Advanced EMC Solutions

SimLab Software GmbH announced the release of v.2002-I of their entire suite of EMC simulation tools. The new release will be first shown at the IEEE-EMC Symposium in Minneapolis, Minnesota in August. The new release of the software includes significant features, changes and enhancements to improve functionality, speed and ease of use. In addition, this version contains the first versions of new tools: SLNetView, SLibis and Para3D.

CableMod - New features, changes and enhancements
o The 2D-position of the shapes and cables in a segment is not changed when the 3D-position of a node is changed. Now the user is informed by a warning
o IV-Analysis: The probes can be defined automatically. According to the result type voltage or current probes are defined in all terminals
o New option “TLM threshold length”. Below this length a segment is modeled as a Spice lumped model instead of a transmission line model
o This can have big effects on the simulation time of commonly used Spice simulators
o TLM/lumped threshold length: between 10% - 99% of this threshold the lumped circuit is divided into up to 10 cascades

SLGraph - New features, changes and enhancements
o Identical window size after splitting the window
o Displaying of incomplete tabular files now is possible
o Dynamical grid also in case of logarithmic axis
o The placement of the axis can be controlled
o Saving and reloading of picked points
o Picked points can be displayed in a separate text field or directly in the graph
o Edit frames in Select/Edit Curve are insensitive if no curve is selected

SLShow - New features, changes and enhancements
o Number of allowed values increased
o Additional OK button for extension dialog

Static2D - New features, changes and enhancements
o Touching dielectric layers with identical materials are connected before the discretization. This reduces the calculation time o Only kernal: New keywords ‘min_x’ and ‘max_x’ for reduce range extension for dielectric planes and areas

Static3D - New features, changes and enhancements
o When extending the view into z-direction the thickness of the conductors is no more displayed
o Vias can be replaced by R,L or RL subcircuits. This reduces the calculation time by only a little bit less of accuracy
o Cutouts which are smaller than the step are ignored if no via is passing through the cutout. So the calculation time can be reduced

StatMod - New features, changes and enhancements
o When extending the view into z-direction the thickness of the conductors is no more displayed
o Vias can be replaced by R,L or RL subcircuits. This reduces the calculation time by only a bit less of accuracy
o Cutouts which are smaller than the step are ignored if no via is passing through the cutout. So the calculation time can be reduced
o New result type slsmi_pmodel (only kernal not GUI). This model in slsim is able to consider frequency dependent losses. The model output is written into the file (input file body)_pmodel.pcm

