Simulation in action: the application of modelling to SPAD architecture design

With the increased complexity of process and technology, the time-to-silicon has increased dramatically, driving the need for a simulation approach to device architecture definition. We review the many considerations required to design a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) from first principles and illustrate the complex flow of simulations and tradeoffs required to create a pixel that’s performance reaches the level required by the application on all figures of merit.