Synopsys Design Compiler Tutorial 2021 Jun 2026

Used to resolve cell references. The asterisk ( * ) tells DC to search its internal memory first before looking through external disk files.

Without constraints, DC produces a minimal-area, slow-as-molasses netlist. For 2021, use the SDC (Synopsys Design Constraints) format. synopsys design compiler tutorial 2021

The -topo flag runs Design Compiler in Topographical mode, and the tee command mirrors output directly to a log file for convenient post-synthesis code review. If you would like to expand this setup, tell me: Used to resolve cell references

write -f ddc -hierarchy -output outputs/rv32i_core_final.ddc For 2021, use the SDC (Synopsys Design Constraints) format

This tutorial is designed for engineers and students who want a practical, step-by-step guide to using Design Compiler (specifically DC 2021.03-SP4). We will move from basic setup to timing closure.

| Step | Command | Function | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | read_verilog analyze & elaborate | Reads your HDL files (Verilog/VHDL) into the DC session. | read_verilog top_module.v analyze -format verilog top_module.v elaborate top_module | | 2. Specify Environment | set_operating_conditions set_wire_load_model | Models the external operating conditions (PVT: Process, Voltage, Temperature) and estimates the parasitic capacitance and resistance of interconnects. | set_operating_conditions -max worst -min best set_wire_load_model -name "ForQA" | | 3. Set Constraints | create_clock set_input_delay set_output_delay set_max_area | Defines the design's performance and design rule goals (clock speed, input/output delays, max area). | create_clock -period 10 [get_ports clk] set_input_delay 5 -clock clk [all_inputs] | | 4. Compile Design | compile_ultra | Performs the core logic synthesis—translating RTL to generic logic (GTECH), optimizing it, and mapping it to target library cells. | compile_ultra -timing | | 5. Report & Save | report_timing report_area report_power write -format verilog | Generates critical design reports and writes out the final synthesized netlist and timing constraints. | report_timing -path full write -format verilog -hierarchy -output final_netlist.v |

Look at the line at the bottom of a generated timing path report: