All Concerto modules based on the FDTD method incorporate the Adaptive solver, and include the Optimizer+ as an option (included as standard with Concerto PR).

Adaptive Solver

The adaptive solver automatically refines the mesh until a prescribed accuracy is achieved. Using this facility, the user can be confident the solution is accurate without the need to manually refine and check the meshing.

Optimization

Models can be easily parameterized within the 3D modeler. Dimension, material properties and boundary conditions can include user defined variables, which are then passed automatically to the Optimizer+ module. One or more of these parameters can then be used in the Optimization procedure to find the best solutions satisfying user defined constraints. Constraints can be set based on S-parameters, or radiation patterns, or point values within the model. Any number of constraints can be set, and an optimal solution is sought to satisfy them all.

Algorithm

The optimizer uses both steepest descent and random searches to attempt to find a global optimal solution within the specified range of variables, rather than just a local minimum. The user has control over whether random searches are performed, and how they are initiated. If the user is sure the starting value is close to the optimal solution, then all random searches can be disabled.

As the optimization progresses, the most recent solution is displayed, along with the first iteration (starting values), and the “best” solution to date. The Objective Function convergence can also be displayed, showing how the optimization is progressing.

Optimizer screenshot, showing solution log (left), Objective Function convergence (top-right),
and S-parameters First, Last and Best results (lower-right)