Automated, Scalable Silicon Photonics Design and Verification

Silicon photonics offers up the promise of blazing fast data transmission and high bandwidth with low-power consumption—essential for today’s high-performance computing, telecommunications, military, defense, aerospace, medical, and research applications. However, to fully realize that promise, design companies must have the same level of support provided by foundries and EDA suppliers for the design and verification of ICs in the form of complete and proven PDKs. Fortunately, the industry is actively engaging foundries, designers, and EDA companies, with commitments to continue and expand on the progress achieved thus far. Advances in integrated circuit technology and fabrication have made it possible to leverage traditional CMOS fabrication processes and materials and apply them to the design of PICs. The ultimate goal remains the availability of an inexpensive and scalable platform that can transition silicon photonics to a true production design offering.