: Ensure a .synopsys_dc.setup file exists in your home or project directory. This defines: Search Path : Where DC looks for libraries and RTL.
: Includes all libraries needed to resolve references in the design. It must contain the target_library as well as any architectural macro cells, RAMs, IPs, or pad cell libraries. The asterisk ( * ) represents the tool's internal memory.
Synopsys Design Compiler Tutorial 2021: Complete Guide to RTL Synthesis
With low-power design being ubiquitous, DC supports UPF for defining power domains, isolation cells, and level shifters.
# Create clean work directory file mkdir WORK define_design_lib WORK -path ./WORK # Analyze HDL files for syntax errors analyze -format verilog my_alu.v control_unit.v top_module.v # Elaborate the top-level architecture elaborate top_module # Set current design context current_design top_module # Verify that the design links correctly with libraries link Use code with caution. 4. Defining Design Constraints synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021
# Define a clock named 'sys_clk' on port 'clk' with a 10ns period (100 MHz) create_clock -name sys_clk -period 10.0 [get_ports clk] # Model clock jitter, skew, and margin (Timing Uncertainty) set_clock_uncertainty 0.3 [get_clocks sys_clk] # Model the rise and fall transition times of the clock edge set_clock_transition 0.15 [get_clocks sys_clk] Use code with caution. Input and Output Delays
# Define search paths for source files and libraries set search_path [list . ../rtl ../scripts /path/to/foundry/pdk/db] # Target Library: The cells DC maps your logic onto set target_library [list target_cell_library.db] # Link Library: Used to resolve references (include '*' to link to internal memory) set link_library [list * target_cell_library.db macro_library.db] # Synthetic Library: Synopsys DesignWare components for arithmetic operations set synthetic_library [list dw_foundation.sldb] set link_library [concat $link_library $synthetic_library] # Define directory for tracking command logs set view_command_log_file "./command.log" Use code with caution. 3. The Synopsys Design Compiler Flow
# 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
# Check the design for missing connections or unconstrained paths before compiling check_design > ../output/reports/check_design_pre.rpt # Execute high-effort synthesis optimization compile_ultra # Check for post-compile design issues check_design > ../output/reports/check_design_post.rpt Use code with caution. Step 4: Generating Output Reports : Ensure a
# Analyze SystemVerilog files for syntax checks analyze -format sverilog my_design.sv controller.sv datapath.sv # Elaborate the top-level design module elaborate my_design # Verify that the correct top module is set in tool memory current_design my_design # Resolve design references link Use code with caution. Step 2: Applying Design Constraints
There are two modes of operation: (TCL commands) and GUI Mode ( design_vision ). This guide focuses on the TCL script flow, as it is the industry standard for repeatability.
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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. It must contain the target_library as well as
: Maps the optimized logic to specific cells provided by your target semiconductor foundry manufacturing library. Wire Load Models vs. Topographical Mode
# Define the work directory define_design_lib WORK -path ./WORK
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.
Registering the outputs of major design blocks makes predicting input/output delays much easier, which helps Design Compiler optimize boundary logic more effectively.
load_upf my_power_intent.upf