Design Automation Tools for Micro-Scale Mixed Technology Systems

University Of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

This research is on developing models and algorithms for design and analysis of optoelectronic systems to encompass micro-scale systems that integrate optical, electrical, and mechanical components. It is focused on five main topics: light propagation models for micro-optics, mixed-domain component models, a corresponding mixed-domain simulation environment, a 3D user interface, and design and analysis techniques that directly incorporate the additional performance concerns of mixed-technology systems. The algorithms being developed include new hybrid methods to model optical propagation in the micro-scale environment, techniques for creating consistent component level models across domains, and multi-time base simulation techniques. For the methodologies for mixed-technology design, the definition of performance is expanded beyond speed, power and area to include the additional concerns of mixed-technology systems such as noise, crosstalk and tolerancing. The research team is creating software tools, which will be made available to other research groups in both industry and academia.