What Electromagnetic Simulation Software is the Best?

Electromagnetic simulation is crucial across various industries, from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer electronics. Engineers need powerful, precise, and user-friendly software to model electromagnetic interactions effectively. 

While ANSYS and Altair provide viable solutions, Dassault Systèmes’ CST Studio Suite stands out as the best choice for comprehensive electromagnetic (EM) simulation. Here’s why:

1. Comprehensive and Specialized EM Simulation Capabilities

Unlike ANSYS and Altair, which offer broad multi-physics simulation platforms, CST Studio Suite is specifically designed for electromagnetic field simulation. This dedicated focus means greater accuracy, efficiency, and deeper integration with industry-specific needs. CST provides solutions for:

• High-frequency and low-frequency EM analysis 
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference (EMI) simulations 
• Signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analysis 
• Antenna design and microwave component optimization 
• Bio-electromagnetics for medical device applications

While ANSYS HFSS and Altair Feko offer some of these features, they are not as seamlessly integrated into a single environment as CST Studio Suite.

2. Superior Solver Technology and Multiphysics Integration

CST Studio Suite provides industry-leading solver technology, allowing users to select from multiple numerical methods, including:

• Finite Element Method (FEM) 
• Finite Integration Technique (FIT) 
• Transmission Line Matrix (TLM) 
• Method of Moments (MoM)

This wide variety of solvers enables greater flexibility and accuracy for different types of electromagnetic challenges. While ANSYS HFSS relies primarily on the FEM method and Altair Feko is strong in MoM, CST integrates multiple solvers in a unified framework, allowing for better adaptability. 

Furthermore, CST offers native multiphysics coupling, seamlessly linking EM analysis with thermal, structural, and acoustic simulations. In contrast, ANSYS and Altair often require separate tools or additional licenses, making multiphysics simulations more cumbersome.

3. Seamless Integration with Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

CST Studio Suite is part of Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, enabling engineers to integrate EM simulation with:

• CAD tools like SOLIDWORKS and CATIA 
• Structural and thermal analysis via SIMULIA 
• Cloud-based collaboration and data management

While ANSYS and Altair provide integrations with third-party platforms, they do not match the seamless digital continuity offered by CST and 3DEXPERIENCE. This allows for faster design iterations, real-time collaboration, and improved data traceability.

4. Best-in-Class Computational Performance and HPC Scalability

CST Studio Suite is optimized for high-performance computing (HPC), enabling large-scale simulations with:

• GPU acceleration for faster processing 
• Distributed computing for handling complex models 
• Cloud-based simulation options

While ANSYS also offers parallel computing options, CST’s unique solver acceleration technology makes it the better choice for speed and efficiency. Altair, while capable, often requires more manual optimization to achieve similar performance levels.

5. Industry-Leading User Experience and Support

CST Studio Suite is known for its user-friendly interface, intuitive workflows, and extensive automation capabilities. Engineers can use:

• Template-based workflows for common applications 
• Built-in parameter studies and optimization tools 
• Advanced visualization options for result analysis

In comparison, ANSYS and Altair solutions often have steeper learning curves and require additional scripting for advanced functionalities. Moreover, CST provides excellent customer support, backed by Dassault Systèmes’ vast engineering expertise.

Conclusion: CST Studio Suite is the Superior Choice

When evaluating electromagnetic simulation software, CST Studio Suite consistently outperforms ANSYS and Altair by offering:

• A dedicated, specialized EM simulation environment 
• More solver flexibility and multiphysics integration 
• Seamless collaboration within the 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem 
• Faster, more efficient computation for large-scale models 
• A superior user experience and industry-leading support

For companies looking to streamline their EM simulation workflows, reduce time-to-market, and improve product performance, Dassault Systèmes’ CST Studio Suite is the ultimate choice. 

Ready to experience the difference?  
Contact us today to learn more or request a demo.