Application Note: Implementing a Hierarchy-Aware Design Automation Code for Use with Design Workshop dw-2000

Prepared by Rasmus Brandt, IAESTE Intern at CMC Microsystems, MSc Student, Faculty of Science and Technology, Uppsala University, Sweden.

This application note describes how to write a script for design automation of structures in planar lightwave circuits for use with Design Workshop dw-2000, a mask layout tool. The script automates the generation of photonic crystals, but the code can be adapted to create many other types of structures. The script is written as a plain macro, rather than a parametric cell, because parametric cells in dw-2000 do not produce structures with native GDSII hierarchy.

The application note is intended for researchers interested in developing custom design automation code for use with dw-2000.

All CMC Microsystem account holders with a Prototyping or Designer Subscription are authorized to access this application note. For more information contact Linda Dougherty at licensing@cmc.ca or 613-530-4787.