PDKs (Process Design Kits) contain a set of predefined components, DRCs (Design Rule Checks), and simulation models specific to a particular fabrication facility.

GDSFactory+ supports over 40 foundry PDKs with at least predefined components to facilitate the design of photonic integrated circuits. We continue to enhance our PDK support by adding additional DRC rules and simulation models, particularly in the Quantum RF space.

These PDKs jump start the chip development process by allowing users to design circuits that are compatible with the chosen foundry's manufacturing processes.

Using project templates for PDKs¶

We recommend using gdsfactory+ project templates for new projects. These templates include a pyproject.toml file that configures the project to use GDSFactory+ and its dependencies.

If you are using GDSFactory+ Cloud workspaces, you can create a new project using the GDSFactory+ template directly from the Customer Portal interface when you set up your workspace.

See the Quickstart guide for an example of creating a new project in GDSFactory+ Cloud with the Cornerstone PDK template.

If you are working locally, you can create a new project with a GDSFactory+ template by clicking on the folder icon in the GF+ tab.

Choose your PDK's template and you're ready to rock! 🎸

PDK support¶

GDSFactory+ supports a wide range of PDKs, including publicly PDKs and proprietary PDKs that require an NDA from the Foundry.

The table below shows the current PDK support status. Layout means predefined components are available, DRC means design rule checks are supported, and Models means simulation models are included.

Photonics PDKs¶

Electronic / RF / Mixed-Signal PDKs¶

Create a project without a template¶

If you would prefer to create a project without using a template, you can manually configure your project to use GDSFactory+.

To configure GDSFactory+ in your project add the following to your project's pyproject.toml:

[tool.gdsfactoryplus.pdk]
name = "..." # Set the PDK used in this project.

[tool.gdsfactoryplus.drc]
process = "ph18ma" # Set the DRC process used in this project. If not set, defaults to the PDK process.
timeout = 3000 # DRC timeout in seconds.

[tool.gdsfactoryplus.sim.wls]
max = 1.6
min = 1.5
num = 1000

For RF simulations, you can add the following configuration:

[tool.gdsfactoryplus.sim.x]
name = "f"
min = 1 # 1GHz
max = 20 # 20GHz
num = 3000