VSim supports parallel computing and can be scaled up to several tens of thousands of processor cores. This allows users to model complex geometries and multiple physical phenomena and still obtain the results within a reasonable time frame.

Jim Browning, professor at Boise State University and current user of the software said of VSim, "Thanks to VSim's powerful parallel computing features, the FDTD-PIC simulation with VSim has been very helpful in our magnetron research. In addition, scientists who are less experienced in performing and using simulation can easily use VSim."

VSim can be used to simulate a variety of problems based on regular, structured, orthogonal meshes with bounding boxes (cut cells) to describe complex geometries. These can be imported from CAD systems or created in the VSimComposer front-end. VSim's capabilities include higher order methods, electron emission (both primary and secondary surfaces of cut cells), dispersion control, sputtering processes, collisions, field ionization and quasiparticle propagation. VSim offers packages for specific application areas, including electromagnetics (EM), microwave devices (MD), plasma acceleration (PA) and plasma discharge (PD). For an easy introduction to the software, all packages are delivered with comprehensive example applications.

VSim for electromagnetics can be used in the design cycle of electromagnetic, electrostatic and magnetic devices. In addition, radar interactions, including ground penetrating radars, can be simulated using the total field/scattered field method. Furthermore, propagation in photonic crystals and other optical devices as well as in waveguides can be modeled and oscillations and Q-factors in resonators and cavities can be calculated.

"We are excited about Tech-X joining APA because VSim will give Altair customers access to new application areas. In addition, it complements the electromagnetics simulation applications included in HyperWorks such as FEKO, WinProp and Flux," said Dr. Jordi Soler, Director Global Business Development, Electromagnetic Solutions at Altair. "VSim uses FDTD and Particle-in-Cell solvers to simulate particles and electromagnetics simultaneously and provides excellent coverage of applications such as RF amplifiers and oscillators like klystrons, helix TWT amplifiers and magnetrons. Multipactor effects for microwave structures such as waveguides and coaxial cables can also be analyzed with VSim. These effects are of great importance as they can reduce performance or even damage the device. Other interesting applications include controlled plasma discharges (such as magnetron sputtering), plasma environment effects (including satellite surface charging), semiconductor photonics and particle acceleration through laser plasma and cavities."