Flexcompute brings photonic simulation to Cadence

Key Takeaways

• Flexcompute integrates GPU-accelerated photonic simulation technology into Cadence Electronic-Photonic Design Automation (EPDA) ecosystem
• The PhotonForge Connector enables seamless two-way workflow between photonic layout and high-fidelity multiphysics simulation
• Silicon photonics adoption is driven by growing communication bottlenecks in data centers
• The integration supports native foundry process design kit (PDK) and enables faster design variation exploration and optimization

Introduction to Photonic Simulation

The increasing demand for AI computing is driving the adoption of silicon photonics in data centers. However, designing photonic devices requires accurate modeling of complex electromagnetic, thermal, and electrical interactions. Traditional workflows often involve reconstructing device layouts inside simulation environments, leading to slower iteration cycles and inconsistencies between design and analysis.

The PhotonForge Connector

Flexcompute's PhotonForge Connector for Cadence Virtuoso Studio addresses this issue by integrating GPU-accelerated photonic simulation technology into the Cadence EPDA ecosystem. The connector enables engineers to automatically convert device layouts into simulation-ready 3D models, run various simulations, and return validated results to their Cadence design environment. This two-way workflow supports native foundry process design kit (PDK) and enables teams to explore design variations faster, run parametric sweeps and optimization, and compute S-matrices while maintaining physical accuracy.

Comparison of Simulation Technologies

Industry Adoption and Impact

Flexcompute's photonic simulation technology is already used by leading photonics foundries and research institutions, including GlobalFoundries, Imec, AIM Photonics, and Fraunhofer HHI. The integration with Cadence reflects Flexcompute's strategy to build an open engineering ecosystem, enabling innovative companies to push the boundaries of photonic device design and accelerate AI data center infrastructure development.

Bottom Line

The integration of Flexcompute's PhotonForge Connector with Cadence Virtuoso Studio marks a significant advancement in photonic simulation technology. By enabling a seamless two-way workflow between photonic layout and high-fidelity multiphysics simulation, engineers can design and optimize photonic devices more efficiently, driving the adoption of silicon photonics in AI data centers. With its GPU-accelerated simulation capabilities and native PDK support, the PhotonForge Connector is poised to accelerate the development of next-generation photonic devices and infrastructure.