Modeling Debate Standard broadcast antennas are modeled using computer programs that were developed based on well-documented antenna performance and accepted mathematical and physics principles. FCC definitions of conductivity and inverse field characteristics of standard vertical antennas are based on these data as well as the empirical data collected over the years describing standard antenna performance. Critics say today's computer models based on classic physics and antenna theory such as Maxwell's fourth equation accurately describe the performance of the CFA and EH antenna. The inventors insist that these classic computer models, among them NEC-4D, cannot be used. They think the physics behind the NEC-4D modeling program, for example, does not account for the displacement current in the antenna.
Displacement current is what they base their claim on about how the antenna works.
Some observers dispute these claims. Others still leave room for doubt. Such short fat antennas can also exhibit fairly reasonable bandwidth. On that basis, the antenna very well may have useful applications. The EH antenna, facing the same efficiency and bandwidth challenges as the CFA, is about to undergo similar testing.