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Types of Synthesis

There are basically two types of synthesis - Logical Synthesis & Physical Synthesis

  • Synthesis

Types of Synthesis#

There are basically two types of synthesis: 1. Logical Synthesis 2. Physical Synthesis
  1. Logical Synthesis

To perform the logical synthesis, we need to have basic inputs like RTL, SDC, UPF and Timing lib. In this type of synthesis, we perform the logical level conversion to circuit level without any physical inputs. Initially we receive the RTL from RTL design and verification team. Along with RTL, we receive the UPF from Power design team and Timing library from characterization team. At this point of time, we don’t have much information about the physical appearance of the design. So we go for first round of logical synthesis. From this, we get the logical gate level netlist from where we can start the floorplan and placement.

Synthesis Steps#

Synthesis basically performs the following steps: 1. Translation 2. Logic Optimization 3. Gate level mapping 4. Final optimization PROs –
  • Requires very less inputs to start the synthesis.
  • Runtime is very less.
  • Gets early information about the circuit design and hierarchy.
CONs –
  • No physical information present.
  • No early legalized design to start the placement.
  • Bad correlation between the placement.
  • Bad timing correlation as no trial route information present.

Written by

Swasti Pujari

Practice Head at UST Global with 14+ years of VLSI experience, leading backend domains including Physical Design, STA, EMIR, DFT, and Physical Verification. Successfully delivered complex projects for global clients including AMD, Intel, and Microchip, while pioneering AI-EDA research and innovation.