Layout optimization methodology for ring-based on-chip optical network

Abstract

When integrating an optical network into a chip, the communication characteristics and the power cost of the network should be considered. In this letter, to fulfill data coherence communication, a non-intention ring-based optical network which supports multicast and broadcast is studied. To further eliminate the power penalty cost due to waveguide crossing, a layout optimization methodology is proposed. By dividing an optical network into several sections and placing them part-by-part into different areas, the total number of cross points is reduced by 83.3%, 71.7% and 70.2% in networks supporting four-, six- and eight-core communication respectively.