ATHOS / PCBMod - New features, changes and enhancements
o Deleting cutouts: Avoid deleting cutouts, that contain pad or trace objects
o TLM extraction: Cross sections are divided by ground plance layers and large areas. This leads to shorter TLM parameter calculation time
o TLM extraction: Combine almost identical cross section in series now is able to combine multi line systems too
o TLM extraction: Traces on ground plane layers are surrounded with ideal mass automatically, now. The spacing can be set in the layer stackup dialog. Overlapping with other objects is checked.
o Net list and component list now have a text filter functionality for searching, that supports the meta asterix ( ‘*’ )
o View pin names: The pin names of top and bottom layer pins can be hidden or shown separately. Therefore use the visible toggle in the layer stack dialog for Top/bottom layer pads
o Export to StatMod: Plane layers are now exported as area fill objects. The spacing can be set in the layer stackup dialog
o TLM extraction: Open end nodes (eg. at intersected traces) are documented in the transcript text. These nodes become additional terminals of the model and a high ohmic termination to GND is generated o View model file: This text dialog now has got a save functionality
o TLM extraction: A Warning occurs, if a selected net has got area shape objects, that cannot be considered in TLM model
o View Schematic: SLNetView now can be started directly from the PCBMod GUI
o TLM extraction: View mesh and mesh text implemented o Mentor BoardStation interface: Import without gates file enabled
o Delete Unselected functionality implemented
o Net List: Selecting a component pin leads to selection of corresponding component
o TLM extraction: Round traces are considered now
o Graphic view: Drills are show each routing layer now
o TL modeling: Hspice output is implemented now
o TL extraction & modeling: Settings are written as comment in the top circuit file
o Net and component list: only single click needed for (un)fold pins net/component list o Layer stackup dialog: Total board thickness is shown (sum of dielectric and plane layers)
o Edit board outline functionality implemented
o TL extraction/modeling: All data of tlm project is saved in separate project folder
o Close project: Check before closing project(s) implemented
o TL modeling: New option simulator->slsim p/t: model short sections as slsim p models instead of Spice lumped circuits
o Export to StatMod: Consider settings in PEEC dialog except of smoothing data and additional terminals. Even the consideration of dielectrics can be chose, now. The component pins are considered as extern nodes
o TL extraction: Enhanced way to reduce calculation region of complex cross sections leads to shorter field calculation
o Edit netclass dialog: Selecting a net causes graphic selection and net list selection
o Impedance analysis dialog: Simulation of impedance values at certain ports implemented
o Scattering parameter analysis dialog: Calculation of scattering parameters between certain ports implemented
o AC analysis dialog: AC calculation at probe points implemented. AC sources can be defined
o Transient analysis dialog & Function, View, Export dialog: Transient analysis at probe points implemented. Transient sources incl. time domain signals can be defined
o Simulation: For all kind of simulations, TLM or PEEC models can be chosen, junctions and loadings can be defined and time/frequency scope can be set
o Edit shape dialog: If a single shape object (trace, area) is selected, it can be edited incl. its cutouts
o Simulation Dialogs: Interrupt functionality added
o Question before an existing PEEC model is overwritten
o New View Schematic: Ports from Signal Node to Ground are shown as figure with individual ground symbol
o Technology Dialog: the power signal now can be set and changed. This is important for PEEC Modelling with power planes
o Search for Spice subcircuits in subfolder circuits / inserted
o Read layer definition file: layer id/name not influenced and number of conductor layers is checked, now
o Edit shape dialog: after deleting polygon points, the next point becomes selected not the top visible point
o Simulation dialogs: terminals list for define junctions: instance names are followed by model name in brackets, now
o Terminal names in PEEC dialog are built by default (T1, T2….)
o Layer Stackup Dialog: a plane layer can be transformed to positive polygons, now

Para3D
o First release version of Para3D
o Successor of PEEC modeling kernal in StatMod
o Revision of all functions regarding calculation of inductance and capacitances
o New geometrical preprocessor for real 3D field simulation
o Improved warning and error messages along with various graphic outputs for easier work
o Modular concept to make separation between pure PEEC modeling and following simulation possible
o More accurate results when proceeding step-by-step (shared) inductance or capacitance calculations

The President of SimLab, Mr. Florian Glaser, in announcing these software enhancements and new software tools, at a Press Conference in Munich, stressed the importance of customer feedback and support which, in many cases, resulted to significant enhancements to the simulation tools. "The feedback we receive from SimLab users is given top priority and guides SimLab in it's continuing development process".

SimLab Software GmbH announced the release of v.2001-II of their entire suite of EMC simulation tools. The new release was first show at the IEEE-EMC Symposium in Montreal in August and received an extremely favorable response from attendees. The new release of the software includes significant features, changes and enhancements to improve functionality, speed and ease-of-use. Some of these changes has been listed below, under the appropriate software tool.

o The vocabulary of the Nastran interface was expanded
o Several new features have been added to reduce the complexity of 3D shapes
o Consideration of irradiation is now possible
o A new interface to a net list viewing tool called 'SLNetView' is available
o A new SLSim kernal has been developed which supports different analysis options like AC, TRAN and TRAC (transient analysis via Fourier Transformation).
o SLSim now allows for a better scatter parameter calculation and the implementation of a different interpretation of result probes
o SLSim now allows for a real time domain analysis to be done where the automatic time step is determined with respect to the shortest transmission line length

o The axis of co-ordinates is now scaled in more detail SLGraph - New features, changes and enhancements
o A new 'Reload' button has been added. Once a graphic has been loaded it can be updated by simply pressing the button
o A toolbar has been implemented. All main features can now be called directly by clicking an icon
o A new window has been added to export curves into an ASCII tabular file
o The graphic display can now be split into a maximum of four sub-windows. Each sub-window can view different data sets from the currently selected projects

o A new 'Reload' button has been added. Once a graphic has been loaded it can be updated by simply pressing the button
o A toolbar has been implemented. All main features can now be called directly by clicking an icon

o New functionality has been added to extend a graphic into z-direction. This is useful when viewing complex geometries with many layers in PCB layouts

