Keysight completes VPIphotonics acquisition

Key Takeaways

• Keysight Technologies, Inc. has completed the acquisition of VPIphotonics, expanding its photonic design automation portfolio
• The acquisition enables system-level simulation, allowing optical and electrical engineers to design and simulate entire systems within a single environment
• The combined portfolio includes RSoft, Photonic Designer, and VPIphotonics Design Suite, covering device-level simulation to full system behavior
• The integrated workflow enables simulation of the full transceiver path, from electrical to optical and back to electrical, predicting performance and reducing prototype iterations

Introduction to Keysight's Acquisition

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has finalized the acquisition of VPIphotonics, a move that strengthens its position in the photonic design automation market. This acquisition is expected to meet the growing demand for silicon photonics and co-packaged optics in data center and AI infrastructure markets.

Expanding Photonic Design Automation Capabilities

The acquisition of VPIphotonics extends Keysight's photonic design automation portfolio to the system level, enabling engineers to design and simulate entire systems within a single environment. The combined portfolio includes:

• RSoft: device-level simulation for waveguides, gratings, modulators, and laser sources
• Photonic Designer: comprehensive circuit-level design and verification for photonic integrated circuits
• VPIphotonics Design Suite: system-level simulation and design

Comparison of Photonic Design Automation Tools

Integrated Workflow and Benefits

The acquisition enables an integrated workflow, such as VPI Optical Link in Keysight ADS, which simulates the full transceiver path in a single analysis, from electrical to optical and back to electrical (E-O-E). This integrated workflow connects to Keysight's high-speed digital tools and test instruments, aligning simulation with bench measurements and reducing prototype iterations.

Conclusion and Future Impact

The acquisition of VPIphotonics by Keysight Technologies, Inc. is expected to have a significant impact on the photonic design automation market, enabling engineers to design and simulate entire systems within a single environment. With the combined portfolio and integrated workflow, Keysight is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for silicon photonics and co-packaged optics in data center and AI infrastructure markets.

Bottom Line

The completion of the VPIphotonics acquisition by Keysight Technologies, Inc. marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand its photonic design automation capabilities. With the combined portfolio and integrated workflow, Keysight is poised to enable optical and electrical engineers to design and simulate entire systems within a single environment, reducing prototype iterations and accelerating time-to-market for silicon photonics and co-packaged optics in data center and AI infrastructure markets.