Computer-aided simulation of optical interconnects for high-speed digital systems

The authors discuss optical interconnects, with emphasis on computer-aided modeling and simulation of optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEIC). Results are presented on laser diodes driven by GaAs MODFET driver circuits, optical waveguides, photodetectors and MODFET amplifiers to drive digital GaAs circuits. The models have been verified using iSMILE a CAD tool for OEIC. The speed advantage of optical interconnects over the conventional metallic interconnects has been projected in terms of the routing distance and the fanout count. The optical interconnect is clearly superior for long distance and for high fanouts. For short distance and low fanouts, it can also become superior when very-low-power laser diodes and more efficient photodetectors become available