o Discretization: automatic smoothing of areas and board outlines for faster calculations implemented
o Discretization: many geometric checks are much faster
o Discretization: additional checks to avoid overlapping structures and automatic correction implemented
o Discretization: the default warning message 'set manually a smaller step …..' is now replaced by an iterative mesh algorithm that determines the suitable step for critical geometries automatically

o TLM extraction algorithm has been made faster
o Graphic zoom with right mouse button implemented
o Graphic pan with center mouse button implemented
o Graphic: component outlines are displayed o Graphic: selected components are highlighted
o Graphic: very complex designs are displayed in a simplified manner in order to save time
o Smoothing window: area polygons can be smoothed depending on various parameters to reduce calculation time in 3D field analysis
o Define selection: new selection mode 'Entire Nets & Connected Nets (by 2-poles)'. This means that in addition to currently selected nets also other nets that are connected by a 2-pole are selected. The automatic selection is stopped as soon as a power or ground net is found
o Layer stackup: more than one layer can be edited simultaneously
o Layer stackup: changes in layer settings are displayed in the layer list immediately
o Layer stackup: new technology concept allows the definition of dielectric layers in arbitrary positions
o Layer stackup: new technology concept allows the definition of ground planes
o Layer stackup: new technology concept needs no z-position since all layers are laid one onto another. The conductor layers are fitted in the above or below dielectric layer depending on the new attribute fill type
o Import/Read: power, ground net classes are automatically created and all nets, that contain the string 'gnd', 'ground' / 'vcc', 'vdd' are assigned to them

The President of SimLab, Mr. Florian Glaser, in announcing these software enhancements at a Press Conference in Munich, stressed the importance of customer feedback and support which, in many cases, resulted to significant enhancements to the simulation tools. "The feedback we receive from SimLab users is given top priority and guides SimLab in it's continuing development process".

Advanced EMC Solutions Inc. today announced the official introduction of the English version of Uni-Tool Cable Link to the North American market. Cable Link is the first CAD design software available that was specifically developed to meet the specific needs of structured wiring systems - in conformity with ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-A, ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173 norms. Patrucco S.A.S., headquartered in Italy, partnered with Advanced EMC Solutions in North America, is a leading provider of electrical civil/industrial design software.

Cable Link, directed towards full service telecommunications and electrical contractors, facilitates systems integration and networking. It is a tool useful to those installing LANS and WANS or companies involved in the design, installation and engineering of voice and data cable infrastructures, including Voice Over IP, Voice/Data Structured Wiring, Outside Plant Installation, Fiber Optics, Audio Visual Systems and Network Equipment.

Cable Link was developed in cooperation with KRONE, a world leader in telecommunications and structured wiring systems technology. The needs identified by KRONE were to develop software capable of drawing wall planimetries with special features for structured wiring systems such as the control of cable length, the definition of a block project with a "tree" structure and the managements of 19" racks, etc. The first version of the software was shipped in Europe in March of 2000 and the second version in English is now available.

Cable Link facilitates system design, including alarms, anti-fire, telephone, TV, hydraulic, thermal and civil/industrial electrical system design by means of symbol positioning and covered wire/connection drawings. It allows for bidemensional design with wire value regulation in order to exactly compute wire, cable and channel length for the final part list and for dimensioning estimates. A special function advises when 90 m length has been reached during a link tracing.

With Cable Link, one can design and build rack 19" distribution cabinets of different sizes by means of symbols that represent all their features (optical fiber panels, hubs, changing driven panels, RJ45 UTP 16/24/32 I/O panels, RJ45 STP 16/24 I/O panels, telephone strips, etc.) Special symbols are also available to define the type and quantity of patch cords to activate cabinets and users.

Cable Link allows the automatic creation of electric panel functional schematics starting from the system schematic. Automatic dimensioning computation based on distribution wires and protection devices. In addition it provides for automatic table filling with all data and descriptions and customizable table shapes. One can, in fact, create the panel without designing the related electrical system.

Unique to all of the Patrucco Uni-Tool software tools is their integration of civil CAD structural designs and the electrical CAD layout and analysis of those designs. If the blueprint is already available (DXF format) from other CAD software (AutoCAD or similar), it is possible to import it directly into Uni-Tool in order to immediately generate the electrical installation specifications. Uni-Tool's suite of tools provides the user the ability to investigate wire schematics, electrical cabinet schematics, relays, terminal strips, interfaces, load, voltage drop, protection devices, bills of materials, strip/wire/cable lists, and total project management for an efficient design process.

