Dear Researchers
I have designed and optimised E shaped microstrip antenna with coaxial feeding technique using HFSS and it gives my desired simulation result,
Now I am looking forward to fabricate my design. Now here is the problem the patch antenna can be fabricated using CNC machine (Computer Numerical Control), but the machine only accepts Garber file (universal PCB design file extension), now Garber file can be generated using PCB design software like OrCAD, NI Utility board etc.
Now my question is do i have to design my antenna using Orcad all over again ?
Is there any possibility I can directly fabricate my antenna using the HFSS file or CST file or FEKO etc. simulation software ?
Any other suggestion how can I fabricate my patch antenna?
Thanking in Advance
If you'd kindly look into the FEKO user's manual:
Chapter 5 (FEKO 14) lists geometry export formats including:
- STEP (may or may not apply for your "problem")
- DXF mesh. For .dxf, converters to gerber are available. Just use "the net".
- gerber mesh. I'm rather sure that these meshes are "positive" ones, thus you will have to find a tool that is able to "subtract" these meshes from a full plane to get the gerber file for your CNC mill.
Regards
I print my very thin PCB tracks using chemical etching. I make my tracks using latex and then I print it onto a transparency. Then I use that as a mask for my photosensitive FR4 PCB stuff. The only drawback is that its a very delicate process and you need a really good printer to print on transparencies for high quality. Its probably not what you're looking for but its an alternative.
It really shouldn't take you much effort at all to draw a new CAD design of your antenna in a CAD program that can save to the correct file type for your CNC. In terms of actual fabrication there are many methods you could use which may depend on the size of the antenna and your desired tolerances.
Extract .dxf file from CST software, and hatch file using autocade software, take print of antenna on transparent sheet and by using chemical etching technology, fabricate antenna
Save the top and bottom layers separately in dxf format.Then use AUTOCAD tool as suggested by other researches.
For printed antennas designed using HFSS following are the steps for antenna fabrication:-
* Click Modeler in the Menu bar of HFSS and then click Export.
* Select the file type to be .dxf and provide name to the file and location.
* Keep in mind that HFSS will export 2D design of the antenna which means whatever is at z = 0 mm. If you want to the top patch design also then you have to shift that to z = 0 mm and export it as a separate file.
* Then the dxf file can be opened using some CAD software or Corel Draw.
* Fill the region where you want conductor and rest to be white. So that it can be etched.
* Follow the conventional PCB fabrication process i.e. screen printing, masking, etching etc.
The whole process is also explained in the Tutorial video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ros0ugjv1qQ
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