S-parameters, insertion loss, fields, currents, mesh control, and solver selection for RF PCB performance validation. TRIGGER: user asks to compute S-parameters, analyze insertion/return loss, extract fields or currents, compare MoM vs FEM, or control mesh for any RF PCB component. Invoke BEFORE writing sparameters() or solver code — API is non-obvious. SKIP: designing or creating components (use the specific matlab-design-pcb-* skill), material/stackup setup only (use matlab-manage-pcb-material
SkillScore100Maintained
Automatic
◆Coding pack
Last verified 8/17/2026
What it changes
Passed 22 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 10 of 22 without it.
Without skill45%
With skill100%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
Sets pcb.IsShielded to true
Invokes EHfields with ViewField="E"
Instantiates a frequencySweep object
and 18 more in the full report
12 fixed10 passed either way0 still failing0 broke
Pass-rate lift
+55 pp
Tokens
+155%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
-57%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/17/2026v222 of 22 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 12 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 12
Prompt
I want to plot the 3D far-field electric field radiation pattern for a PCB antenna element `antObj` at 2.4 GHz without returning output variables.
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
Invokes EHfields with ViewField="E"
Missed
Passed
case-12 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/17/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
SKILL.md453 linessingle file
Analyzing EM Performance of RF PCB Components
When to Use
Extracting S-parameters from any RF PCB component (catalog or custom pcbComponent)
Comparing MoM vs FEM solvers or selecting the right solver for a structure
Using interpolating sweeps or frequencySweep objects for faster multi-frequency analysis
Controlling mesh density for accuracy vs speed tradeoffs
Visualizing E/H fields, surface currents, or charge distributions
Using behavioral (analytic) S-parameter models for fast estimates or optimization
When NOT to Use
Building or assembling custom PCB structures — use matlab-assemble-pcb-layout
Designing standard transmission lines or catalog objects — use matlab-design-pcb-transmission-line
Defining dielectric or metal materials — use matlab-manage-pcb-material
Cascading or connecting multiple components into circuits — use matlab-integrate-pcb-circuit
Importing PCB layouts from Gerber, ODB++, or Allegro — use matlab-read-pcb-layout
Typical Workflow
Before:matlab-manage-pcb-material — substrate/conductor setup; then a design skill or matlab-assemble-pcb-layout — create the component
This skill: Extract S-parameters, visualize fields and currents, verify performance
After:matlab-optimize-pcb-design — tune dimensions if specs not met → matlab-integrate-pcb-circuit — cascade into larger network → matlab-write-pcb-layout — export Gerber
Assess toolbox readiness and suggest improvements — validates help text, tests, coverage, code issues, dependencies, and function signatures. Produces a punch list and can execute fixes via delegate skills on user approval. Use before packaging or when asked to improve a toolbox.