Cable Link provides the user with the following capabilities:
· Project definition
Cable Link makes it possible to define block projects with "tree" structure for the global management of areas composed of several buildings with many floors each
· Planimetry drawing
Cable Link makes it possible to realize room planimetries easily and quickly
· Symbol libraries
Symbol libraries (over 400 in conformity with IEC norms) are provided to realize both wiring system schematics on planimetry (outlets, racks and cables) and rack 19" definition schematics (active devices, patch panels, jumper bars, phone strips, etc.)
· System drawing
To realize wiring system schematics you just have to place the required symbols from the available libraries. You can then directly define links with your mouse.
· Rack 19" definition
By selecting a rack frame it is possible to define a rack 19" composition by means of specific symbols for patch panels, jumper bars, phone strips, active devices, etc. available outside the libraries. Thanks to the unity subdivision, you are constantly informed about the "filling" status of the rack that you are drawing.
· Rack/use activation
Cable Link shows how many parts have been defined inside a wiring system so that you can indicate the number and type of patch cords/F.O. patch cords that you want to use to activate the ports. This information is also used to fill in bills of materials.
· Labor cost definition
By means of specific tables, Cable Link allows the definition of service (i.e. installation, project, certification and testing) costs.
· Bills of materials and estimates
Cable Link automatically extracts bills of materials and estimates from the realized projects (structured wiring systems and racks). Part codes, descriptions and prices are extracted from a database containing the price list. You can also insert new part codes (e.g. for new or different devices) and change the existing data (eg. prices).

Wireless Communications System EMC Design Courses Offered in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa, Canada

Due to overwhelming demand for training in wireless communication EMC design, Advanced EMC Solutions is offering two three-day courses in Washington, D.C. and in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The courses will be held in Washington from May 1-3 and in Ottawa from July 17-19. The first day of training will focus on Wireless Communication Systems and will include sessions related to types of service (eg. cellular, PCS, WCS, Wireless LANS, fixed point-to-point microwave) and system design considerations. The next two days will focus on system EMC design and cover EMC requirements as well as EMC design parameters.

These courses were specially developed to meet the needs of the expanding wireless communications industry and the growing demands for training.

The instructors, Don White, Bill Duff and William H. (Bill) Parker have collectively taught 58,000 engineers and technicians worldwide in 39 countries in six languages. They have authored 32 handbooks on EMI/EMC/ESD/EMP and written and published over 200 technical articles and numerous textbooks.

Further information on the courses, including a syllabus and registration information, can be found on the Advanced EMC Solutions website - www.aEMCs.com (click on "EMC Training"), by e-mail at info@aEMCs.com or by phone at 1-800-565-2787.

FEKO / CableMod Interface for Radiation Calculations of Cable Harness Systems Developed

Advanced EMC Solutions is proud to announce the release of a 'combined' radiation calculation solution for cable harness systems. The solution is as a result of the cooperation between SimLab Software GmbH of Munich, Germany and EM Software & Systems of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The solution, now offered throughout North, South and Central America by Advanced EMC solutions, can lead to shortened calculation times and less user intervention when compared to simulations involving 'closed' full wave analysis.

3D full wave analysis software products, like FEKO, are suitable tools when dealing with radiation and irradiation effects in large systems such as automobiles or airplanes. However, the complexity increases rapidly with respect to size, resulting from long calculation times and large memory requirements.

For most applications, a combination of tools is the only possibility for achieving results in reasonable times. With radiation calculations inside a car chassis, for example, the user can exchange radiation simulation data results from CableMod to FEKO. The data exchange is done by means of a so-called radiation simulation data (rsd) - file that is generated by CableMod.

FEKO (an extremely sophisticated EMC simulation tool for radiation and irradiation) was developed by EM Software & Systems of South Africa. . The company originated out of the University of Stuttgart and has been successful in introducing FEKO to a wide range of customer worldwide. In particular, FEKO - is used extensively in the European automotive industry. SimLab Software has partnered with EMSS to develop an interface to enable the transfer of data between relevant tools. At this time, the interface is targeted towards CableMod only.

