Synopsys Timing Constraints And Optimization User Guide 2021 Jun 2026

: Used for setup analysis. It tells the tool that the external device takes up to 0.6 ns to drive the data, leaving less time for internal logic. -min : Used for hold analysis. Output Delay

The Synopsys Timing Constraints and Optimization User Guide (part of the Synopsys Design Constraints or SDC standard) serves as the definitive reference for ASIC and FPGA designers using the Synopsys design flow (Design Compiler, ICC/ICC2, PrimeTime). The 2021 version reinforces the methodologies required for designing high-performance, low-power, and area-efficient integrated circuits.

These define the timing relationship between the design and the outside world. synopsys timing constraints and optimization user guide 2021

Guides optimization towards minimizing power or area while meeting timing. 2. Key Components of 2021 Timing Constraints

Real-world clock networks suffer from physical imperfections. You must model these characteristics explicitly during synthesis before physical layout occurs: : Used for setup analysis

: Setup checks ensure data arrives before the next clock edge, while hold checks ensure data remains stable long enough to be captured.

If timing constraints are easily met, the tool shifts its focus toward minimizing area and power consumption. Guides optimization towards minimizing power or area while

: Swapping High-Threshold Voltage (HVT) cells into non-critical paths to reduce leakage while retaining Low-Threshold Voltage (LVT) cells strictly on critical paths.