# Set your 2021 installation path (adjust for your server) set synopsys_path /tools/synopsys/2021/dc
check_design > $design_name_check_design.rpt compile_ultra -timing -no_seq_output_inversion
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
Synthesis follows four primary stages: , Apply Constraints , Optimization , and Reporting . Step 1: Analyze & Elaborate synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021
define_name_rules my_rules -allowed "a-z A-Z 0-9 _" report_name_rules my_rules
Never trust synthesis without reports. Run these immediately after compile_ultra .
The time it takes for data to propagate from the launch flip-flop through the combinational cloud to the destination point. # Set your 2021 installation path (adjust for
# .synopsys_dc.setup # Define the paths to your library files set search_path [list . /path/to/target/libs/ /path/to/synthetic/libs/] # Specify the technology library provided by the foundry set target_library [list target_library.db] # Specify the link library (includes target library and RAM/IP blocks) set link_library [list * target_library.db dw_foundation.sldb] # Specify the Synopsys DesignWare library for optimized arithmetic components set synthetic_library [list dw_foundation.sldb] # Define the physical library for Topographical mode set physical_library [list physical_library.milkyway] Use code with caution. 3. The Design Compiler Synthesis Flow
If you are looking to get started, I can provide a to get you up and running faster. Would that be helpful? Synopsys Tutorial: Using the Design Compiler - s2.SMU
To launch Design Compiler in topographical mode, execute dc_shell -topo . This mode requires access to physical libraries ( .milkyway or .ndm ) and floorplan definitions ( .def ). In modern sub-micron designs
# Report area characteristics report_area -hierarchy > ../output/reports/area.rpt # Report timing summaries (focusing on worst slack paths) report_timing -delay max -max_paths 10 > ../output/reports/timing_setup.rpt report_timing -delay min -max_paths 10 > ../output/reports/timing_hold.rpt # Report power consumption estimates report_power -hierarchy > ../output/reports/power.rpt # Report DRC (Design Rule Constraints) violations like max capacitance or transition times report_constraint -all_violators > ../output/reports/constraints.rpt Use code with caution. Step 5: Exporting the Synthesized Database
When Design Compiler launches, it reads initialization commands from a .synopsys_dc.setup file. Think of this as a startup script. While a system-wide version may exist, creating a customized one in your local working directory is the best practice. This file is written in and primarily defines the path for three crucial libraries:
A proper setup is crucial for efficient synthesis. In 2021, the emphasis is on and utilizing design libraries efficiently. 2.1 Directory Structure Organize your workspace for clarity: /rtl : Contains VHDL/Verilog files. /libs : Contains technology files (.db, .tf, .lib). /scripts : Tcl scripts for synthesis. /work : Working directory for output files. 2.2 Environment Variables (Tcl)
Historically, Design Compiler used Wire Load Models (WLM) to estimate interconnect delays. In modern sub-micron designs, wire resistance and capacitance dominate total delay.
Check if any paths were ignored or if there are "unconstrained" paths.