed
under Results in the project tree.

4-4 Review the Parametric Results

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

For each value of offset, the blue line shows the power distribution values at Port 1, the
red line shows the power distribution values at Port 2, and the green line shows
the power distribution values at Port 3.

The plot above shows the distribution of 1 watt of power at the 3

ports as the septum’s position moves closer to Port 2.
The goal for the optimization analysis will be to find the septum posi-
tion that results in the power distribution at Port 3 being twice as
much as at Port 2. Notice that when offset is 0.1 inches, the value of
Power21 (see ) is approximately 0.32 and Power31 (see )
is approximately 0.65, or about twice as much. Therefore, you will
set the starting value for the optimization to be 0.1 inches. (More
about setting the starting value follows in the next chapter.)

Review the Parametric Results 4-5

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Animate the Field Overlay Plot

Re-animate the field overlay plot you created in Getting Started with
HFSS: A Waveguide T-Junction. This time, you will plot the E-field at
each solved value of offset to see how the fields are affected by the sep-
tum’s position.
1 In the project tree, double-click the field
overlay plot Mag_E1 to bring this view win-
dow to the front.
2 Right-click Mag_E1 in the project tree, and
then click Animate on the shortcut menu.
The Select Animation dialog box appears.
3 Click New.
The Setup Animation dialog box appears.
4 Under the Swept Variable tab, click offset in the Swept variable list.
By default, all values of offset are selected to be included in the ani-
mation.
5 Click OK.
The animation begins in the view window. It will display the field plot
at each solved value between 0 and 1.0 inches, resulting in a total of
11 frames in the animation.

4-6 Review the Parametric Results

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

The plot shows that when offset is between 0 and 0.3 inches, more of
the electromagnetic wave moves toward Port 3. When offset is
greater than 0.3 inches, the fields begin to bounce back towards Port
1; the septum becomes less effective at steering the wave towards
Port 2 and Port 3. Therefore, you will request that Optimetrics only
consider offset values between 0 and 0.3 inches during the optimiza-
tion.
Port 2

Port 1

Port 3

Frame 3
Offset = 0.2 inches

Frame 5,
Offset = 0.4 inches

Frame 8
Offset = 0.7 inches

The animated Mag_E1 plot of the E-field as the septum moves closer to Port 2.

6 In the Animation dialog box, click the stop button , and then
click Close.

Now you are ready to set up the optimization analysis.

Review the Parametric Results 4-7

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

4-8 Review the Parametric Results

 5 Set up and Solve the
Optimization Analysis

In this chapter you will complete the following tasks:

Set up the variable offset for an optimization analysis.
Add an optimization setup to the project.
Add a cost function to the optimization setup.
Solve the optimization analysis.

Estimated time to
complete this chapter,
not including solution
time:
15 minutes.

Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis 5-1

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Select the Variable to be Optimized

Before a variable can be solved during an optimization analysis, you must
specify that you intend for HFSS to use it during the optimization. For
design variables, this setting is in the Design Properties dialog box.
Alternatively, right- 1 On the HFSS menu, click
clicking TeeModel in
the project tree, and Design Properties.
then click Design The Properties dialog
Properties on the box appears.
shortcut menu.
2 Under the Local
Variables tab, select
Optimization.
3 For the variable offset,
Note that the value of select Include, and then
offset is set to 0.2
click OK.
inches. This is the vari-
able’s current value
set in the nominal
project. Add an Optimization Setup
An optimization setup includes a cost function definition, which specifies
one or more goals for an optimization analysis, and guidelines for mini-
mizing the cost function.
1 Right-click Optimetrics in the project tree, and then click
Because the numerical
noise will not be signif- Add>Optimization on the shortcut menu.
icant during the solu-
tion process, the Quasi
The Setup Optimization dialog box appears.
Newton optimizer is 2 Under the Goals tab, click Quasi Newton in the Optimizer pull-down
appropriate for this list.
analysis.
3 Accept the default of 1000 as the Max. No. of Iterations value.
4 Clear the Save Fields option. You are not concerned with the field
If Optimetrics solves solutions for the design variations that Optimetrics solves as it tries to
the maximum number
of iterations, the opti-
reach the acceptable cost.
mization analysis
stops. Otherwise it
continues to perform
iterations (solve
design variations) until
the acceptable cost is
reached or it cannot
proceed as a result of
other optimization
setup constraints.

