Photonic Solutions Newsletter

Synopsys OptoCompiler 2024.09-SP2

Flex Framework Improvements 

A new and enhanced flexConnector framework has been introduced, offering significantly improved robustness and a richer feature set compared to the previous version. This framework is available alongside the existing one and requires activation in PDKs for custom connectors to take effect. 

• Enhanced Arc and Straight Length Controls: Full support for minimum arc angle and minimum straight length constraints. 
• Improved Update and Reconnect Capabilities: Enhanced results for both Manhattan and Any-Angle flexConnectors. A new menu option allows updates for Any-Angle connectors to follow either a direct shortest path or a Manhattan-style implementation, which can later be adjusted to Any-Angle. 
• Support for Any-Angle Bus Connectors: Includes compatibility with flexible bus connectors, such as delay-compensating versions. 
• Advanced Stretch Restrictions: Prevents invalid solutions for both Manhattan and Any-Angle modes, applicable to bus and single-waveguide connectors. Photonic-specific toolbar options enable features like locking end segments or disabling stretch restrictions. 
• Enhanced Chop Functionality: Simplifies the removal of individual or multiple waypoints. 
• New Commands for Waypoint Management and Port Compatibility

Handling of Feedthrough Connections and Zero-Length Straights in Python Netlisting API 

The Python Netlisting API has been updated to seamlessly manage feedthrough connections and zero-length straights, improving transparency and usability.

RSoft Photonic Device Tools 2024.09 SP2

The RSoft Photonic Device Tools 2024.09 SP2 release includes these features:

• Standalone RSoft Photonic Device Tools installer (previously it was part of Photonic Solutions installer).
• Option to output layout information in OASIS format from MetaOptic Designer.  This results in considerably smaller file sizes compared to GDS.  Currently this is only supported on Windows.
• Speed improvements when outputting large GDS files from MetaOptic Designer. Currently this enhancement is only supported on Windows.
• Performance related enhancements:
  • Reduced initialization time when reading geometry from large TDR files for interface of RSoft with TCAD Sentaurus.
  • Reduced initialization time when importing XY polygons along certain directions, from GDS for example.