Opto-Electronic and Interconnects Hierarchical Design Automation System (OE-IDEAS)

Abstract : As microelectronics technology continues to advance, the associated electrical interconnection technology is not likely to keep pace, due to many parasitic effects appearing in metallic interconnections. Hence, the optical interconnections and photonic-electronic chips seem to be the most viable technology for future multi-GHz mixed-signal electronics. Therefore, this project developed, demonstrated, and validated Design Tools for Opto-Electronic Integrated Circuits and Interconnects. The two crucial issues are the efficient and fast techniques of extraction of parasitics as well as revolutionary new methods of modeling parasitics in electrical interconnects, where high-frequency electromagnetic effects will not allow for using SPICE-type models anymore, and the new, comprehensive CAD tools for integrated opto-electronic (O/E) circuits and systems, which would allow designers to analyze and optimize the full-path signal characteristics, at all the stages of the optically communicating circuits.