L-Edit Photonics vs. Ansys Exalto

Develop your photonic integrated circuit using a layout-centric workflow that provides designers the flexibility to choose between a drag-and-drop interface and a script-based method. Both options are supported by an extensive custom IC design layout editor, which also oversees the physical verification and tape-out phases. L-Edit Photonics enables swift creation of photonic designs with its user-friendly drag-and-drop feature, which eliminates the necessity for programming. Once the design is complete, a netlist can be generated to facilitate photonic simulations. The integration of the PIC design within the IC layout editor allows users to create layouts without any coding, promoting a layout-focused approach that operates independently of a schematic. For those inclined towards a schematic flow, S-Edit serves as an optional resource. Furthermore, a simulation netlist can be derived for use in a photonic simulator, with photonic simulations being easily integrated through collaborations with various providers. Additionally, numerous foundries supply photonic PDKs to bolster design capabilities. This robust workflow not only simplifies the photonic design process but also accommodates a wide range of designer preferences and methodologies, ensuring that both novice and experienced designers can effectively create and simulate their circuits.

Ansys Exalto is a specialized software tool for post-LVS RLCk extraction that aids integrated circuit (IC) designers in accurately detecting unknown crosstalk across different design hierarchy blocks by extracting lumped-element parasitics and establishing a precise model for electrical, magnetic, and substrate interactions. This tool is designed to work seamlessly with most LVS tools and can significantly improve the RC extraction capabilities of your chosen software. By leveraging Ansys Exalto’s post-LVS RLCk extraction features, IC designers can proficiently predict electromagnetic and substrate coupling effects, allowing for the signoff of circuits that were once considered "too large to analyze." The models produced by the software can be back-annotated to the schematic or netlist, ensuring compatibility with all circuit simulators. As the demand for RF and high-speed circuits grows in modern silicon systems, accurately modeling electromagnetic coupling has become increasingly vital, as it plays a crucial role in the success of silicon designs. Therefore, Ansys Exalto proves to be an indispensable tool for designers striving to tackle the intricate challenges of contemporary circuit design with utmost accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, its capabilities not only streamline the design process but also enhance the reliability of the final product, making it a valuable resource for any IC design team.