The utility of analytic and seminumerical models for a gated field emitter array (FEA) unit cell is judged by comparing the predictions of the Saturn and seminumerical models against the numerically simulated behavior for FEA parameters deemed most important from the standpoint of rf amplifier applications. The numerical simulation algorithm based on the Boundary Element method, used to validate the seminumerical model and to test the qualitative predictions of the Saturn model, is briefly described. Further, by varying the distribution of emitters, work function, and tip radius, we match experimental data given in the Literature for molybdenum FEAs : the manner in which the relevant geometrical and material parameters are chosen is explained and shown to be compatible with physically based expectations about emitter geometry and materials.