5-2 Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Add a Cost Function

You will now add a cost function to the optimization setup. The goal for
the optimization is for the power at Port 3 to be twice the power at Port
2. You will set up the cost function so that the power at Port 3 - 2*(the
power at Port 2) = 0 at the optimal point. You will use the output vari-
ables defined earlier to represent this expression. You will specify that a
cost function value less than 0.01 is acceptable.
1 Under the Goals tab, click Add.
A new row is added to the Cost Function table.
By default, the cost function will be extracted from the last adaptive
Alternatively, you solution generated for the solution setup.
could add a new out- 2 Specify the solution quantity on which to base the cost function goal:
put variable that repre-
sents the expression In the Calculation text box, type Power31-2*Power21, and then
Power 31 - 2*Power21 press Enter.
and enter that output
By default, the calculation range of this quantity is set to 10 GHz, the
variable name in the
Calculation text box. adaptive frequency defined in the solution setup. The solution quan-
tity will be extracted from the solution at this frequency value.
3 Leave the Condition set to = (equal to).
The Goal value is the 4 In the Goal text box, type 0, and then press Enter.
value of the solution
quantity that you want
5 Leave the Weight value set to [1].
to be achieved during 6 In the Acceptable Cost text box, type 0.01. If the cost function value
the optimization analy- is equal to or below this value, the optimization analysis will stop.
sis.
7 Leave the Noise value set to 0.0001.
The Weight value is The dialog box now looks like the following:
useful when you have
multiple goals for a
cost function and you
want to assign higher
or lower priority to
them.

Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis 5-3

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Modify the Variable’s Starting Value

A variable’s starting value is the first value that is solved during the opti-
mization analysis. Optimetrics automatically sets the starting value to
the variable’s current value, which is set to 0.2 inches. You will set the
starting value to 0.1 inches, which is appropriate because the parametric
analysis HFSS performed earlier revealed that the power distribution at
Port 3 was approximately twice as much as the power distribution at Port
2 when the value of the offset variable was 0.1 inches.
1 Click the Variables tab.
Offset is the only variable listed because it is the only independent
variable selected for optimization.
2 In the Starting Value text box,
type 0.1, and then press Enter.
The Override option is now
selected. This indicates that the
value you entered will be used
for this optimization analysis; it
overrides the variable’s current
value.

Modify the Variable’s Minimum and Maximum Values

Optimetrics automatically sets the minimum value it considers for a vari-
able being optimized equal to approximately one-half the variable’s
starting value. You will set the minimum value for this optimization to 0
so that it is less than the starting value and defines an acceptable range
in which to search for the optimum value.
1 In the Min text box, type 0.
2 The maximum value should already be set to 0.3. If it is not, type 0.3
in the Max text box. This value is appropriate because the parametric
analysis showed that offset values greater than 0.3 were ineffective.

5-4 Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

The dialog box now looks like the following:

Choose to Solve the Parametric Setup Before the

Optimization
By solving a parametric setup before it performs an optimization, Opti-
metrics can determine the best starting point for the optimization. In
The variable’s starting this case, because ParametricSetup1 has already been solved, Optimet-
value you set in the rics will not re-solve it, but it will use the results to determine the first
previous section is
ignored if a more variable value, or starting value, in the optimization analysis.
appropriate starting 1 Click the General tab.
value is found in the
parametric analysis 2 Click ParametricSetup1 in the Parametric Analysis pull-down list.
results. 3 Select Solve the parametric sweep before optimization.
Choose to Update the Variable Value After Optimization
Make sure HFSS will update the T-junction’s geometry after the optimiza-
tion to reflect the optimal value of offset that is found.
1 Under the General tab, make sure that the Update design parameter
values after optimization option is selected.
2 The optimization setup is now complete. Click OK to close the Setup
Optimization dialog box.

Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis 5-5

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Solve the Optimization Analysis

Now you will run the optimization analysis.
• In the project tree under Optimetrics, right-click
OptimizationSetup1, and then click Analyze on the shortcut menu.
The solution process is expected to take approximately 2 - 4 minutes.
While the solution is running, proceed to the next chapter to follow the
progress of Optimetrics as it searches for minimum cost value.

5-6 Set up and Solve the Optimization Analysis

 6 Review the Optimization
Results

In this chapter you will complete the following tasks:

View the cost value versus completed iteration in x-y plot and
data table formats.
Re-run the analysis at the septum’s optimal position.
Review the E-field results at the septum’s optimal position.
Close the project and exit HFSS software.

Estimated time to
complete this chapter,
not including solution
time:
15 minutes.

Review the Optimization Results 6-1

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

View the Cost vs. Solved Iteration

As the solution progresses, view the cost values versus completed itera-
tions in rectangular (x-y) plot format. The plot indicates how close Opti-
metrics is to reaching the goal value of 0.
1 Right-click OptimizationSetup1 in the project tree, and then click
View Analysis Result on the shortcut menu.
The Post Analysis Display dialog box appears.
2 Under the Result tab, select Plot.
A plot of the cost value at each iteration appears.

Cost vs. iteration plot.

