RF Module With PCB Pad Simulation

[ilockerbie3000]

I am brand new to openEMS and FDTD. My goal is to simulate a transition from an RF module (PCB pads that solder to a board) to a microstrip line on the other side of the board.

The concepts of feed_shift, and meas_shift have me a bit confused, but based on playing with the tutorials they are very important, as the results are very sensitive to changing them. Since I'd be launching the signal right at a transition point (through the board) I need a very good understanding of all of this.

I'm an RF engineer and at lower frequencies, I'd simply solder a coaxial pigtail to a ground pad and a signal pad and do a measurment with a VNA. I'm hoping to do the same thing as that in simulation (but without the parasitics). I don't think I can use the standard AddMSLPort or AddStriplinePort, but if I can that would make it simpler for someone just learning.

Are all of these standard FDTD concepts, or is it openEMS specific?

Thanks for your work on this. It seems very powerful!