ANST Ansoft Corp (MM)

Companies collaborate to create a model library of ultracapacitor components for next-generation energy-storage systems for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications Maxwell Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:MXWL) and Ansoft Corporation (NASDAQ:ANST) today announced that they will develop a model library of Maxwell Technologies' BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules using the VHDL-AMS modeling language for use in Ansoft's SIMPLORER(R). Maxwell Technologies selected SIMPLORER based on the strength of its VHDL-AMS simulation capabilities and on Ansoft's leading position and focus on providing high-performance, system-simulation solutions to the automotive, aerospace and industrial power markets. "The library will contain a wide range of ultracapacitor cell and module products to ensure that our current and future customers will have the necessary elements to develop the next generation of energy-storage systems for automotive, industrial and other applications," said Dr. John M. Miller, Maxwell's vice president, advanced transportation applications. "We chose the SIMPLORER platform because it provides robust modeling capability, is widely used in our target markets and adheres to the VHDL-AMS modeling standard." Ultracapacitors are ultra-high-capacity energy-storage devices that deliver bursts of high power and recharge rapidly from any energy source over hundreds of thousands of cycles. BOOSTCAP ultracapacitor products are the world's leading high-performance production ultracapacitors. Compared to batteries, BOOSTCAP cells deliver up to 10 times the power, last up to 10 times as long, operate more reliably in high- and low-temperature conditions, require far less maintenance and reduce environmental issues associated with battery disposal. Ultracapacitors produce cleaner and more fuel-efficient hybrid-electric/internal-combustion buses, trucks and automobiles. Ultracapacitor technology is ideal for powering initial acceleration, operating electrical subsystems and regenerative braking. "Hybrid-electric vehicles and alternative-energy research and development are of great interest to our SIMPLORER customers," said Dr. Marius Rosu, Ansoft's group leader, SIMPLORER modeling. "For researchers to have access to accurate VHDL-AMS models of ultracapacitors directly from Maxwell Technologies will make them more productive and speed the pace of their research." VHDL-AMS is the IEEE-endorsed standard modeling language (standard 1076.1) created to provide a general-purpose, open language for analog-mixed-signal designs. Models that adhere to this standard are useable in all simulation tools that adhere to the VHDL-AMS standard. About Maxwell Technologies Maxwell is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, cost-effective energy-storage and power-delivery solutions. The company's BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules and POWERCACHE(R) backup power systems provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation and telecommunications. Maxwell's CONDIS(R) high-voltage grading and coupling capacitors help to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy. Maxwell's radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single-board computers that incorporate powerful commercial silicon for superior performance and high reliability in aerospace applications. To learn more, visit www.maxwell.com. About Ansoft Ansoft is a leading developer of high-performance electronic design automation (EDA) software. Engineers use Ansoft software to design state-of-the-art products, such as electromechanical components and systems, hybrid-electric vehicles, drive-by-wire systems, power electronics, wireless products, integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Ansoft markets its software worldwide through its own direct sales force and has comprehensive customer-support and training offices throughout North America, Asia and Europe. To learn more, please visit www.ansoft.com.