As requested, HFSS
For the first 11 iterations, Optimetrics referred to the results from
has modified the T-
junction geometry so the parametric analysis: Optimetrics extracted the cost values from
that the value of offset the 11 design variations solved during the parametric analysis.
is 0.09 inches, or the
optimal variable value.
The optimization stops when it reaches a cost value within the
You can select a differ- acceptable cost, which was set to 0.01.
ent value of offset in 3 Select Table.
the table, and then
click Apply to modify The cost value at each solved design variation is listed in table for-
the T-junction geome- mat. The optimal variable value, which is the value of offset at the
try to that offset value.
minimum cost value, should be near 0.09 inches.
When you are done,
click Revert to return 4 Click Close.
the geometry to the
optimal value.

6-2 Review the Optimization Results

 Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Re-analyze the Design at the Septum’s Optimal

Value
A field solution is unavailable at the optimal value; therefore the field
overlay plot Mag_E1 is considered invalid in its current state. To update
the plot, solve the design with HFSS at the optimal variable value.
• Right-click Setup1 in the project tree under Analysis, and then click
Analyze on the shortcut menu.
The analysis is expected to take approximately 1 minute.

Update the Field Overlay Plot

• Double-click the field overlay plot Mag_E1 to view the updated plot
in the view window.
The E-field values indicate that the fields are approximately twice as
great moving towards Port 3 as they are moving towards Port 2.

The Mag_E1 plot of the E-field when the septum is located at the optimal position.

Review the Optimization Results 6-3

Getting Started with Optimetrics: Optimizing a Waveguide T-Junction

Close the Project and Exit HFSS

Congratulations! You have successfully completed this Optimetrics 3.0
Getting Started guide! You may close the OptimTee project and exit the
HFSS software.
1 Save the project .
2 On the File menu, click Close.
3 On the File menu, click Exit.

6-4 Review the Optimization Results

 Index

deleting during optimization anal-

A ysis 5-2
generating for optimal value 6-3
acceptable cost saving for parametric analysis 3-4
actual value reached 6-2 frequency sweep, deleting 2-2
setting 5-3
analysis types, Optimetrics 1-2
G
C goal value 5-3
goal weight 5-3
closing the project 6-4
context-sensitive help iv
conventions used in guide iii H
copyright notice ii
help
cost function
Ansoft technical support iv
definition of 1-4
context-sensitive iv
solution quantity for 5-3
on dialog boxes iv
cost value vs. iteration plot 6-2
on menu commands iv
HFSS
D exiting 6-4
using with Optimetrics 1-2
design variations, parametric 3-3

L
F
Linear Step sweep type 3-3
field overlay plot
at optimal offset value 6-3
fields
Index-1
Getting Started with HFSS: A Waveguide T-Junction

M P
maximum number of iterations 5-2 parametric analysis
maximum variable value expected results 1-4
determination of 4-3 results used during optimization 6-2
setting 5-4 saving field solutions 3-4
minimum variable value, setting 5-4 solved design variations 3-7
solving 3-7
parametric setup
N adding 3-2
nominal design adding a sweep definition 3-3
definition of 1-2 design variations 3-3
overview 1-3 solving 3-7
solving before optimization 5-5
plot
O cost value vs. iteration 6-2
offset variable power distribution vs. offset values 4-4
including in optimization 5-2 S-parameters vs. offset values 4-2
maximum value 5-4 power distribution
minimum value 5-4 expected results 1-4
plotting vs. power distribution 4-4 plotting vs. offset values 4-4
plotting vs. S-parameters 4-2 results for parametric analysis 4-5
selecting for optimization 5-2 Progress window 3-7
starting value 5-4 project
updating value after optimization 5-5 closing 6-4
values solved during parametric analysis 3-3 opening 2-2
opening the project 2-2 saving 2-2
optimal value
found during optimization 6-2 R
generating field solution for 6-3
Optimetrics rectangular plot
overview 1-2 of cost value vs. iteration 6-2
types of analyses 1-2 of power distribution 4-4
optimization analysis of S-parameters 4-2
expected results 1-5 results
plotting progress 6-2 actual parametric 4-3
optimization setup expected 1-4
adding 5-2 expected optimization 1-5
optimizers 5-2 expected parametric 1-4

Index-2
 Getting Started with HFSS: A Waveguide T-Junction

S
saving the project 2-2
solution quantity, of cost function 5-3
S-parameter plot 4-2
starting variable value
chosen by Optimetrics 5-5
determination of 4-5
setting 5-4
stopping criteria
acceptable cost 5-3
max. iterations 5-2
sweep definition
adding 3-3
definition of 3-2

T
table
of cost value vs. iteration 6-2
of parametric design variations 3-4
T-junction, overview of function 1-3
trademark notice ii

V
variable
including in optimization 5-2
maximum value 5-4
minimum value 5-4
selecting for optimization 5-2
starting value 5-4
updating value after optimization 5-5
variable sweep definition 3-2

W
weight of goal 5-3

Index-3
Getting Started with HFSS: A Waveguide T-Junction

Index-4