While the version numbers and specific features in this tutorial are anchored in 2021, the core principles and methodologies are enduring. By building proficiency in the fundamentals laid out here and understanding the specific capabilities of tools like Design Compiler NXT and DC 2007, you will be well-prepared to take on the most challenging IC design projects.
# Set operating condition (Slow corner for setup timing checks) set_operating_conditions -max tsmc65nm_ss_0v9_125c # Instruct the tool to make the design as small as possible set_max_area 0 Use code with caution. 5. Synthesis and Optimization Strategies
The most critical step is creating the setup file. Design Compiler looks for this file in three locations in order of precedence: synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021
A proper setup is crucial for efficient synthesis. In 2021, the emphasis is on and utilizing design libraries efficiently. 2.1 Directory Structure Organize your workspace for clarity: /rtl : Contains VHDL/Verilog files. /libs : Contains technology files (.db, .tf, .lib). /scripts : Tcl scripts for synthesis. /work : Working directory for output files. 2.2 Environment Variables (Tcl)
Before launching Design Compiler, create a local setup file named .synopsys_dc.setup inside your work/ directory. This file initializes the tool variables automatically upon startup. While the version numbers and specific features in
With the design, environment, and constraints set, you run the compile or compile_ultra command. This command orchestrates the translation, optimization, and mapping steps. For large designs, a two-phase compile strategy ( compile -map_effort high -scan -timing_high_effort ) is often used to achieve the best Quality-of-Results (QoR).
Schematic symbols used for visual reporting tools. Sample .synopsys_dc.setup File In 2021, the emphasis is on and utilizing
Before typing a single command, ensure your environment is ready. The 2021 version introduced stricter TCL 8.6 compliance and deprecated some legacy commands.
Uses high-threshold cells for leakage saving and low-threshold cells for timing critical paths. set_multi_vth_constraint -lvth_groups LVT_GROUP Use code with caution. 4.3 Handling Large Designs For massive designs, use: DesignWare components: Optimize mathematical operations.
# 3. Read Design analyze -format verilog [glob ./rtl/*.v] elaborate top_module current_design top_module link check_design
################################################################### # Synopsys Design Compiler Automation Script ################################################################### # 1. Setup paths and directories file mkdir reports file mkdir outputs # 2. Read Design analyze -format verilog my_alu.v control_unit.v top_module.v elaborate top_module current_design top_module # 3. Link and Check link check_design # 4. Apply Constraints create_clock -name sys_clk -period 10.0 [get_ports clk] set_clock_uncertainty 0.20 [get_clocks sys_clk] set_input_delay 2.5 -clock sys_clk [remove_from_collection [all_inputs] [get_ports clk]] set_output_delay 2.5 -clock sys_clk [all_outputs] set_driving_cell -lib_cell BUFX4 [remove_from_collection [all_inputs] [get_ports clk]] set_load 0.2 [all_outputs] # 5. Compile compile_ultra -gate_clock # 6. Generate Reports report_design > reports/design_summary.rpt report_area -hierarchy > reports/area_summary.rpt report_timing -max_paths 5 > reports/timing_worst_paths.rpt report_constraint -all_violators > reports/violations.rpt # 7. Export Outputs change_names -rules verilog -hierarchy write -format verilog -hierarchy -output outputs/top_module_netlist.v write_sdc outputs/top_module.sdc echo "========================================" echo "SYNTHESIS FLOW COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY!" echo "========================================" exit Use code with caution. Executing the Script via Command Line