Synopsys Cloud
Cloud native EDA tools & pre-optimized hardware platforms
Request a Free Trial →
Create an AWG from Device to Circuit and Layout Generation
Tools Used:
Overview
A tutorial covering the full PIC Design Flow with Synopsys Photonic Solutions, this application note will explain the following steps in the device to circuit design flow:
1. Use AWG Utility in RSoft CAD Layout
Creating an AWG model is easy and efficient with the AWG WDM Router Layout Utility. This tool allows users to:
- Define number of ports, channel spacing, center wavelength, etc.
- Define layout prefix
- Automatically generate a 3D AWG model
2. Simulate the AWG
After the model has been checked and revised if necessary, run the simulation with the AWG WDM Router Simulation Utility.
- Define parameters
- Run simulation
3. Export AWG Model as Custom PDK Component
After checking the simulations, export the AWG as a Custom PDK using the Custom PDK Generation Utility (released with Photonic Solutions 2019.09).
- Define "PDK Model Name," for example: AWG_2X4. This name will be shown in OptSim Circuit and OptoDesigner
- Run the utility to get the S-matrix data
4. Load the AWG in OptSim Circuit
The AWG model needs to be loaded to the user libraries in OptSim Circuit.
- Launch the User Libraries Organizer
- Select DTA file and add to Workgroup Directory
- View AWG models under Workgroup Directory
5. Use the AWG Model in OptSim Circuit and OptoDesigner
AWG model(s) can now be used in OptSim Circuit and combined with other foundry PDKs like DemoFAB.
- Connect the components as you would with a PIC
- Use the bidirectional interface between OptSim Circuit and OptoDesigner
Summary
This tutorial demonstrated creating a customized Si-AWG at the device level and loading it to be used at the circuit level and in layout generation. The RSoft AWG Utility was used to simulate this AWG and to export it as a custom PDK in OptSim Circuit. The layout of this AWG, along with foundry PDKs, can be directly generated from OptSim Circuit to OptoDesigner.