PDKs (Process Design Kits) contain a set of predefined components, DRCs (Design Rule Checks), and simulation models specific to a particular foundry process. They are essential for designing photonic integrated circuits that are compatible with the manufacturing processes of the chosen foundry.

GDSFactory+ supports 43+ foundry PDKs.

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 dependencies, PDK, DRC, and simulation settings for a specific foundry process. Using a template ensures that your project is set up correctly for the chosen PDK and allows you to get started quickly with designing photonic circuits.

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¶

This is only recommended for advanced users who are familiar with GDSFactory+ and want to set up a custom project configuration.

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

Templates for new projects with public PDKs¶

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 using the local GDSFactory+ VSCode extension and a public PDK, you can create a new project with a GDSFactory+ template by clicking on the folder icon in the GF+ tab.