Synopsys Introduces the Industry's First Unified Electronic and Photonic Design Platform
September 10, 2020 | PR NewswireEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Synopsys, Inc. introduced its OptoCompiler™ solution for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design, layout implementation and verification. OptoCompiler is the industry's first unified electronic and photonic design platform, combining mature and dedicated photonic technology with Synopsys' industry-proven electronic design tools and methods to enable engineers to produce and verify complex PIC designs quickly and accurately. By providing schematic-driven layout and advanced photonic layout synthesis in a single platform, OptoCompiler bridges the gap between photonic experts and IC designers to make photonic design accessible, fast, and flexible.
"With the Synopsys platform, we were able to reduce the time from schematic entry to final test chip layout by nearly 4X over legacy tools," said Dr. Radha Nagarajan, CTO and SVP, Platforms at Inphi Corporation. "Due to its productivity features and ease of use, we have successfully used OptoCompiler for multiple? tape-outs."
Photonic technologies are enabling innovations in data communications, sensing, and imaging. As demand increases for lightning-fast, energy-efficient communications, integrated photonics provides a key enabling element of the solution. However, widespread implementation of PICs has, until now, been impeded because many design tools were intended for electronics rather than photonics. As a result, photonic design has largely been the domain of experts who could build their own tools or repurpose a disparate toolset.
"With OptoCompiler, we aim to make photonic design as productive as digital," said Tom Walker, group director of Synopsys' Photonic Solutions. "By providing all required functionality in a single platform from a single vendor and integrated in a familiar, proven EDA environment, we are removing the barriers between photonic specialists and IC designers. Our customers benefit by being able to define, simulate, lay out and verify PICs in a fast, cohesive and efficient way."
OptoCompiler combines unique capabilities for photonic design with industry-proven EDA capabilities, including:
- Support for electronic-photonic co-design to ensure scalable design processes
- Comprehensive features for hierarchical design to enable multiple designers to work closely together to shorten product development cycle times
- Ability to use dedicated native photonic simulators – in conjunction with industry-standard electrical simulators – for accurate simulation results that account for statistical variations
- Seamless design and simulation of custom photonic components for inclusion in design alongside process design kit (PDK) components
- Ease-of-use features such as native optical port and net support, assisted waveguide routing, auto-alignment of photonic circuits, and curvilinear layout synthesis
- Enabling industry standards: Python, TcL and OptoDesigner for scripting and iPDK technology to support PDK development
"OptoCompiler is backed by the industry's largest photonic development and support team, with extensive experience designing photonic hardware and software and supporting more than 1,500 successful tape-outs," said Siva Yerramilli, corporate vice president of Strategic Programs in the Silicon Engineering Group at Synopsys. "Synopsys continues to invest in solutions to meet current and future industry needs. Our unique platform will help accelerate PIC development -- from concept to manufacturing."
Suggested Items
Lockheed Martin Australia, The Department Of Defence Sign Strategic Partnership Head Contract
04/26/2024 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin Australia signed a landmark AUD$500 million contract with the Department of Defence to build Australia’s future Joint Air Battle Management System under project - AIR6500 Phase 1 (AIR6500-1).
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Going Vertical: SCHMID's Advanced Solutions for Printed Circuit Boards
04/24/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Marcy LaRont chats with Bob Ferguson, the president of SCHMID, about advanced solutions for PCBs and the equipment they are highlighting at this year's show. He delves into vertical no-touch handling systems and the prospect of achieving sub-10-micron lines. Inspired by SCHMID's technology, Bob expresses excitement about where the industry is today.
Big Win for Defense Production Act Budget Allocation in FY24 Budget
04/23/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamOne year ago, President Biden issued a determination that chips and packaging are critical for national security. Since that time, much work has been done to continue the conversation in Washington, elevating the importance of the entire chips value chain, and including printed circuit boards and substrates, without which chips cannot operate.