Photonic IC Layout Using Dual Precision Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing layout design tools for electronic devices, which use fixed coordinate grids, struggle to accurately place photonic components that require precise alignment and rotation, leading to potential misalignments, overlaps, and Design Rule Checking failures due to the inability to handle arbitrary angles and intermediate coordinate locations.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes both precise and snapped coordinates to position photonic components within a photonic integrated circuit layout, where precise coordinates provide higher precision for alignment and snapped coordinates maintain compatibility with the fixed grid, allowing for accurate placement and connection of components while reducing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coordinate grids are used for layout, then compatibility with existing electronic design tools is maintained, but positioning precision for photonic components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinate system is segmented into two distinct representations: snapped coordinates that conform to the fixed grid for tool compatibility, and precise coordinates that provide high-precision positioning for photonic components. This segmentation allows each coordinate type to serve its specific purpose without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The snapped coordinates act as an intermediary between the fixed grid system and the precise positioning requirements. The system maintains snapped coordinates for grid compatibility while using precise coordinates internally for accurate component placement and alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision coordinates are used for all components, then alignment accuracy improves, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different coordinate precision levels are applied locally based on component type and function. Photonic components requiring high precision alignment use precise coordinates, while electronic components can use snapped coordinates, optimizing memory usage while maintaining necessary precision where required
3Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary rotation angles are allowed, then design flexibility improves, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to grid snapping
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds an angular dimension to the coordinate system by maintaining rotation angles as separate parameters from the snapped coordinates. This allows components to be rotated to arbitrary angles while their positions remain snap-to-grid, preventing alignment errors from angle-snapping interactions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to the layout of photonic integrated circuits using fixed coordinate grids. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a request to place a first photonic component within a layout of a photonic integrated circuit. Positionings of components within the layout are represented in a design database utilizing a grid with fixed coordinates. The method further includes calculating, by a processor, precise coordinates and snapped coordinates for positioning of the first photonic component. The snapped coordinates have a precision consistent with the fixed coordinate grid and the precise coordinates have a higher precision than the snapped coordinates. The method further includes, in a design database, representing the positioning of the first photonic component utilizing both the precise coordinates and the snapped coordinates.