2021: Synopsys Design Compiler Tutorial
This tutorial provides a condensed guide to using the Synopsys Design Compiler (DC) for RTL synthesis, based on standard workflows and features relevant to the 2021 period, including newer NXT technologies. 1. Introduction to Design Compiler
Design Compiler is the industry-standard RTL synthesis solution. It transforms Register Transfer Level (RTL) code (Verilog or VHDL) into an optimized gate-level netlist by mapping the design to a specific standard cell library. Key 2021+ Features:
Design Compiler NXT: Offers 2X faster runtime, improved power (up to 12% lower), and "cloud-ready" automated flows.
Topographical Technology: Predicts timing and area within 10% of post-layout results, reducing iterations between synthesis and physical design.
Multicore Scaling: Optimized for quad-core and multicore servers for faster synthesis. 2. Environment Setup synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021
Before launching the tool, you must configure your environment and setup files.
Project Directory: Create a dedicated directory for your synthesis run to house log files and reports.
Setup File (.synopsys_dc.setup): This critical file tells DC where to find libraries. Key variables include: search_path: Directories for RTL and libraries.
target_library: The .db files from your foundry (e.g., 65nm, 14nm) used for mapping. This tutorial provides a condensed guide to using
link_library: Libraries used to resolve references (usually includes the target library and any RAMs/IP).
symbol_library: Used for graphical schematic viewing (.sdb files). 3. The Synthesis Workflow
Synthesis follows four primary stages: Analyze & Elaborate, Apply Constraints, Optimization, and Reporting. Step 1: Analyze & Elaborate
Design Compiler: Timing, Area, Power, & Test Optimization | Synopsys It transforms Register Transfer Level (RTL) code (Verilog
3. Essential Tcl Script for Synthesis (2021 Flow)
Create a file named run_synthesis.tcl.
# ------------------------------------------------------
# 1. Read and Elaborate RTL
# ------------------------------------------------------
# Clear previous design
remove_design -all
Constraint violations
report_constraint -all_violators > ./reports/constraints.rpt
Part 5: The Synthesis Strategy (Compile)
DC 2021 primarily uses compile_ultra for high-performance designs. This enables advanced features like auto-ungrouping, logic restructuring, and datapath optimization.
