The MagNet alternative for air-core coils.
Simcenter MagNet is a mature low-frequency FEM suite for motors, transformers and induction. For sizing air-core wireless power coils, AirInduct Sim gets you L, M and k in seconds, in a browser.
Last reviewed: October 2026
What Simcenter MagNet does well
Simcenter MagNet, originally Infolytica MagNet and now part of Siemens' Simcenter portfolio, is a 2D and 3D finite element package for low-frequency electromagnetics. It solves static, time-harmonic and transient problems, couples to external circuits and handles moving parts, which is why motor, actuator and transformer designers rely on it.
For wireless power it can model what really sets pad performance in production: ferrite backing, aluminium shields, eddy-current loss and nonlinear materials.
Where AirInduct Sim is faster for WPT coils
- L, M and k on every run, with no geometry to draw and no mesh to tune.
- Gap and lateral misalignment sweeps on the true 3D geometry using closed-form Biot–Savart and the Neumann integral.
- Eight WPT presets, including square Helmholtz and descending-turn (DTC) spirals.
- 3D field plots and a genetic optimizer in any browser, plus iOS and Android apps.
- An AI Copilot that drives the app and runs the real solver, and an MCP server for your own agents.
It is free to start: the free plan covers the Helmholtz topology with 3 simulations a month, and AirInduct Pro unlocks every topology, the AI Copilot and unlimited runs (see pricing).
Simcenter MagNet vs AirInduct Sim at a glance
Where a general low-frequency FEM suite and a WPT-specific coil solver differ.
| Criterion | AirInduct Sim | Simcenter MagNet |
|---|---|---|
| Solver method | Closed-form Biot–Savart field + Neumann mutual inductance, no mesh | 2D and 3D low-frequency finite element method |
| Analysis types | Quasi-static fields, L, M, k, link efficiency | Static, time-harmonic and transient, with motion and circuit coupling |
| Install | None — runs in the browser, plus iOS and Android apps | Windows desktop |
| Licence / price model | Free plan + Pro subscription | Commercial, quote-based (Siemens) |
| Time to first result | Seconds from a topology preset | Minutes: geometry, materials, coils, mesh, solve |
| WPT outputs (L, M, k) | Self-inductance, mutual inductance M and coupling k on every run | Inductance matrix and flux linkage from coil definitions |
| Ferrite, shields, eddy currents | Not modelled — air-core coils only | Yes, including nonlinear materials and losses |
| Sweeps and optimisation | Gap, offset and turn sweeps plus a genetic optimizer in the app | Parametric studies and scripting |
| AI assistance | AI Copilot that drives the app and runs the real solver; MCP server for agents | None built in |
Competitor details are taken from public vendor pages and documentation, last reviewed October 2026. Product names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify them. AirInduct is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any of these vendors.
When to stay with MagNet
Stay with MagNet for anything with a core or a shield, for transient and motion problems, and for loss and thermal studies. AirInduct Sim does not model materials.
Which should I use?
Use AirInduct Sim to explore air-core coil topologies, turns and misalignment in seconds, and use Simcenter MagNet when the design needs ferrite, shielding, losses or transient behaviour. MagNet is the more complete solver; AirInduct Sim is the faster first step and runs in a browser with a free plan.
Compare with other tools
See all 20 AirInduct Sim alternatives and comparisons →Size the coil pair first. Add the ferrite later.
Frequently asked questions
What is Simcenter MagNet?
Simcenter MagNet is Siemens’ low-frequency electromagnetic finite element software, formerly Infolytica MagNet. It is used for motors, transformers, actuators, sensors and induction systems, in 2D and 3D.
Is there a free alternative to Simcenter MagNet?
FEMM is the best-known free option for 2D and axisymmetric magnetics. For 3D air-core wireless power coils, AirInduct Sim has a free plan in the browser that returns inductance, mutual inductance and coupling in seconds.
Can AirInduct Sim model a ferrite pad like MagNet?
No. AirInduct Sim models air-core coils only. Use it to choose the coil topology, turns and spacing, then add ferrite and shielding in MagNet or another FEM tool.