Mentor and PhoeniX Software Offer New Integration to Speed Time to Tape-Out for Photonics Circuits

Mentor, a Siemens business, today announced a new integration with PhoeniX Software that reduces tape-out time for integrated photonics designers by enabling faster iterations between final sign-off verification and the design tool. Designers using the new integration will be able to more quickly identify and correct layout issues to ensure their designs comply with manufacturing requirements.

The OptoDesigner platform from PhoeniX Software synthesizes photonics circuits based on correct-by-construction algorithms given certain performance criteria, much like Pcells and module generators in a typical CMOS flow. However, because photonics designs use many curvilinear shapes that must be approximated in GDSII for the foundries, designers rely on advanced features in the industry-leading Calibre® nm Platform, such as the Calibre Pattern Matching and Calibre eqDRC™ equation-based design rule checking functionality, for sign-off physical verification.

The integration between OptoDesigner and the Calibre nm Platform enables designers to run Calibre verification directly from the OptoDesigner design tool using the Calibre Interactive™ invocation GUI, then receive and view the results in OptoDesigner via the Calibre RVE™ results viewing environment. Highlighting, zooming, waiver management and error debugging can be performed through the Calibre RVE interface, while making corrections in OptoDesigner. OptoDesigner can also import the Calibre results directly into the tool, if the designer so desires. The interface was developed via the Mentor OpenDoor® program, a mechanism that supports the development, certification, and distribution of interfaces among EDA vendors to promote open interoperability.

“We are delighted to introduce this joint solution to our mutual customers,” said Twan Korthorst, CEO of PhoeniX Software “Mentor’s Calibre Platform is the sign-off tool of choice for all major foundries, including those offering silicon photonics. With this integration, designers working in OptoDesigner can be confident that not only will their tape-outs satisfy all manufacturing requirements, but they can also quickly see and address any changes they need to make to their design during verification.”

“Photonics design is a future growth segment of the semiconductor market,” said Michael Buehler-Garcia, senior director of marketing for Calibre Design solutions in the Design-to-Silicon division of Mentor. “We are pleased to be working with PhoeniX Software, a leader in photonic IC design solutions, to offer advanced design methodologies that will help bring high-quality silicon photonics products to market.”

PhoeniX Software and Mentor will be discussing the silicon photonics market, and presenting a demo of the new and future integration plans between Mentor Calibre and PhoeniX Software solutions, at the Design Automation Conference (DAC) on Wednesday, June 21, at 1:00 PM in the Mentor booth.