EMSS was instrumental in the development of the FekSiml interface. This permits data transfer from CableMod (through RSD Export or ISD Import) in order to include the transmission lines in FEKO as sources for the analysis of complex structures and the computation of derived quantities such as induced surface currents/charges, near- and far-fields.

In order to transfer the files enabling FEKO to calculate radiation or irradiation one requires the following : RSD Export & ISD Import & FekSiml. These 3 together are available as a package called CabFek from Advanced EMC Solutions.

An application note showing the use of this "combined solution" in the automotive industry can be found at the SimLab Resources page or the EMSS Resources page.

SimLab Software GmbH today announced the release of v.2000-III of their entire suite of EMC simulation tools. One of the prominent changes is that ARAMIS will now be known as PCBMod (PCB analysis) to reflect its functionality, similar to CableMod which does cable harness system EMI analysis. The new release of the software includes significant features, changes and enhancements to improve functionality, speed and ease-of-use. Each of these changes has been listed below, under the appropriate software tool.

New Layer Attributes window to define color and line width for each layer. In addition there is the possibility to determine whether a layer is visible or selectable in the graphic display
New Material Definition window to define materials for conductors and dielectrics. A complete material list can be defined in a project
It is possible to define the material for the environment of a board (e.g. air)
The order of layers can be changed by means of arrow buttons. One or more layers can be deleted out of the project to shrink the complexity of the board. The conductivity or permittivity can be changed easily by means of the material list
A so-called layer definition file can be created or edited to be used in other projects
It is possible to define a uniform board dielectric or to split the board into several dielectric layers. For all of these dielectric layers a different permittivity can be defined. The geometry of these dielectric layers is determined automatically in dependence on the mutual distance of the conducting layers
PCBMod includes almost all features of a common graphical layout tool (e.g. selection of nets/areas by mouse click, view of pin names, view of components, definition of layer stack, listing of connected components to selected nets, listing of connected nets to selected components, etc.)
A filter function enables the selection of special geometries like vias, complete nets, traces, areas or components
Acceleration of graphic view when selecting or unselecting nets
New feature that enables removal of cutouts in arbitrarily shaped areas. This can lead to a high decrease of needed calculation time in the 3D field solver (PEEC modeler) StatMod
Undo-Button to avoid unwanted delete actions
New project management: All results of a transmission line simulation are stored in a sub-folder with name /tlm. The results of a PEEC modeling will be stored in a subfolder with name /peec
Before starting a transmission line calculation it is possible to check the 2D cross-sections. The cross-sections themselves can be influenced by the parameters , 'Channel Width', 'Minimum Length for Coupling' and others to guarantee high accuracy of the yielded transmission line models
All 2D cross-sections are stored in the TLM sub-folder. This enables changes of materials or calculation options without the need to restart the 2D extraction out of the 3D layout
The transmission line calculation can be interrupted with <ctrl>i
The complexity of a board layout can be easily reduced by means of the button 'Copy & Paste to Sub-Project'. This makes fast investigations of interesting regions or nets possible
While extracting layout data to StatMod the user can now decide whether Vias are completely modeled with the PEEC method or replaced by ideal contacts (1 mOhm). The latter leads to a faster calculation in StatMod
When listing the component pins the connected nets at the distinct pins are also listed
All important messages are displayed in the lower transcript of the PCBMod main window
The President of SimLab, Mr. Florian Glaser, in announcing these software enhancements at a Press Conference in Munich, stressed the importance of customer feedback and support which, in many cases, resulted to significant enhancements to the simulation tools. "The feedback we receive from SimLab users is given top priority and guides SimLab in it's continuing development process".

In an effort to expand customer service and support, Advanced EMC Solutions Inc. today announced their affiliation with Don White Consultants Inc. This relationship allows aEMCs to offer twenty-nine EMC training courses, both generic and applications specific, to a wide variety of industries - Vehicles and Buildings, Industrial and Commercial, Communications and Computers as well as Power Generation and Distribution. In addition, two groups of courses (Intra-System EMI Control and Wireless Telecom EMC Design) have been scheduled for 2001 at various locations throughout the United States.

