At IMS 2011 in Baltimore, Sonnet Software Inc. (Booth 3213) will host free hands-on training classes featuring its upcoming Release 13. All class attendees will receive a complimentary upgrade to Sonnet's entry level suite, Sonnet LitePlus ($495 value). Also, at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, June 8, Sonnet will be presenting the Release 13 preview, which will be a 20-minute presentation showcasing the new features of the software. For a full class schedule, click sonnetsoftware.com/about/events/ims2011.html

Release 13 features up to 3X faster analysis for large circuits, efficient micro-via array meshing, enhanced integration to our high frequency EDA framework partners and introducing diagonal ports and components. In release 13, Sonnet’s entry-level EM software suites have been revamped to double the allowed memory from previous releases and offer more features than ever before.

“With this release, Sonnet continues our commitment to pushing the state of the art for planar EM simulation without sacrificing accuracy,” states Sonnet VP of Sales and Marketing, Shawn Carpenter. “In Release 13, we’re delivering significantly faster analysis for large circuits, and making our point tool technology even easier to use within our customers’ preferred EDA design flows.”

Release 13 provides Sonnet users of its entry-level suites more value with the increase in allowed memory as well as other added features. Each entry-level Sonnet Suite has at least doubled the memory. Another added value is the ability for users to open and view any Sonnet Project file from any of the Sonnet Suites, including Sonnet Lite.

In the latest release, Sonnet has enhanced the seamless integration to the major open microwave EDA frameworks including: Agilent™ ADS™, AWR® Microwave Office®, and Cadence® Virtuoso®. Significant functionality to the interfaces allows users to access additional Sonnet features, such as remote EM processing and global translation options, from within their design environment.

Sonnet Suites Release 13 also introduces a new interface, the SonnetLab™ toolbox for MATLAB®, which enables users to incorporate Sonnet Software’s award winning high accuracy simulation tools in a powerful environment that simplifies and enhances design automation. Micro-via array simplification is also incorporated for IC import and translation within EDA framework tools to create stacked metals and interconnects that are both accurate and efficiently simulated.

Design engineers now have more control with the addition of independent port reference planes and diagonal ports in release 13. In previous Sonnet releases, all ports on a given edge were required to be x-y aligned, and to share the same x-y aligned reference plane. With independent reference planes, users can define a reference plane for a port different from the reference planes of other ports that share the same box wall. Diagonal ports allow users to extend the reference planes along a diagonal feedline instead of perpendicular to the box wall.

Sonnet’s release 13 brings other new features to users including: increased multi-threading, simulation continuity checker, additional via metal types, and improved features for Sonnet’s project editor, response viewer and current density viewer. The release is expected to be available to supported customers in July.