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Get Started
The Feko Getting Started Guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to get started with Feko.
Creating CADFEKO Models
The example is intended for users with no or little experience with CADFEKO. This example is not an example intended for simulation, but rather to familiarise yourself with model creation in CADFEKO.
Creating the Model in CADFEKO
Create the model geometry using the CAD component, CADFEKO.
Building a Horn
Learn to create variables, workplanes and primitive shapes. Continue by combining these basic entities and modifying their properties.
Adding Variables
Define variables to create a parametric model.

Welcome
Release Notes
See what's new in the latest release.
Get Started
The Feko Getting Started Guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to get started with Feko.
- Creating a Rectangular Horn
  The example is intended for users with no or little experience with CADFEKO. It makes use of a completed rectangular horn model to familiarise yourself with model creation in CADFEKO and viewing the simulated results in POSTFEKO.
- Creating CADFEKO Models
  The example is intended for users with no or little experience with CADFEKO. This example is not an example intended for simulation, but rather to familiarise yourself with model creation in CADFEKO.
  - Example Overview
    Create a simple model using basic geometry and transformations to familiarise yourself with model creation in CADFEKO.
  - Topics Discussed in this Example
    Before starting this example, check if the topics discussed in this example are relevant to the intended application and experience level.
  - Example Prerequisites
    Before starting this example, ensure that the system satisfies the minimum requirements.
  - Creating the Model in CADFEKO
    Create the model geometry using the CAD component, CADFEKO.
    - Launching CADFEKO (Windows)
      There are several options available to launch CADFEKO in Microsoft Windows.
    - Launching CADFEKO (Linux)
      There are several options available to launch CADFEKO in Linux.
    - Building a Horn
      Learn to create variables, workplanes and primitive shapes. Continue by combining these basic entities and modifying their properties.
      - Adding Variables
        Define variables to create a parametric model.
      - Defining a Workplane
        Define a workplane to create an oblique plane. Workplanes simplify the process of creating geometry on oblique planes in comparison to using transforms.
      - Creating a Rectangle
        Create a rectangle to be used in the construction of the horn.
      - Creating a Line
        Create a line to be used in the construction of the horn. This line will be used to create a cuboid by sweeping the rectangle along the line.
      - Creating a Cuboid by Sweeping a Rectangle along a Line
        Create a cuboid by sweeping the rectangle along a line (path).
      - Creating a Flare
        Create a flare primitive to be used in the construction of the horn.
      - Creating a Union of the Flare and Cuboid
        Union the flare and cuboid to create the horn.
      - Removing Redundant Geometry Faces
        Delete the redundant faces in the geometry to create a horn.
    - Adding a Feed Pin to the Horn
      Add a wire feed to the model. As this example is only for demonstration purposes, this example does not cover the adding of a port or source to the wire feed.
    - Using Selection in the 3D View
      Use the selection type tool to highlight an element in the 3D view.
    - Creating an Aperture in a Face
      Create an aperture (hole) in a face or region by using the subtract tool. Create the geometry to be removed and subtract it from the target part. The target is the part that is reduced by cutting away a section of the part.
    - Setting the Simulation Frequency
      Specify the frequency range of interest. For this example, a single frequency point is used.
    - Saving the Model
      Save the model to a CADFEKO.cfx file.
  - Final Remarks
- GPS Patch Antenna
  The example considers a left-handed circular polarised GPS patch antenna on a finite substrate.
- GPS Patch on Quadcopter
  The example considers the antenna placement of a GPS patch antenna on a quadcopter.
- EMC Coupling
  The example considers the coupling between a typical monopole antenna and a loaded transmission line above a ground plane.
- Waveguide Power Divider
  The example considers the transmission and reflection coefficients of a waveguide power divider.
- Optimisation of Bent Dipole and Plate
  The example considers the optimisation of the gain of a bent dipole in front of a plate.
Examples
The Feko Example Guide contains a collection of examples that teaches you Feko concepts and essentials.
Introduction to Feko
Feko is a comprehensive electromagnetic solver with multiple solution methods that is used for electromagnetic field analyses involving 3D objects of arbitrary shapes.
CADFEKO
CADFEKO is used to create and mesh the geometry or model mesh, specify the solution settings and calculation requests in a graphical environment.
POSTFEKO
POSTFEKO, the Feko post processor, is used to display the model (configuration and mesh), results on graphs and 3D views.
EDITFEKO
EDITFEKO is used to construct advanced models (both the geometry and solution requirements) using a high-level scripting language which includes loops and conditional statements.
Feko Solution Methods
One of the key features in Feko is that it includes a broad set of unique and hybridised solution methods. Effective use of Feko features requires an understanding of the available methods.
Optimisation in Feko
Feko offers state-of-the-art optimisation engines based on generic algorithm (GA) and other methods, which can be used to automatically optimise the design and determine the optimum solution.
Feko Utilities
The Feko utilities consist of PREFEKO, OPTFEKO, ADAPTFEKO, the Launcher utility, Updater and the crash reporter.
Description of the Output File of Feko
Feko writes all the results to an ASCII output file .out as well as a binary output file .bof for usage by POSTFEKO. Use the .out file to obtain additional information about the solution.
Feko Application Macros
A large collection of application macros are available for CADFEKO and POSTFEKO.
Scripts and Application Programming Interface (API)
CADFEKO and POSTFEKO have a powerful, fast, lightweight scripting language integrated into the application allowing you to create models, get hold of simulation results and model configuration information as well as manipulation of data and automate repetitive tasks.
Appendix
Reference information is provided in the appendix.

Adding Variables

Define variables to create a parametric model.

A model is parametric when it is created using variable expressions. When a variable expression is modified, any items dependent on that variable are re-evaluated and automatically updated. It is the recommended construction method when creating a model, but not compulsory.

Defined variables are stored as part of the model in the .cfx file.

Open the Create Variable dialog using one of the following workflows:
- On the Construct tab, in the Define group, click the Add Variable icon.
- On the model tree, a right-click context menu is available on Variables. From the list, select Add Variable.
  Figure 1. The model tree (Construction tab).
- On the model tree, click the icon. From the drop-down list, select Add Variable.
  Figure 2. The drop-down list available in the model tree.
- Press # to use the keyboard shortcut.

Create the following variables:


Name	Expression	Comment [Optional]
`Width`	1	Width of rectangle.
`Length`	1	Length of rectangle.
`BottomDepth`	1	Bottom depth of flare.
`BottomWidth`	1	Bottom width of flare.
`FlareLength`	1	Length of flare.
`TopWidth`	2	Top width of flare.
`TopDepth`	2	Top depth of flare.

Figure 3. The Create Variable dialog.

Tip:

Click Add to keep the Create Variable dialog open and add more variables.
Click Create to add a variable and close the Create Variable dialog.