Creating a Hierarchical Layout

Result

In this tutorial we build the layout of a ring-loaded Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (RLMZI). A RLMZI is made of a splitter that splits the light in two separate arms. Each arm evanescently couples to a ring-resonator. Then the light of the two arms is coherently combined in a combiner. Using RLMZIs a large number of frequency-responses can be engineered.

A RLMZI is made of several smaller PCells that are used together in a larger component. Using hierarchy, you can partition the design into manageable and reusable blocks which are easier to maintain. After completion you should be able to build layouts for hierarchical component in IPKISS.

A layout of a ring resonator with the used parameters

Goals

1. Learn about Layout-level hierarchy

2. Learn about transformations

3. Learn about waveguides and waveguide templates

4. Learn about ports and routes

Steps

• Step 1: Layout level hierarchy: Two Rings
  • Using ChildCellProperty to create Hierarchical PCells
  • Placing layout instances
  • Instantiating a hierarchical cell
  • Using defaults
  • Caution setting properties of child cells of TwoRingsWithDefaults
  • Recap
• Step 2: Using waveguides in a layout
  • Waveguides
  • Default waveguide template and ChildCells
  • Placing the waveguides in the Layout View
  • Instantiating the ring
  • Modifying the width of the waveguide template
• Step 3: Using ports and routes
  • Defining ports to connect components together
  • Using Routes
  • Defining the directional coupler using routes
  • Recap
• Step 4: Using rounded waveguides
  • Defining rounded waveguides
  • Recap