Announcing Ansoft HFSS Version 5.0.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 1997--

True Fifth Generation of Established, Time-Tested Technology

for 3D High-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Simulation

Ansoft Corporation, the company that developed the High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), now offers significant new performance, reliability, and functionality in Version 5.0. "Ansoft has focused on dramatic improvements in matrix solver performance, meshing algorithms, and advanced material handling," said Dr. Zoltan Cendes, Ansoft's Founder and Chairman of the Board. "HFSS users can rely on the continuity of a product that they have trusted for many years." Ansoft HFSS is a full-wave finite element based electromagnetic (EM) simulator that computes s-parameters and fields for passive, three-dimensional structures.

The traditional HFSS simulation environment has been maintained in Ansoft HFSS Version 5.0 with the addition of several bold new features. A new cutting-edge adaptive meshing algorithm couples with an advanced matrix solver to produce dramatic improvements in simulation speed, reliability, and accuracy. In many cases, users will see a 10 times speed-up with Ansoft HFSS Version 5.0. New ferrite modeling capabilities enable the simulation of circulators, isolators, and other non-reciprocal devices. The traditional geometric modeler is complemented by a new ACIS-based solids modeler for sophisticated model generation and seamless integration with popular CAD tools. (ACIS is an industry standard solid modeling "kernel" from Spatial Technology (Boulder, CO).) By providing both the traditional modeler and a new, more precise modeler, Ansoft has created a path for HFSS users to transition from a familiar modeling environment to a new, more powerful environment. HFSS users can be immediately productive by using the traditional modeler or leapfrog to the advanced capabilities of the new modeler at their convenience.

Come Home: Ansoft HFSS

With HFSS Version 5.0, Ansoft takes over the direct sales and marketing of its HFSS product. (Earlier versions of the software had been marketed by the Hewlett Packard Co. (Palo Alto, CA).) Ansoft will now offer two products with a true fifth generation 3D full-wave EM solver. Maxwell(R) Eminence will continue to be a complete EM modeling environment for high-speed electronic design while Ansoft HFSS will be the design tool for microwave and millimeter-wave design facilities.

HFSS users can now come home to Ansoft. This exciting development allows HFSS users to interact with the authors of the code, not only for technical support, but also for enhancement requests. "HFSS users have been customers of Ansoft software for many years," said Prem Premkumar, Ansoft's Vice President of Marketing. "Now those users can speak directly to Ansoft and benefit from the expertise of the HFSS originator."

Electromagnetics and microwave analysis/design are challenging subjects to master. Proper application of engineering software often requires interaction between software vendor and user. By upgrading to Ansoft's HFSS Version 5.0, HFSS users can now experience the high level of customer service and support that Maxwell Eminence users have enjoyed. Ansoft's expert staff of applications engineers are available through hot-line, fax, e-mail, and anonymous FTP. Ansoft applications engineers are located in field offices in the United States and worldwide. For new users, regularly scheduled training courses are held in the corporate office and at several field offices. On-site group training is also available.

Ansoft HFSS Version 5.0 Seminars

Ansoft will host a series of seminars introducing Ansoft HFSS Version 5.0 in March and April 1997. Call Ansoft for more information and seminar locations or email [e-mail]. Pre-registration for the seminars is required.

Pricing and Availability

Ansoft HFSS Version 5.0 will be available in the Spring of 1997. Workstation and PC pricing is $41,900. To model ferrite materials, the Maxwell 3D Field Simulator is available as an add-on option for $19,900. Maxwell Eminence includes Ansoft HFSS, Maxwell Spicelink, and Maxwell Extractor for $49,900.

Maxwell(R) is a registered trademark of Ansoft Corporation. Other companies and products named are trademarks of their manufacturers. Ansoft is publicly-traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ANST."

Notes to editors: Prices listed are in US dollars and for US installation. Graphics are available on request. Please contact us for a copy of the high-frequency EM simulator roadmap. For more information or a product demonstration, visit Ansoft (Booth No. 1139) at the Wireless Symposium, February 10-14, Santa Clara, CA.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The email address below contains an

"at" symbol after "nikki". There is also

an "at" symbol between "SIinfo" and

"ansoft.com" above. It is possible

these symbols may not appear properly in

some systems.

CONTACT: Ansoft Corporation, Pittsburgh

Nichole E. Yochus, 412/261-3200

fax: [phone]

Internet: [e-mail]