Software speeds simulation of photonic integrated circuits

Gaussian noise model for long-haul optical fibre simulation
In the RSoft OptSim tool, a new MATLAB-based Gaussian Noise (GN) model provides significant speed gains for long-haul optical fibre simulation. The GN model accounts for fiber nonlinearity in uncompensated optical transmission systems with speed and accuracy and saves time compared to traditional split-step optical fibre simulation methods. AIM Photonics Process Design Kit The RSoft OptSim Circuit tool now supports the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) Process Design Kit (PDK). AIM Photonics, an industry-driven public-private consortium, is creating a national PIC manufacturing infrastructure and, as part of this initiative, is planning several multi-project wafer (MPW) runs in 2017 that can benefit from a PDK comprising silicon photonic passive and active components. OptSim Circuit's support for the AIM Photonics PDK brings PIC designers a step closer to fabrication through AIM Photonics MPW run facilities.

"The inclusion of the AIM Photonics PDK library in RSoft OptSim Circuit enhances the software's capabilities to help PIC designers create, simulate and optimize hierarchical schematics quickly and reliably, and use layout tools to generate masks that are ready for fabrication," said George Bayz, Vice President and General Manager of Synopsys' Optical Solutions Group.

Native 64-bit support
The RSoft Photonic System Design Suite now provides native 64-bit support, which enables faster MATLAB co-simulation with RSoft tools as well as overall speed and memory management gains. The upgrade also allows the RSoft tools to take full advantage of continuing hardware and operating system enhancements.