Simulation and modeling: simulating optical interconnects

The computer-aided design tool can be used in choosing design parameter values that help lower the cost and increase reliability. Good tools are also necessary to minimize the length of the design cycle to bring products to market in a timely manner. Some tools exist that can be used for simulating and designing optical interconnects, but they are intended for electronics and are used for lack of tools more suitable for their unique needs. Currently, no computer-aided design tools encompass all the simulation methodologies required to address the design needs of optical interconnects. After reviewing briefly the various CAD tools that are available, the authors discuss in more detail two tools developed recently: iSMILE (illinois Simulator for the Modeling of Integrated-circuit Level Elements), a CAD tool for the rapid development and simulation of new circuit-level optoelectronics models; and iFROST (illinois FibeR-optic and Optoelectronic Systems Toolkit), a high-level simulator of digital lightwave links