PhoenixSim: A simulator for physical-layer analysis of chip-scale photonic interconnection networks

—Recent developments have shown the possibility of leveraging silicon nanophotonic technologies for chip-scale interconnection fabrics that deliver high bandwidth and power efficient communications both on- and off-chip. Since optical devices are fundamentally different from conventional electronic interconnect technologies, new design methodologies and tools are required to exploit the potential performance benefits in a manner that accurately incorporates the physically different behavior of photonics. We introduce PhoenixSim, a simulation environment for modeling computer systems that incorporates silicon nanophotonic devices as interconnection building blocks. PhoenixSim has been developed as a cross-discipline platform for studying photonic interconnects at both the physicallayer level and at the architectural and system levels. The broad scope at which modeled systems can be analyzed with PhoenixSim provides users with detailed information into the physical feasibility of the...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: DATE
• Authors: Johnnie Chan, Gilbert Hendry, Aleksandr Biberman, Keren Bergman, Luca P. Carloni
• Keywords: Chip-scale Interconnection Fabrics, DATE 2010, Hardware, Silicon Nanophotonic Devices, Silicon Nanophotonic Technologies