Software
In this section, you can find open source code, calculators, and EM modelling software
EMerge
EMerge is a frequency-domain FEM solver for the time-harmonic Helmholtz equation. Like HFSS or COMSOL, it lets you run frequency sweeps and eigenmode studies to explore electromagnetic behavior in complex structures.
With EMerge you can simulate:
-
RF & Microwave devices – filters, waveguides, resonators, couplers, antennas
-
Photonic structures – integrated waveguides, cavities, photonic crystals
-
Resonances & modes – eigenmodes, cut-off frequencies
-
Scattering & S-parameters – reflection, transmission, insertion loss
-
One-way coupled RF heating with heat conduction physics.
Unlike GUI based frequency-domain FEM solvers, EMerge is script based in Python - allowing data processing and execution in one environment.
Author: Robert Fennis
Ansys HFSS - Student Version
Ansys HFSS Student is a free version of Ansys' industry-standard 3D electromagnetic simulation software, allowing students and engineers to learn and analyze antennas, RF components, PCBs, and other high-frequency structures using the same finite element solver found in the commercial release. While the Student Version has model size and simulation limits, it provides an excellent introduction to professional EM simulation workflows without requiring a commercial license. HFSS is a GUI based electromagnetic simulation software
CST Studio Suite - Learning Edition
CST Studio Suite Learning Edition is a free version of CST Studio Suite that introduces students and engineers to professional 3D electromagnetic simulation for antennas, RF components, microwave circuits, PCBs, and EMC/EMI analysis. Although it has model size and licensing restrictions and is intended for personal and educational use, it includes many of the same powerful solvers and visualization tools found in the commercial version, making it an excellent platform for learning and developing EM simulation skills.
MATLAB Based Calculators
This specific package includes some MATLAB based calculators - plane wave parameter calculations, microstrip and stripline design, basic matching network examples, and a design problem. These calculators arose from Understanding RF: From Theory to Practice
Author: Connor Paine
Hardware
In this section, you can find reliable RF Measurement equipment options ranging from the NanoVNA to renting PNA's.
LibreVNA
The LibreVNA is an open-source, USB-based 2-port Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) designed for RF and microwave measurements. It fills a sweet spot between inexpensive hobbyist VNAs (like the NanoVNA) and professional lab instruments from companies like Keysight Technologies or Rohde & Schwarz.
As someone who's worked extensively with VNAs, I'd describe it as the best value instrument for serious RF engineering if your budget is under a few thousand dollars.
NanoVNA
NanoVNA is a handheld Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) with small outline, originally designed by edy555. It is a low cost yet high performance (at its price point) vector network analyzer (VNA), with LCD display, and can be powered from a 3.7V Li-ion battery.
As known by most hobbyists, NanoVNA has become the most popular VNA and antenna analyzer project in the community since its release in 2019.
Emulators
In this section, you can find VNA emulators. Perfect for programming a data acquisition program prior to purchasing equipment
Keysight VNA Data Viewer and Simulator
The Free Data Viewer enables users to open, visualize, and analyze S-parameter files and saved instrument states for offline analysis and training. Perfect for university classes and technical training. Even better, it's free.
The Standard S94050B VNA Simulator emulates a Keysight vector network analyzer, allowing developers to create, test, and debug SCPI-based automation programs without requiring physical VNA. Keysight also offers a free 30-day trial license for the Standard Simulator, making it easy to evaluate its capabilities before purchasing.
CMT VNA Emulators
One of the easiest ways to get to know Copper Mountain Technologies’ VNAs is to explore the instruments directly. That is made even easier when you download free demo VNA software below. All VNA applications contain built-in emulator modes for each supported instrument. Perfect for scripting SCPI commands to capture S-Parameter data.
Equipment Rentals
Sometimes, you don't need to own a network analyzer outright to perform measurements. Renting equipment is a great way to acquire data in a short timeframe without shelling out the capital for a full network analyzer. Alltest, Electrorent, and TestEquity are great places to rent quality equipment on a monthly basis.
As someone who's personally worked with and cut purchase orders for network analyzer rentals from these vendors, I highly recommend them.
Smith Chart
Here, you can find Smith Charts and links to compasses and straight edges
Impedance Smith Chart
An impedance Smith Chart is a graphical tool used to visualize complex impedance and reflection coefficient on a normalized coordinate system. It allows RF engineers to quickly analyze impedance matching, transmission line behavior, and the effects of adding reactive components without performing lengthy calculations. The Smith Chart is one of the most widely used tools in microwave engineering and is fundamental to the design of matching networks, antennas, filters, and RF circuits.
Impedance and Admittance Chart
The combined impedance and admittance Smith chart overlays both impedance and admittance grids on a single chart, allowing engineers to seamlessly analyze both series and parallel matching networks. By eliminating the need to switch between separate charts, it simplifies impedance transformations and RF matching network design.
Compass
A geometrical compass is a specialized drafting tool used alongside the Smith chart to accurately construct impedance transformations, transmission line rotations, and matching network solutions without relying on calculations alone. By enabling precise geometric measurements and arc construction, it complements the Smith chart and helps engineers perform RF design and transmission line analysis more efficiently.
The bow compass from Mr. Pen comes in multiple colors and is a professional, quality tool. It's a sleek, metal design and comes in a convenient to-go pouch, extra pins, and pencil tips. I have used them for years and I couldn't recommend them more.