2021 _verified_: Synopsys Design Compiler Tutorial

In this tutorial, we covered the basics of using Synopsys Design Compiler for digital circuit synthesis and optimization. We hope this tutorial has provided a solid foundation for your future design projects. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to try out these steps and experiment with different design scenarios.

read_sdc ../scripts/constraints.sdc # Or create constraints manually: # create_clock -name CLK -period 2.0 [get_ports clk] Use code with caution. Step 3: Topographical Setup (2021 Best Practice)

set_input_transition 0.2 [all_inputs]

# Save the gate-level netlist write -format verilog -hierarchy -output outputs/top_module.v # Save design constraints to SDC format write_sdc outputs/top_module.sdc # Save internal design database write -format ddc -hierarchy -output outputs/top_module.ddc Use code with caution. 4. Running Design Compiler (Command-Line vs. GUI) Command-Line Mode (Batch Mode) synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021

With low-power design being ubiquitous, DC supports UPF for defining power domains, isolation cells, and level shifters.

I can provide specific script adjustments based on your design characteristics. Share public link

Design Compiler offers structural transformation flags to fix critical timing violations: In this tutorial, we covered the basics of

write -format verilog -hierarchy -output netlist/my_design_netlist.v write -format ddc -hierarchy -output netlist/my_design.ddc Use code with caution. 4. Key 2021 Best Practices

Libraries used to resolve cell references, including IP blocks, RAMs, and the target library itself (indicated by * ).

Use compile_ultra for high-performance optimization. In 2021, compile_ultra -spg (Synopsys Physical Guidance) is recommended to pass physical data to IC Compiler. compile_ultra -spg Use code with caution. Step 5: Generate Reports read_sdc

When standard compilation strategies fail to meet design goals, use these optimization techniques to fix violations: Register Retiming

In production environments, synthesis is rarely run interactively. It is executed using automated scripts. Below is a complete script template ( run_synthesis.tcl ) that integrates the entire workflow detailed in this tutorial.

The synthesis process generally follows four mandatory steps: I. Analyze & Elaborate

The most critical step is creating the setup file. Design Compiler looks for this file in three locations in order of precedence: