Keysight Technologies announced that it has completed the acquisition of VPIphotonics, adding system-level simulation capabilities to its photonic design automation portfolio. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition enables Keysight to support optical and electrical engineers across a broader photonic design workflow, from component-level design to complete optical link performance within a connected environment.
Keysight said demand for silicon photonics and co-packaged optics continues to grow across data center and AI infrastructure markets. As photonic system complexity increases and development timelines tighten, engineering teams need simulation tools that can move across multiple design domains without manual handoffs.
With VPIphotonics, Keysight’s photonic design automation portfolio now spans device physics, circuit-level design, and full system behavior. Keysight’s RSoft platform handles device-level simulation for waveguides, gratings, modulators, and laser sources. Photonic Designer supports circuit-level design and verification for photonic integrated circuits.
The addition of the VPIphotonics Design Suite strengthens Keysight’s circuit-level capabilities and extends its portfolio to system-level simulation. Keysight said this will help deepen and enhance design workflows by combining technologies that both companies have been delivering to customers for years.
One example of the combined workflow is the VPI Optical Link in Keysight ADS, which enables engineers to simulate the full transceiver path in a single analysis, from electrical to optical and back again. This allows teams to predict whole-link performance, including bit error rate, without moving designs between separate electrical and optical tools.
Keysight said the workflow also connects with its high-speed digital tools and test instruments, helping align simulation with bench measurements. This can help engineering teams identify issues earlier and reduce the number of prototype iterations.
Keysight provides design, emulation, and test solutions for markets including communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics.
KEY QUOTES:
“We have been supporting our customers with value-adding photonic design tools for high-demand applications for decades. Joining Keysight means we can engineer powerful, more complete workflow solutions to serve our customers better.”
Dr. André Richter, General Manager of VPIphotonics
“Photonics design complexity continues to increase for our customers, especially for those working at speeds greater than 1 THz. Having a complete suite of tools that address these challenges from device to system is crucial. We’re excited to welcome the VPIphotonics team to Keysight and help us address the critical design challenges our joint customers face.”
Nilesh Kamdar, General Manager of Keysight EDA