The on-site training included one to five-day courses tailored to a company's specific needs. Engineers and technicians are taught how EMC and EMI control is done in the conceptual stages, design, production, installation, diagnostic or upgrade and retrofit stages of the live cycle of a company's products or systems. The instructors focus not only on teaching EMI control but also how to shave off 1% or more on the cost of a company's products. This is done by providing options to control EMI, thereby allowing more economical solutions which, in turn, flows to the bottom line. Major emphasis is placed on making the in-situ applications function with reduced probability of upset or failure.

The scheduled EMI Control Courses will be offered in Orlando, Phoenix, Houston, Washington, DC and San Jose during the months of February to May, 2001 inclusive. The EMI Control Course will deal with Grounding & Shielding, System-Level EMC Design and Diagnostics & EMI Fixes, while the Wireless EMC Engineering Courses will present an Introduction to Wireless EMC followed by Wireless Telecom EMC Design. The latter will be presented in Phoenix and Washington, DC only.

Getting started on an in-house course or registering for one of the scheduled courses is as easy as contacting Advanced EMC Solutions via e-mail at info@aEMCs.com, by phone at 1-800-565-2787 or check the "EMC Training" section of the aEMCs website: www.aEMCs.com.

Advanced EMC Solutions Inc. today announced the official introduction of FEKO, a comprehensive EM solution, to the North American market. FEKO was developed by EM Software & Systems of South Africa and is an abbreviation derived from a German phrase meaning "field computations involving bodies of arbitrary shape".

FEKO can be used for various types of electromagnetic field analyses involving 3D objects. The field computation is based on the "full wave" Method of Moments (MoM) formulation. This comprehensive implementation of the MoM enables the user to address problems involving almost any type of structures/objects --- within computational hardware limitations. For electrically large metallic surfaces, the Physical Optics (PO) approximation or Unified Theory of Diffraction (UTD) can be employed.

The implementation and validation of the hybrid approach provides major computational advantages for various classes of electromagnetic problems and FEKO provides super computer-like performance from a parallel cluster of PCs.

A true hybridization of the MoM with thePO and the UTD offers fast and accurate solutions. The hybrid technique is applicable to electromagnetic problems where the object under consideration is too large (in terms of wavelengths) to solve with the MoM. With the hybrid approach, critical regions of the structure are considered using the MoM and other important regions (usually larger, flat or curved metallic surfaces) using the PO approximation or the UTD. The implementation and validation of the hybrid approach provides major computational advantages for various classes of electromagnetic problems. Furthermore, the accuracy of PO approximation can be improved by correction terms for edges and wedges or by applying Fock-currents to account for creeping waves on convex curved structures.

Antenna Analysis - Wire-, Horn-, Aperture-, Reflector-, Phased Array- antennas
Antenna Placement - Interference of structures with antenna characteristics. The hybrid MoM/PO/UTD implementation enables the analysis of electrically large structures. Optimization of radiation patterns and minimization of antenna interference.
EMC - The comprehensive MoM implementation enables the analysis of complex real-life problems, (Lumped RLC circuit, coated wires, lossy dielectric media and lossy conductors). FEKO is extensively used in the automobile industry for EMC analysis. The interface to SimLab's CableMod is also of particular interest to existing and potential users of this tool.
Microstrip Antennas - Special Green's functions for the analysis of multilayered dielectric and metallic media (wires and triangular patches for any orientation).
Dielectric Media - FEKO has an advanced capability for the analysis of antennas close to dielectric media or dielectric structures. This has found wide application in the field of specific absorption rate (SAR) calculations for the assessment of Radiation Hazards.

FEKO stands at the forefront of computational electromagnetics with a commitment to ongoing research that will ensure that FEKO users are empowered with an advanced and up-to-date EM simulation tool.

MS-DOS, MS-Windows (including Windows 95/98 and NT), OS/2 version 2.0 or higher, Linux on PC and Unix for various platforms. Highly efficient parallel implementations for Linux clusters, SGI, HP, IBM, CrayT3E, Intel Paragon, SUN and NEC SX/5.

FEKO pricing for an Intel and Intel-compatible (Windows 95/98/NT and Linux) sequential or parallel license is $12,000. Workstation sequential licenses begin at $33,000 for the first license. Academic and non-profit research institutional pricing available on request. More information can be found at www.aEMCs.com.

Advanced EMC Solutions Inc. today announced the official release of a complete electrical design suite of tools for the educational field. The package consists of the complete suite of Patrucco Uni-Tool CAD/CAE software tools configured for the educational market. Patrucco S.A.S., headquartered in Italy, is a leading provider of electrical civil/industrial design software.

