Electromagnetic modeling of anisotropic ferrites—Application to microstrip Y-junction circulator design

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical tool, which combines a generalized permeability tensor model, a homemade 3D magneto-static solver, and a commercial electromagnetic simulation software Ansys HFSS™ for accurate modeling of ferrite-based devices regardless of their state of magnetization. A magneto-static analysis is carried out to find the internal biasing fields in the ferrite sample. Permeability tensor components are computed using a generalized permeability tensor model. Real and imaginary parts of permeability tensor components are then integrated into the commercial 3D electromagnetic simulation software HFSS retaining the spatial variations of internal biasing fields in the ferrite sample. Frequency domain simulations are done using HFSS. This theoretical modeling approach is validated by comparing the theoretical simulation results with experimental ones in the case of a coaxial line loaded by a magnetized ferrite. Proposed approach is then applied to the design of a microstrip Y-junction circulator. Finally, a demonstration prototype is manufactured in the Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics technology.