Keysight Technologies launches Photonic Designer for circuit design

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has launched Photonic Designer, a photonic design automation software tailored for photonics design engineers. The solution centralizes fragmented workflows, enhancing efficiency and accuracy by optimizing Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) performance through advanced physics-based simulations. Photonic Designer integrates real-world measurement data into the design process, allowing engineers to verify compliance with industry modulation standards prior to fabrication. This software supports compatibility with foundry process design kits (PDKs), reducing costly iterations during development. By simplifying the design verification process, the tool aims to accelerate time-to-market for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The software features a physics-oriented simulation environment that predicts real-world performance, addressing common challenges such as tool fragmentation and inconsistencies in simulation fidelity. Users can streamline optical and electrical-optical workflows, ensuring compliance with strict design rules while facilitating robust circuit validation and optimization. As part of the launch, CompoundTek has partnered with Keysight to offer a Photonic Designer Process Design Kit (PDK) specifically for their silicon photonics process. This collaboration allows engineers to develop PICs with verified components, ensuring a smoother transition from design to fabrication. Keysight executives emphasize the need for a reliable platform that integrates simulations and compliance verification, fostering an efficient design and manufacturing process.