Unique to all of the Patrucco Uni-Tool software tools is their integration of civil CAD structural designs and the electrical CAD layout and analysis of those designs. If the blueprint is already available (DXF format) from other CAD software (AutoCAD or similar), it is possible to import it directly into Uni-Tool in order to immediately generate the electrical installation specifications. Uni-Tool's suite of tools provides the student the ability to investigate wire schematics, electrical cabinet schematics, relays, terminal strips, interfaces, load, voltage drop, protection devices, bills of materials, strip/wire/cable lists, and total project management for an extremely efficient design process.

Uni-Tool Plan (suitable for civil and industrial electrical design) allows a student to realize in an extremely easy and fast way room planimetries on which subsequently he or she can perform the positioning of the electrical (or other) systems. Next to the planimetric system design, one can directly extract single/multi-wire and functional schematics of the corresponding electrical panels. In addition, the program is provided with specific functions for cable and protection devise dimensioning. Finally, the student designer can also extract bills of materials and part lists.

Uni-Tool Automation (suitable for industrial automation and electrical panels) allows a student to realize in an extremely easy and fast way unlimited multi-sheet projects with single/multi-wire auxiliary/power sheet, terminal strips and PLC schematics. In addition to its design functions, the program automatically processes the wire numbering, the filling of the coil/contact cross-reference table for relays and remote control switches, the terminal numbering and the cable definition. Finally, the software directly extracts the entire project documentation composed of terminal, cable, wiring, reference and part lists.

Uni-Tool Professional offers a complete package with Plan and Automation 100% integrated in a single working environment, geared to the educational environment.

With Uni-Tool, a student has all the design instruments at his/her disposal, including:

· Fast and easy planimetry design
· Easily customizable library
· Civil and industrial electrical design (Uni-Tool Plan)
· Groups management (light points, shunt boxes, etc.)
· Composed symbols management (relays, terminal strips, etc.)
· Multi-sheet projects to organize under a single order or customer name all the drawings belonging to the same project
· Auxiliary and power schematic drawing
· Electrical panels (auxiliary, single/multi-wire, functional schematics)
· Automatic processing (cross-reference filling for contact tables, wire and terminal numbering)

Advanced EMC Solutions also introduced Uni-Tool Assistant which is a complete course, on PC, devised for training in Uni-Tool design programs. The course is based on hundreds of descriptive text, pictures and examples, audio descriptions and animations that will let the student discover all the commands and techniques available to realize easier and more and more complex designs.

Pricing and Availability Patrucco tools run under Windows (95, 98, NT). The Uni-Tool Educational package is available in single user licenses or multi-platform site licenses for teaching labs. Educational pricing starts at $190 and is dependent on license type and configuration. A Student Edition is also under preparation. More information can be found at www.aEMCs.com.

Advanced EMC Solutions Inc. today announced the official introduction of the complete suite of Patrucco Uni-Tool CAD/CAE software tools to the North American market. Patrucco S.A.S., headquartered in Italy, is a leading provider of electrical civil/industrial design software to the European market.

Uni-Tool is a suite of totally integrated software tools covering civil and industrial electrical design (Uni-Tool Plan) as well as industrial automation and electrical panel design (Uni-Tool Automation). A module called Uni-Tool Professional offers 100% integration of Uni-Tool Plan and Automation. Uni-Tool is a totally integrated design environment by which it is possible to create schematics and extract related bill of materials and estimates in a single working environment with no need to switch from one software tool to another as is usually required by other tools.

Dr. Carlo Patrucco, Marketing & Distribution Manager, Patrucco S.A.S., Torino, Italy, in announcing the appointment of Advanced EMC Solutions (aEMCs) as North American distributor, indicated that " …. our intention is to continue a strong penetration of Uni-Tool worldwide …. and the appointment of aEMCs is one of the steps in that process." "The reception of Uni-Tool in the European market over the past 10 years has been extremely gratifying and we expect to replicate these results worldwide ….. this reception has been due to the fact that the tools are quite inexpensive, very fast, very easy to use and very friendly ….. the ease of importing and exporting files from and to AutoCAD has been a prime factor in this respect."

