Design Compiler offers structural transformation flags to fix critical timing violations:
set DESIGN_NAME "my_processor_top"
Ensure all modules, sub-modules, and hard IP blocks resolve properly against your link libraries. current_design top_module link check_design Use code with caution. synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021
[ RTL Code (.v, .sv, .vhd) ] │ ▼ [ Translation & Elaboration ] <─── Read technology libraries (.db) │ ▼ [ Constraints Application ] <─── Apply clocks, IO delays, loads (.sdc) │ ▼ [ Logic Optimization ] <─── Map to target gate library │ ▼ [ Gate-Level Netlist & SDF Export ] ───> To Placement & Routing (P&R) 2. Setting Up the Environment
Once your constraints are defined, you can execute the core synthesis engine. Standard Compilation Setting Up the Environment Once your constraints are
To move from "tutorial" to "expert," adopt these 2021-specific practices:
While newer versions exist, the release of Design Compiler represents a mature, stable point where classic synthesis techniques meet modern Physical Guidance (upf) and multi-corner optimization. This tutorial is designed for the junior engineer or graduate student who needs to go from "Hello World" RTL to a timing-closed, area-optimized netlist using the 2021 toolchain. # Create a primary clock named 'sys_clk' with
# Create a primary clock named 'sys_clk' with a 10ns period on port 'clk' create_clock -name sys_clk -period 10.0 [get_ports clk] # Model clock jitter and routing delay (skew) using uncertainty set_clock_uncertainty 0.25 [get_clocks sys_clk] # Define clock transition times (slew rate) set_clock_transition 0.15 [get_clocks sys_clk] Use code with caution. Input and Output Delays
With the design loaded and constraints applied, you can compile the logic. Standard synthesis uses wireload models, while Topographical Mode uses physical data from a floorplan to calculate accurate interconnect delays. Running Basic Compile
Before running Design Compiler, you must configure the tool environment variables. This is done by creating a setup file named .synopsys_dc.setup in your project working directory. Key Library Variables
Directories where DC searches for design files and libraries.