User Interface Layout

View the main elements and terminology in the CADFEKO graphical user interface (GUI).



  1. Quick access toolbar
    The quick access toolbar is a small toolbar that gives quick access to actions that are performed often. The actions available on the quick access toolbar are also available via the ribbon. The quick access toolbar includes: New, Open, Save, Undo and Redo.
  2. Ribbon
    The ribbon is a command bar that groups similar actions in a series of tabs. The ribbon consists of the application menu, core tabs and contextual tab sets.
  3. Configuration list
    The configuration list is a panel that displays all defined configurations in the model. A new model starts by default with a single standard configuration. The following configuration types are supported: Standard configuration, Multiport S-parameter configuration and Characteristic modes configuration.
    Tip: Multiple configurations allow you to perform efficient simulations using different configurations (different loads, sources, frequencies or power scaling) in a single model.
  4. Model tree

    The model tree is a panel that organises the model-creation hierarchy and configuration-specific items of the model into two separate tabs at the top of the panel. A right-click context menu is available for all items in the model tree. Double-click on an item to open its properties.

    Predefined variables, named points, media, workplanes, field/current data, worksurfaces and cables are listed in both the Construction tab and the Configuration tab to provide quick access.

    1. Construction tab
      The Construction tab lists the model-creation hierarchy in a tree format.
      Note: Select a geometry or mesh part on the Construction tab and in the details tree (5), modify its wire / edge / face / region properties, solution settings and custom mesh settings.
    2. Configuration tab
      The Configuration tab lists the configuration-specific items in a tree format.
      Note: Select a configuration in the configuration list (3) and view its configuration-specific items in the Configuration tab.
  5. Details tree
    The details tree is a panel that displays the relevant wires, edges, faces and regions for the geometry or mesh part selected in the Construction tab (4). From the right-click context menu specify the properties for its wire, edge, face or region properties in the details tree. You can modify the selected item's local mesh size, material definition or coating or solution properties that are specific to the selection.
  6. Status bar
    The status bar is a small toolbar that gives quick access to macro recording, general display settings, tools, selection method and type, snap settings and the model unit.
  7. Model Status icon
    The Model Status icon shows the current status of the model in the Notification centre. The Notification centre can be hidden but the Model Status icon in the status bar will still indicate the current status of the model.
  8. Notes view
    The notes view is a window where you can document model details. Add additional comments or information for future reference.
    Tip: The notes view is hidden by default, but can be enabled.

    On the Home tab, in the Create view group, click the  Notes icon.

  9. Notification centre
    The Notification centre performs computational electromagnetic model (CEM) validation and shows the status of the model. When problems in the model are detected, it is highlighted in the Notification centre with hyperlinks to the problematic entities.
  10. 3D view
    The 3D view window displays the geometry and mesh as well as solution requests (for example, a far field request).
    Tip:
    • Select the Construction tab (4.a) to view only CAD in the 3D view.
    • Select the Configuration tab (4.b) to view both CAD and solution requests in the 3D view.
  11. Help
    The Help icon gives quick access to the Feko manuals.
    Tip: Press F1 to access context-sensitive help.
  12. Search bar
    The search bar is a single-line textbox that allows you to enter a keyword and search for relevant information in the GUI. Entering a keyword in the search bar will populate a drop-down list of actions as well as the location of the particular action on the ribbon or context menu. Clicking on an item in the list will execute the action.
  13. Application launcher
    The application launcher toolbar is a small toolbar that gives quick access to other Feko components.