Design Compiler 1
 

OVERVIEW

This course covers the ASIC synthesis flow using Design Compiler -- from reading in an RTL design (Verilog and VHDL) to generating a final gate-level netlist. You will learn how to read in your design file(s), specify your libraries, constrain a complex design for area and timing, partition your design’s hierarchy for synthesis, apply synthesis techniques to achieve area and timing closure, analyze the synthesis results, and generate output data that works with downstream layout tools. The course includes labs to reinforce and practice key topics discussed in lecture. All the covered commands and flows are printed separately in a 3-page Job Aid which the student can refer to back at work.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this workshop the student should be able to:

• Create a setup file to specify the libraries that will be used
• Read in a hierarchical design
• Partition a design’s hierarchy optimally for synthesis
• Constrain a complex design for area and timing, taking into account different environmental attributes such as output loading, input drive strength, process, voltage and temperature variations, as well as post-layout effects such as clock skew and net parasiticsy
• Select the appropriate compile flow for your project
• Execute the recommended synthesis techniques within each compile flow to achieve area and timing closures
• Perform test-ready synthesis when appropriate
• Write DC-Tcl scripts to constrain and compile designs
• Generate and interpret timing, constraints and other debugging reports
• Understand the effect that RTL coding style can have on synthesis results
• Generate output data (netlist, timing/are constraints, physical constraints scan-def) that works with downstream physical design or layout tools

AUDIENCE PROFILE

ASIC digital designers who are going to use Design Compiler to synthesize Verilog or VHDL RTL modules to generate gate-level netlists.

PREREQUISITES

To benefit the most from the material presented in this workshop, you should:

• Understand the functionality of digital sequential and combinational logic
• Have familiarity with UNIX and a UNIX text editor of your choice
• No prior Design Compiler knowledge or experience is needed

COURSE OUTLINE

Day 1

• Introduction to Synthesis
• Setting Up and Saving Designs
• Design and Library Objects
• Partitioning for Synthesis
• Area and Timing Constraints

Day 2

• Environmental Attributes
• Compile Commands
• Timing Analysis
• More Constraint Considerations
• Multiple Clock/Cycle Designs (Lecture)

Day 3

• Multiple Clock/Cycle Designs (Lab)
• Synthesis techniques and Flows
• Integrated Design-for-Test
• Pre- and Post-Synthesis Considerations
• Conclusion

SYNOPSYS TOOLS USED

• Design Compiler 2007.03