The Synopsys Design Compiler 2021 version remains a robust workhorse. By following this tutorial—starting from .synopsys_dc.setup to final DDC export—you can reliably convert RTL into a gate-level netlist optimized for timing, area, and power.
The compile or compile_ultra command translates logic into technology gates. compile_ultra is preferred for modern designs because it applies advanced optimizations like register retiming and arithmetic pipelining.
DC 2021 does not fix hold timing. It only fixes setup. Hold fixes happen in PrimeTime or ICC2 using clock tree insertion. Ignore hold violations in DC unless they are > 0.5ns.
exit
write -format verilog -output outputs/$my_design.v write_sdc outputs/$my_design.sdc
set library_path "./libs" set design_name "my_asic_top" set rtl_path "./rtl" set scripts_path "./scripts"
If your timing and area metrics look acceptable, save your gate-level netlist and design data to pass on to the Place and Route (P&R) tools. synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021
# Check if timing paths meet setup requirements report_timing -delay_type max -max_paths 10 > reports/timing_setup.rpt # Check design area breakdown report_area -hierarchy > reports/area.rpt # Check for constraint violations (Slack, Capacitance, Transition) report_constraint -all_violators > reports/violators.rpt # Report power estimations report_power > reports/power.rpt Use code with caution. Understanding Setup Timing Reports
set_max_area 0 ;# Tells DC to make the design as small as possible set_load 0.5 [all_outputs] Use code with caution. 5. Running Compilation
compile_ultra is license-intensive but yields significantly better timing results (typically 10-15% improvement over standard compile). The Synopsys Design Compiler 2021 version remains a
# Assume the input signal comes from a block with max delay of 3ns set_input_delay -max 3 -clock clk [get_ports data_in]
The logic synthesis workflow follows six core steps. You can execute these commands interactively inside the dc_shell environment.
remains the industry standard for logic synthesis. Whether you are a student or a practicing engineer, mastering the 2021-era topographical technology is key to achieving predictable timing and power results early in the design cycle. What is Design Compiler? compile_ultra is preferred for modern designs because it