Synopsys: Design Compiler Tutorial 2021 [updated]

Synopsys Design Compiler (2021) is an industry-standard tool for synthesizing RTL code into optimized gate-level netlists, utilizing topographical flows for better timing, area, and power results. The process involves setting up a .synopsys_dc.setup file, defining constraints (SDC), running compile_ultra, and analyzing results with reports before exporting the final netlist. For a detailed guide, see the Design Compiler Tutorial 2021.

8.3 Topographical Technology

If you are using DC Topographical, you can generate "physical guidance" data (like placement congestion estimates) before handing off to the router. This requires the physical libraries (LEF files) to be loaded during setup.

Once the synthesis is finished, you must verify if your constraints were met. Timing: report_timing (Check for Setup/Hold violations). Area: report_area (Check gate count and physical size). Constraint Violations: report_constraint -all_violators. 7. Exporting the Netlist synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021

Alternatively, use the command-line mode for batch scripts:

Mastering the Silicon Canvas: A Deep Dive into Synopsys Design Compiler 2021

By: EDN Asia Technical Staff
Published: Q2 2021 Synopsys Design Compiler (2021) is an industry-standard tool

3. Power Report

report_power > reports/power.rpt

  1. Use the provided DC shell script templates as starting points; adapt read_lib, set_operating_conditions, and create_clock entries to your target flow.
  2. Run iterative compile -> report_timing -> report_power -> examine reports and apply constraint refinements rather than attempting one-shot perfect constraints.
  3. Add explicit false-path and multi-cycle-path constraints early to prevent wasted optimizations.
  4. Use compile_ultra and area/power directives selectively and compare reports after each major change.
  5. Back-annotate with SDF and run gate-level timing sims after synthesis changes; keep a small regression set for fast checks.

5.2 The compile_ultra Command (The 2021 Standard)

For complex designs, compile_ultra is the industry standard. It enables advanced optimization algorithms, including: Use the provided DC shell script templates as

Check for "Unresolved References": Always run link after elaboration to ensure all modules are found.