Design Exploration Technology

iSIGHT 5.5, the latest version of iSIGHT, includes two additional optimization techniques, parallel processing capabilities to decrease design time, an improved Graphical User Interface, and support for the Linux operating system. The two new optimization techniques help users converge on an optimum design quickly. A mixed integer algorithm combines a hill climbing technique with a branch and bound method that allows users to find optimum solutions efficiently in discrete space. Using the new sequential quadratic programming algorithm, users can rapidly obtain an optimum design by exploiting the local region around the initial design point. Both methods lead to reduced design time by requiring fewer function evaluations.

Expanding upon the distributed processing functionality introduced in version 5.0, 5.5 introduces parallel processing capabilities, which allow users to execute simulation codes and/or multiple design techniques simultaneously. For instance, independent design points can be evaluated in parallel across a network or on multi-processor machines. The parallel execution and all supporting activities are transparent to the user; however, the process can be reviewed using a simple GUI interface.

New capabilities also include enhanced runtime performance with a 3:1 reduction in execution time on an NT Platform. Combined with the program's new GUI interface, the runtime performance helps ensure that users can define their project parameters and create an optimum design more quickly and easily. This version includes Linux Operating System support and full GUI support for Excel integration.

Engineous Software, Inc., 1800 Perimeter Park W., Ste. 275, Morrisville, NC 27560. Tel: 919-319-7666; Fax: 919-319-1659.