SBIR-STTR Award

In this project we address the design and development of a Computer Aided design Tool for Optical networks (CATO). Its major objective is to support the design, evaluation, testing and operation of optical networks and optical interconnect architectures. The proposed tool will be based on a unique "fuzzy" specification approach, whereby the user will enter only general requirements/constraints and CATO will complete the design automatically and optimally. Other CATO's advanced features will include object-oriented modeling, object-oriented performance evaluation, a hierarchical protocol structure, simulation of network behavior, run-time statistics, and "on the fly" change of parameters capability. The proposed tool will also provide a unique combination of powerful means for network resource control and management, beyond those available in commercial simulators today. CATO will be tailored to optical communication, from wide area networks to optical interconnects. As such it will include tools to specify optical devices and optical network architectures, and it will include a library of existent optical devices needed to construct optical communication systems. CATO will be able to support military as well as commercial applications. It will be able to support advanced data fusion applications, and CATO can be tailored to be responsive to the needs of the optical telecommunication and data communication markets. The proposed tool will provide a unique combination of powerful means for optical communications system design and resource control beyond those of commercially available simulators. It will find a direct application in the design of optical telecommunication and optical computer interconnect systems.

Keywords:
Computer Aided System Design Optical Interconnects Object Oriented Modeling Fuzzy Protocol Design

The objective of this Phase II program is to create a working prototype of a knowledge based design and specification software tool for the specification, design, optimization and evaluation of optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDH) communication systems. The tool will use modern object-oriented software technology to model optical hardware in an efficient manner, and to integrate the system components into a complete system for rapid prototyping, saving the need for experimentation with expensive hardware components. The tool will allow the designer to access a library of optical devices, detailed analysis of optical transmission characteristics, specify complete communications systems, and provide optimization using mathematical, intelligent search, AI methods and simulation. The interaction with the user will be supported by a graphical user interface, GUI. By providing a common and up-to-date platform for optical systems designers, this package will speed up the penetration of the continuously evolving standardization process among practitioners and educational institutions. In this way it will also complement and strengthen BMDO's efforts in optical systems design and device development, and furthermore aid the Center for Optoelectronic Devices, Interconnects, and Packaging (COEDIP) efforts through a planned BCN's participation in and cooperation with the consortium members.

Keywords:
Computer Aided System Design Optical Interconnects Object Oriented Modeling Fuzzy Protocol Design