L-Edit Photonics vs. EveryCircuit

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.

An animated circuit offers a level of informational depth that far surpasses a multitude of equations and charts combined. By layering animations of voltages, currents, and charges onto the circuit schematic, users can attain a deeper understanding of circuit operations. Tailored for high-speed performance and interactive engagement, the circuit simulation engine enables users to initiate simulations with a single click, accommodating a diverse array of components ranging from simple resistors and logic gates to complex transistor-level oscillators and mixed-signal systems. Throughout the simulation, users have the ability to adjust switches, tweak potentiometers, change LED current-limiting resistors, and incrementally raise input voltages, with the circuit dynamically reflecting these changes in real time. Unique mini-waveforms are displayed along the schematic wires, distinguishing between digital and analog signals, where continuous analog voltages are presented numerically while digital wires are color-coded to enhance clarity. Furthermore, users can visualize any two time-domain signals in XY mode, further enriching their analysis capabilities. The oscilloscope's scale and grid ticks automatically calibrate to optimal settings as the data varies, guaranteeing accuracy in measurement throughout the simulation. This interactive feedback loop not only makes the learning process enjoyable but also encourages users to explore the nuances of circuit behavior more thoroughly. Ultimately, the combination of real-time interactivity and visual representation fosters an environment where users can experiment and expand their knowledge of electronics effectively.