Abstract

Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) tools in the design of very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) electronic systems. This increase has been driven by the increasing complexity and fabrication cost of VLSI systems. On the other hand, optoelectronic technology is emerging as a way to build high-performance computer systems. In optoelectronic computers, electronic circuitry is used for local processing, and free-space optical interconnects are used for global communication. Optoelectronic computers will be packaged by means of the same planar processing technology currently used for VLSI circuits. The design of optoelectronic computers requires detailed knowledge of optical interconnection technology, optical system setup, VLSI circuit layout and fabrication, computer architectures, computer algorithms, and packaging technology. To allow system builders to design optoelectronic computers with minimal knowledge of optoelectronic technolgy, an integrated set of CAD tools will be needed. An integrated optoelectronic CAD system will promote stronger interaction between optoelectronic device researchers and system designers, allow top-down and bottom-up design methods, provide interoperability, and, most important, reduce the design time and fabrication cost. In this paper we review existing electronic CAD systems and propose an optoelectronic CAD system that integrates architectures, algorithms, optics, and electronics under a common framework. The justification, requirements, and benefits of such a system will be discussed.

© 1990 Optical Society of America