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Collaboration Between Ansys and GlobalFoundries

In a significant step for photonic technology, Ansys has attained certification for its photonic solvers to be used with the GF Fotonix™ platform, a collaboration that empowers designers to create both passive and active photonic components. This partnership between Ansys and GlobalFoundries is set to transform the landscape of optical communication by enabling the design of high-performance photonic integrated circuits (PICs), essential for the growing demands of hyperscale data centers and IoT applications.

Overview of GF Fotonix™ Platform

The GF Fotonix platform is noted for its flexibility and the capability to integrate photonic and electronic elements efficiently. It is unique in offering a commercially available foundry option that supports the monolithic integration of these components, allowing for a photonics-only approach if desired. This platform is particularly focused on applications that require high-speed optical communications — meeting the increasing needs for high bandwidth, low latency, and energy efficiency.

Within GM Fotonix, various critical photonic components can be developed, such as active devices like Mach Zehnder and Micro-ring modulators, along with passive components such as splitters and filters used in wave division multiplexing. These components are pivotal for addressing modern system requirements in data transmission.

Certification of Ansys Lumerical Solutions

Four of Ansys’s Lumerical solutions have received certification for use with the GF Fotonix platform, namely: FDTD, MODE, CHARGE, and HEAT. Each of these tools offers a comprehensive range of capabilities, enhancing the design process for both passive and active components. By modeling electrical and thermal stimuli effects on optical behavior, these solvers deliver high-fidelity simulations that are crucial for ensuring design accuracy.

The partnership aims to address the growing need for high-capacity chips, especially with the rise of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and enhanced connectivity solutions that contribute to the global digital infrastructure. With the demand for photonic chips escalating, the certification of Ansys solvers presents an invaluable asset for engineers looking to overcome design hurdles effectively.

Expert Commentary

Ziv Hammer, Senior Vice President at GlobalFoundries, expressed enthusiasm regarding this certification, highlighting the broad range of design capabilities available through Ansys. He stated, "It establishes an array of physical design capabilities critical for our customers to succeed in photonic chip production."

John Lee, Vice President at Ansys, also weighed in, emphasizing the complexity of designing photonic integrated circuits. His insights shed light on how the traditional design-to-manufacture process is fraught with challenges; once these circuits move into production, mistakes become costly. Ansys’s Lumerical tools provide the versatility needed to adapt to evolving designs, ultimately empowering engineers to tackle these challenges confidently.

Future Implications

As technology continues to advance, the integration of Ansys’s photonic design tools into the GF Fotonix platform aligns perfectly with the industry's trajectory towards efficiency and innovation. Designers eager to leverage these tools can quickly access the necessary support to enhance their photonic designs, including reference flows for integrating Ansys products into their development processes.

The possibilities within photonic communication are compelling, and this collaboration stands as a vital stride towards enabling innovative solutions that are essential for the future. For firms aiming to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field, Ansys' advanced simulation capabilities coupled with GlobalFoundries' foundry expertise provide an incredible foundation for driving advancements in photonic technology.