Compare L-Edit Photonics vs. Microwave Office

Create your photonic integrated circuit within a layout-focused workflow that allows designers to utilize either a drag-and-drop interface or a script-based approach. Both methods are facilitated by a comprehensive custom IC design layout editor, which also manages the physical verification and tape-out stages. L-Edit Photonics allows for rapid photonic design creation through its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, eliminating the need for coding. Upon finalizing the design, a netlist can be generated to support photonic simulations. The PIC design is entirely integrated within an IC layout editor, enabling users to develop layouts without writing any code, thus supporting a layout-centric approach that does not require a schematic. For those who prefer a schematic flow, S-Edit is available as an optional tool. Moreover, a simulation netlist can be produced for input into a photonic simulator, and photonic simulations are seamlessly incorporated through partnerships with various providers. Additionally, multiple foundries offer photonic PDKs to enhance design capabilities. Overall, this comprehensive workflow simplifies the photonic design process while catering to various designer preferences.

Microwave Office facilitates the design of various RF passive components, including filters, couplers, and attenuators, along with active devices functioning under small-signal (AC) conditions, such as low noise and buffer amplifiers. Its linear configuration allows for the simulation of S-parameters (Y/Z/H/ABCD), small-signal gain, linear stability, noise figure, return loss, and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), complemented by features like real-time tuning, optimization, and yield analysis. Each E-series Microwave Office portfolio encompasses synchronous schematic and layout editors, 2D and 3D viewers, and extensive libraries featuring high-frequency distributed transmission models, as well as surface-mount vendor component RF models complete with footprints. Additionally, it offers measurement-based simulations and RF plotting capabilities. Microwave Office PCB further enhances the design process by enabling both linear and nonlinear RF circuit design through the advanced APLAC HB simulator, which provides powerful multi-rate HB, transient-assisted HB, and time-variant simulation engines for comprehensive RF/microwave circuit analysis. This extensive toolset empowers engineers to push the boundaries of RF design and streamline their development workflows effectively.