2 examples (pro et contra):
Tools: WIPL-D 5.1(ca 20000 $), HFSS 9.0(ca 45000 $)
1. Problem: Printed Wideband Antenna Design
Model definition time: WIPL-D - 4 hours (experienced user); HFSS - 2.5 hours(mid-level user)
Simulation time : WIPL-D (20 points 1-20 GHz, 13000 unknowns) - 7 hours; HFSS - 12 hours
Result matching to measured : good, slight advantage for WIPL
Time neccesary to make major change in the design: WIPL - D -1 hour; HFSS -15 min
Winner: WIPL-D
2 Problem: Multi-pole Dielectric resonator filter, 1 GHz
Model definition time: WIPL-D - 20 hours (experienced user); HFSS - 3 hours(mid-level user)
Simulation time : WIPL-D (21 points, 10000 unknowns) - 8 hours; HFSS - 6 hours
Result matching to measured : Spar WIPL - fair, HFSS - good, frequency accuracy - both good
Time neccesary to make major change in the design: WIPL - D -3 hours; HFSS -30 min
Winner: HFSS
Winner is for me tool that I would take for another similar project.
Similar experiences?