antenna-theory.com

[cnmcdee]

Suggestions?

[helix]

Depends on what you want to do and what kinds of problems you want to solve.

If you want to learn how to write a code or you have zero budget, then check out a free/open-source code. Puma-EM (MoM/MLFMM) looked interesting a few years ago but there are dozens of research codes out there that can be downloaded for free. I can also suggest Feko LITE (also MoM). Even though it is feature limited, you can do an awful lot with it if you are creative.

If you need to run electrically large problems (e.g., RCS or antenna placement on large platforms), the full-version of Feko could be useful. It is hybridized with PO and UTD.

If you need a general purpose code for intricate geometries that involve a lot of dielectrics, then HFSS or CST are good choices.

If you want tight integration with a circuit code because you are doing lots of active circuit design, then ADS, Designer, MWO etc are good choices.

[pbellis]

4nec2 is always a good choice, but has a somewhat steep learning curve

[helix]

FEKO lite is similar to 4nec2, except FEKO is a lot more polished IMO. They're both "free" -- as in zero cost. You can download the Fortran77 source to the NEC kernel (but not the 4nec2 GUI).