Photonic Designer is a photonic design automation (PDA) tool, crafted for the next generation of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design. It offers a holistic and streamlined design workflow, guiding users from concept to validation. Whether you’re working on pure optical, electro-optical (EO), or opto-electrical (OE) circuits, Photonic Designer leverages advanced simulation technology grounded in physics-based models to ensure unparalleled accuracy and precision. Our user-friendly interface allows for effortless generation and validation of circuit layouts against stringent design rules, guaranteeing precision and reliability in every design.

ADS 2026 Update 1.0 and later 

What’s New (PDK 2.1.3)

Package shipment: Photonic Designer is now included with ADS and no longer requires a separate download.

Documentation:

Release Notes

How to add the PDK?

1. Create a Workspace.

  • In the ADS Main Window, click File > New > Workspace .
  • Specify the name and location of the workspace.
  • Click Show advanced to specify additional details and make sure to select below option: "Set up layout technology immediately after creating the library" and "Use technology compatible with ADS only". This option must be enabled to copy/refer the PDK layout technology/ preferences into the workspace library. If the user forgets to enable, the user might see large pin size and text size in layout view after placing a component.      

2. Set up the design Kit.

  • Going to Design Kits → Manage Libraries → Add Design Kits from Favorites
  • Select Photonic Designer under ADS Libraries

ADS 2026:

Photonic Designer Installer & Examples

Download the Photonic Designer installer and examples from the tables below.

Photonic Designer Installer
Filename Downloads File Size md5sum
epdapdk-2026_Update2.0.1.zip Download 21.8 MB (22,869,887 bytes) 61F80B5242A5D415E6F3F4EB602D3C2A
SHA-256
9F5A292D58E631A2ED795BCE17027FDFA4A68BA75AB00765AD891CB0A60AFA17

Note: Photonic Designer requires Advanced Design System (ADS) 2026 or later.

Photonic Designer Examples
Filename Downloads File Size md5sum
Photonic_examples.zip Download 8.92 MB (9,363,315 bytes) 852647B477C99E38E9F115E6DCC4F4EF
SHA-256
9FE74C58B7AA1540C4787B8AEF39E928CF1E7E6EF1F2C55EB25775309CDD8AB1

Note: Photonic Designer Examples requires Advanced Design System (ADS) 2026 or later.

What’s New (PDK 2.0.1) 

The latest release of Photonic Designer PDK 2.0.1 is fully compatible with ADS 2026 and later versions. This update introduces powerful new components, resolves key issues, and expands resources to streamline your photonic design process. 

Highlights

  • New Components 
  • Spiral waveguide 
  • Voltage and current sources for driver modeling 
  • Thermo-optical phase modulator 
  • Trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) 
  • Optical source with linewidth and RIN parameters 

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed noise source issue in the photodetector component 

Explore these updates in the latest PDK and accelerate your next photonic design with ADS 2026 and beyond. 

Documentation

Unzip Design Kit

The first menu item of the DesignKits menu enables you to unzip a new design kit. If your new design kit is currently packaged as a .zip file, you will need to unzip the design kit in the appropriate location. If your design kit has already been unpackaged, skip to ”Installing the Photonic Designer Design Kit”. 

To unzip your new design kit:

  1. Select DesignKit > Unzip Design Kit. Select the zipped kit from the ADS Main window.
  2. Now, select where you want to unzip this zipped kit.
  3. If you have a workspace open, you will receive a message asking if you would like to add the unzipped design kit to the workspace. Select 'yes' or 'no'. You may also be asked to provide a name by which your design kit would be added to the workspace.

Installing the Photonic Designer Design Kit

Perform the following steps to add the Photonic Designer Design Kit:

  1. Select DesignKit > Manage Favorite Design Kits from the ADS Main window.
  2. The Manage Favorite Design Kits dialog box is displayed.
  3. Click Add Library Definition File.
  4. Browse to the unzipped location.
  5. Select the lib.defs file and click Open.
  6. Enter the Design Kit Name and click OK.

Previous PDK Version:

For users working with earlier versions of ADS, older Photonic Designer PDK release is also available for download. This version ensures seamless integration with: 

  • 2025 ADS2025Update1, ADS2025Update1.1, ADS2025Update2, and ADS2025Update2.1, and ADS2025Update2.2 

This allows you to continue existing projects or maintain compatibility with established design flows. 

Return to the Advanced Design System (ADS) Software downloads page.