Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced a physics-based
model for its opto model library that quickly and accurately solves the
challenges posed by signal distortion in vertical cavity surface
emitting lasers (VCSELs) used in rack-to-rack opto links. The new VCSEL
model, available in the Advanced
Design System 2013 Transient Convolution Element and SystemVue
2013 AMI Modeling Kit, is used both for modeling optoelectronic
components and designing them into equipment.
Before the multigigabit era, rack-to-rack digital signals propagated
tens or even hundreds of meters across CAT-5 twisted pair or co-axial
copper cables with little distortion. However, at today’s speeds, rising
and falling edges degrade after travelling only a few meters. Laser
technologies like VCSELs have pushed down the cost of optoelectronics to
the point where optical fiber communication is now replacing traditional
copper cabling for spans over about 10 meters in the multigigabit regime.
Up to now, simulation tools used to design these nonlinear devices
required engineers to learn a whole new optical paradigm. With the new
VCSEL model, however, Agilent is leveraging a technique that high-speed
digital engineers are already familiar with—the Input/Output Buffer
Information Specification (IBIS) AMI flow. Senior Agilent engineers
contributed this innovative model to document BIRD-156 of the IBIS Open
Forum. BIRD-156 extends the AMI flow to allow both electrical and
optical repeater links to be modeled and was incorporated in the
recently ratified IBIS version 6.0. Agilent co-authors will present a
paper, “Modeling, Extraction and Verification of VCSEL Model for Optical
IBIS AMI,” at DesignCon 2014, to be held in January in Santa Clara.
With the VCSEL model, SystemVue 2013 now offers model builders, such as
optoelectronic component vendors, a tool that supports the evolution of
IBIS and can build rack-to-rack opto link models. The models run in ADS,
the tool that opto component consumers (data center and telecoms
equipment manufacturers, for example) use to design these subsystems
into their larger systems. SystemVue 2013 also now features an enhanced
model for the clock/data recovery circuitry found in both optical and
electrical retimers.
“With our previous opto model library release we added a simpler class
of VCSEL model with frequency-independent behavior,” said Colin Warwick,
product manager for High-Speed Digital Design at Agilent EEsof EDA.
“With this release, we’re adding not only a physics-based,
frequency-dependent model that uses rate equation techniques, but also a
tool to fit the rate equation parameters to measured data, ensuring an
accurate model.”
U.S. Pricing and Availability
Agilent’s Advanced Design System 2013 and SystemVue 2013 are available
now. Pricing depends on the exact configuration. An image is available
at www.agilent.com/find/VCSELmodel_images.
Agilent offers a wide selection of high-speed digital solutions
including essential tools to pinpoint problems, optimize devices and
deliver results for design and simulation. Visit the Agilent YouTube
network at www.youtube.com/AgilentTM
to see the latest products and applications videos in electronic design
and measurement.
About Agilent EEsof EDA Software
Agilent EEsof EDA is the leading supplier of electronic design
automation software for microwave, RF, high-frequency, high-speed
digital, RF system, electronic system level, circuit, 3-D
electromagnetic, physical design and device-modeling applications. More
information is available at www.agilent.com/find/eesof.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world’s premier measurement
company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences,
diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company’s 20,500
employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had
revenues of $6.9 billion in fiscal 2012. Information about Agilent is
available at www.agilent.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive
news is available at www.agilent.com/go/news.
Copyright Business Wire 2013