Method for designing an electronic integrated circuit with optical inputs and outputs
US5605856A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/10
Abstract
A method for designing an integrated circuit having optical inputs and outputs includes the step of selecting an integrated circuit design which includes at least one circuit cell design for processing electric signals. The circuit cell design has a predetermined number of electric inputs and electric outputs. The integrated circuit design also includes a plurality of layers of metalization for providing electric coupling. After the electronic integrated circuit design is selected, a predetermined number of optical input devices are located on the circuit cell design in a first prearranged orientation. The predetermined number of optical input devices is no greater than the predetermined number of electric inputs to the circuit cell. Also after the electronic circuit design is selected, a predetermined number of optical output devices are located on the circuit cell design in a second prearranged orientation. The predetermined number of optical output devices is no greater than the predetermined number of electric outputs to the circuit cell. At least a topmost layer of metalization is selected for electrically coupling each optical input device to a distinct one of the electric in…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.