Synopsys Selected by Juniper to Accelerate Photonic IC Development for Data Centers

To Accelerate Photonic IC Development for next-generation data centers, Juniper Networks has adopted the Synopsys OptoCompiler platform, which includes the HSPICE simulation tools OptSim and PrimeSim. It’s meant to speed up the development of photonic-enabled semiconductors for the next generation of optical communications in the data center environment.

Juniper intends to utilize Synopsys technologies to build and improve their hybrid silicon and InP optical platform, which will enable clients to handle optical connections in data centers and telecom networks, as well as new emergent applications in AI, LiDAR, and other sensors.

According to Juniper, the OptoCompiler design platform is the first unified electrical and photonic design platform in the market, integrating mature and dedicated photonic technology with Synopsys’ bespoke tools to allow engineers to quickly and precisely build and validate complicated photonic IC designs.

“Synopsys offers a unique, unified photonic and electronic design suite, which accelerates customer design cycles and time-to-market,” said Tom Mader, head of Silicon Photonics at Juniper Networks. “This will enable Juniper silicon photonics to bring our revolutionary hybrid integrated laser platform to a broad array of customers in several photonic market segments, with the potential to lower cost and eliminate product barriers to entry.”

Deploying Silicon Photonic Solutions

Photo Aveek Sarkar, VP of Customer Success for Analog Mixed-Signal/Custom & Photonics at Synopsys
“Demand for higher bandwidth in intra-data center communications is driving companies like Juniper to deploy silicon photonic solutions to achieve the next level in performance,” said Aveek Sarkar, VP of Customer Success for Analog Mixed-Signal/Custom & Photonics at Synopsys.

The OptoCompiler platform would help cut turnaround times and reduce the risk of human mistake with its interactive design cockpit. It includes a schematic-driven layout flow, photonic-aware layout synthesis, and automated features including aided waveguide routing and photonic circuit auto-alignment.

The Synopsys PrimeSim HSPICE Simulator, delivering accurate circuit simulation while representing the cornerstone of the Synopsys PrimeSim Continuum Solution, provides electro-optical (E/O) co-simulation with the OptSim solution. It combines Synopsys’ photonic system and circuit simulation capabilities. It also works with the Synopsys PrimeWave design environment, as well as the OptoCompiler platform’s simulation and analysis environment. OptSim comes with a large photonic model library and is compatible with a wide range of photonic IC foundries.

“Demand for higher bandwidth in intra-data center communications is driving companies like Juniper to deploy silicon photonic solutions to achieve the next level in performance,” said Aveek Sarkar, VP of Customer Success for Analog Mixed-Signal/Custom & Photonics at Synopsys. Synopsys is a pioneering solution provider in delivering robust solutions for electrical/optical co-design and co-simulation to enable next-generation photonic chips.”