DI-CHOPS
Open-Source Design Flow for the Heterointegration of Electronic-Photonic Systems
DI-CHOPS develops an open-source design flow for the heterointegration of electronic-photonic systems, unlocking new classes of ultra-fast and energy-efficient systems by combining electronics and photonics on a common substrate.
Objectives and Approach
The project creates a complete open-source design flow for electronic-photonic systems by integrating circuits and components. Gaps in design tools are addressed through Process Design Kits (PDK) and Assembly Design Kits (ADK); KiCAD is extended for open PDK/ADK import with design rule checking. Validation uses physical and virtual demonstrators.
Innovations and Perspectives
The intended design-to-fab process provides research institutions and SMEs with access to advanced packaging manufacturing technologies for new application areas, from communication modules to high-performance sensor and computing architectures. The project strengthens the European chip design and integration ecosystem and promotes an open innovation culture.
Project Coordinator
- Swissbit Germany AG, Berlin
Project Partners
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Mikroelektronische Schaltungen und Systeme IMS, Duisburg
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Zuverlässigkeit und Mikrointegration IZM, Berlin
- Systemescape GmbH, München
- Technische Universität Berlin
- VISHAY Semiconductor GmbH, Heilbronn
- ficonTEC GmbH, Achim
This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of the Design Initiative Microelectronics.
