Photonic Solutions Enewsletter

December 2018

New Product Releases

RSoft Photonic Component Design Suite Version 2018.12

We are pleased to announce the availability of the RSoft Photonic Component Design Suite version 2018.12, which includes the following updates.

  • Improved BSDF interface with LightTools, which is useful for designing and optimizing gratings for LED, AR/VR, and similar applications:
    • BSDF files can be calculated for X or Y oriented structures (previously was Z only)
    • Support for LightTools zone rotation in the RSoft BSDF UDOP
    • Expanded azimuthal symmetry support for faster RSoft BSDF calculation
    • Added support for non-uniform input wavelength for BSDF (useful for RGB color applications)
       
  • Multiple usability improvements, including:
    • Improved plotting capabilities, including new styles for polar plots, improved cross-cut capability, and ability to save cross-cuts
    • Simplified design process with new functionality: add/edit CAD symbols via text editor, easily edit long expressions, easier file/folder/shell access, and other improvements
    • Streamlined mode solving procedure
    • Increased flexibility and ease of use for PDKs, including the ability to select a PDK in each design file, support for PDK versioning, and support for PDK data installed via the Synopsys Photonic Solutions PDK installers

  • Expanded hierarchy options in the RSoft CAD to allow nesting of design files and easier import of GDS files:
    • Direct control over default properties of sub-circuit, including geometry, material, and priority
    • Hierarchy supports GDS sub-circuit files, allowing customers to easily and dynamically import existing designs
       
  • Expanded export and import options in the RSoft CAD for more flexibility when working with GDS files:
    • GDS export at any X, Y, and Z position (previously only in Y-cut plane)
    • Beta feature to import GDS to XY plane
       
  • New far-field output options for FemSIM, ModePROP, and BeamPROP, as well as greater consistency of BeamPROP far-field results with FullWAVE

 

Please refer to the RSoft Photonic Component Design Suite 2018.12 Release Notes, available on our Customer Support Portal, for more details about these and other updates included in the release.

RSoft Photonic System Design Suite Version 2018.12

We are pleased to announce the availability of the RSoft Photonic System Design Suite (System Tools) version 2018.12, which includes the following updates to OptSim, OptSim Circuit, and ModeSYS:

  • Enhancements to hierarchical components: 
    • Improved hierarchical components for port placement and ordering
    • Report generation of Compound Component schematics
       
  • Enhancements to foundry PDKs: Support for TowerJazz PH18 PDK version PHS18.2
    • Support for SMART Photonics PDK
    • Support for AIM Photonics Infinera PDK version 1.0
    • Improved support for AIM Photonics APSUNY PDK version 2.5a
    • Improved support for PDKs via automatic search and load into models tree view
    • Improved support for PDF document help for PDK components
    • Updated AIM Photonics application notes to PDK version 2.5a
       
  • Added support for photonic netlist generation

  • Enhancements to user experience: 
    • Easy project file refresh with a “Schematic Reload” toolbar button
    • Improved link and port coloring to show supported signal types
    • More efficient handling of encrypted schematics for faster schematic loading

 

Please refer to the RSoft Photonic System Design Suite 2018.12 Release Notes, available on our Customer Support Portal, for more details about these and other updates included in the release.

Software and License Download Instructions

North America Customers 

Software and license key files for RSoft product direct-sales customers are available on the Synopsys SolvNet website. If you need assistance accessing SolvNet or obtaining the RSoft product software and license codes, please contact rsoft_support@synopsys.com

 

International Customers

For customers working with distributors, you will continue to obtain your software and license keys from your local RSoft software distributor. See the Synopsys Optical Solutions Group Global Contacts page for contact information. If your country is not listed on the Distributors page referenced above, please contact us at rsoft_support@synopsys.com for instructions.

RSoft Tech Support During the Holidays

From December 24, 2018 to January 1, 2019, please allow for a delayed response to your request for RSoft technical support. Our technical support will not be available during this time. 

We will resume business as usual on January 2, 2019, and will respond to product support and general inquiries. You can contact us via e-mail at rsoft_support@synopsys.com.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

In countries where we have international representatives, you can contact the distributors directly. Please see our list of global contacts on our website.

Design Competition

Students are invited to enter an optical design class assignment or thesis work completed during the 2018-2019 academic year using RSoft products. Entries are due June 14, 2019. Awards totalling $10,000 will be granted. Enter your project today!

Calendar of Events

For the latest event calendar, please go to our Events page.