Photonic Integrated Circuit Simulation with Coupling Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical signal propagation simulation tools for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have limited functionality and do not account for optical signal transition loss due to physical parameter mismatches between optically coupled photonic devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for designing PICs that includes an optical signal propagation simulation tool capable of accounting for signal loss due to physical parameter mismatches between photonic devices. This is achieved by using a netlist that includes parameter mismatch information communicated via physical data pins or custom coupling cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional simulation tools are used for PIC design, then the simulation process is simple, but the simulation accuracy is insufficient because physical parameter mismatches between photonic devices are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation tool is segmented into distinct functional modules: a netlist parser that extracts photonic device connections, a physical parameter extractor that retrieves parameters from device layouts, a mismatch calculator that computes transition losses, and a signal propagation simulator that performs the actual simulation. This modular architecture allows the tool to account for physical parameter mismatches while maintaining manageable complexity through clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation tool performs preliminary extraction of physical parameters from device layouts and calculation of transition losses before the actual signal propagation simulation. By pre-computing mismatch factors and storing them in the netlist, the tool prepares all necessary data in advance, enabling accurate simulation without adding computational burden during the simulation phase itself.
2Reliability
If physical parameter mismatches are accounted for in simulation, then the PIC design accuracy improves, but the simulation tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation tool merges multiple functions into a unified workflow: netlist extraction, physical parameter retrieval, mismatch calculation, and signal propagation simulation are integrated into a single cohesive tool. This consolidation improves reliability by ensuring consistent data flow between stages while managing complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate discrete tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation tool automatically extracts physical parameters from device layouts and calculates transition losses without requiring manual input from the designer. The tool self-services by retrieving necessary information from the design database, computing mismatch factors, and incorporating them into the simulation, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in perceived complexity for the user.
3Measurement precision
If detailed physical parameter extraction is performed from device layouts, then the simulation accuracy improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical parameters are extracted from device layouts and mismatch calculations are performed in advance, before the actual signal propagation simulation. This preliminary processing allows the simulation phase to run efficiently using pre-computed data, reducing the overall processing time while maintaining high precision in parameter extraction and mismatch calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design system and method including optical signal propagation simulation with coupling awareness to account for transition loss due to a difference between at least one specific physical parameter (e.g., curvature radius, material composition, etc.) in optically coupled photonic devices. Coupling awareness can be achieved by including, within a bus of a netlist between the photonic devices, at least one pair of physical data pins: one associated with a specific physical parameter in the light emitting photonic device and the other associated with the specific physical parameter in the light receiving photonic device. Alternatively, coupling awareness can be achieved by running a utility to identify a parameter mismatch between the light emitting and receiving photonic devices, developing a custom coupling cell to account for the mismatch, and inserting the custom coupling cell into a design layout for the PIC.