Uni-Tool Plan allows a user to realize in an extremely easy and fast way room planimetries on which subsequently the designer can perform the positioning of the electrical (or other) systems. Next to the planimetric system design, he can directly extract single/multi-wire and functional schematics of the corresponding electrical panels. In addition, the program is provided with specific functions for cable and protection devise dimensioning. Finally, the designer can also extract bills of materials and part lists.

Uni-Tool Automation allows a user to realize in an extremely easy and fast way unlimited multi-sheet projects with single/multi-wire auxiliary/power sheet, terminal strips and PLC schematics. In addition to its design functions, the program automatically processes the wire numbering, the filling of the coil/contact cross-reference table for relays and remote control switches, the terminal numbering and the cable definition. Finally, the software directly extracts the entire project documentation composed of terminal, cable, wiring, reference and part lists.

With Uni-Tool, an electrical engineer has all the design instruments at his/her disposal, including:

Patrucco tools run under Windows (95, 98, NT). The price of Uni-Tool Plan is $800 US; Uni-Tool Automation is $975 US; and a full Uni-Tool Professional suite is available for $1400 US. More information can be found at www.aEMCs.com.

Winnipeg, Canada - October 6, 2000

SimLab EMC Simulation Tools for Cable Harnesses & PCBs Introduced to North America

Advanced EMC Solutions Inc. today announced the official introduction of the complete suite of SimLab EMC simulation tools to the North American market. SimLab Software GmbH, headquartered in Munich, is a leading provider of EMC simulation software to the European automotive electronics industry as well as to the computer, telecommunications, medical device and semiconductor markets.

"SimLab tools have received wide acceptance in the European automotive industry and our objective in North America is to replicate this success," said Allan Kiesler, President of Advanced EMC Solutions. "The excellent reception we received at the IEEE-EMC Symposium in Washington, DC was the first step of this process".

Unique to all of the SimLab software tools is their PEEC/BEM numerical analysis, frequency domain kernels, and ground/no-ground analysis options with variations in the electrical properties of all materials.

For complex cable harness systems, segments can be statistically analyzed by CableMod for electrical properties resulting from actual production. PCBs and arbitrary structures can be analyzed by StatMod, Static2D and Static3D in various sizes, all the way from IC's to entire PCBs, due to the exceptional scaling attributes of the PEEC method. Radiation calculations for both complex harnesses within complex enclosures, or PCBs and their structures, can all be handled with variations in probe shapes, sizes, and placement. Since RadiaSim uses the PEEC method, a discretization of the entire 3D space is not needed, thus lowering analysis time when compared to other FETD/FDTD software. All of the PCB tools include their own advanced numerical analysis options for both the inductance and capacitance matrices, whereby the user can actually manipulate the numerical methods. These advanced options include matrices inversion (complete or shared), type of method of moments (MoM), self and coupling meshing factors, full or sparse matrices, density limits of these matrices, and other various network optimization routines. Each tool comes with it's own built in CAD design software, so a user can complete various investigations without having to rely on licenses from the other CAD vendors.

Pricing and Availability SimLab tools run under Unix (HP-UX, Sun Solaris) as well as on PCs under Linux. The software prices for the current version (Release 2000-II) begin at $10,560 and are dependent on configuration and operating system. More information can be found at www.aEMCs.com.

The SimLab International User Group Conference will be held in Munich on the 4th and 5th of October. The conference has been scheduled immediately following Oktoberfest - the world's largest beer festival. It has been geared to allow SimLab users to exchange ideas about usage and the theory behind SimLab tools. Those in attendance will be fully updated on the latest developments as well as receiving an outlook of new tools and features that will be forthcoming in the next 12 to 18 months. The exchange of knowledge with other SimLab Users should be beneficial to all.

Conference topics include: Demands on Tools for Modeling of IC Packages, PCB Simulation/Radiation, Simulation in the Automotive Industry, Data Extraction from CAD Systems/Data Transfer to CableMod, Cabling Tools: Present and Outlook, CableMod Applications, IBIS-Modeling as well as several other theoretical and practical issues. Presenters will include Siemens ICN, Siemens ATD, BMW AG, and Siemens AT, Regensburg.

For more information, please contact: Allan Kiesler, Advanced EMC Solutions, (800) 565-2787 or by e-mail at: akiesler@aEMCs.com. In Europe, please contact Klaus Schrack, +33-565-539023 or by e-mail at: schrack@simlab.de.