Synthesis tool
A synthesis tool (dt. "Synthesis tool") is a software for generating an intermediate stage to the layout (arrangement of components) of chips in the micro-electronics .
General
During the synthesis, the predetermined function of the later chip to be planned is put together from pre-planned or catalog-based modular circuit elements (standard cell library). The tool is used to transfer circuits described in an adequate hardware description language (mostly VHDL or Verilog ) into a network list - usually consisting of standard cells . The process is called synthesis (engl. Synthesis ), respectively. Nowadays this is only possible for digital circuits, not for analog ones.
Usually this is done in several stages, e.g. B. with the bottom-up approach: First parts of the overall circuit are synthesized, then the overall system is put together from these parts. Other stages can e.g. B. include the insertion of interconnections and cells to support self-test procedures (e.g. scan test ).
The net list can then be placed and wired for the final chip layout . Newer synthesis tools are blurring the boundaries with this design level because they also calculate or precalculate placement and wiring and thus provide an at least pre-placed network list ( physical synthesis ). In today's high-speed ICs, the wiring has a significant influence on the internal delay times and often also on the performance. The synthesis program tries to get the effects under control by optimizing the layout and adjusting the driver strengths.
Tools
Commercially available synthesis tools for digital circuits include:
- XST from Xilinx
- Design compiler from Synopsys
- Encounter RTL Compiler from Cadence
- Synplify from Synopsys
- Leonardo Spectrum from Mentor Graphics
For the analog technology , there is no general synthesis tools, but at least some for special applications such. B. Filters or HF matching circuits. Of course there are also circuit catalogs and companies that also offer standard solutions for the analog area. Much more manual work is required here than in the digital sector, and there is also no widespread language of behavior and synthesis. Digital circuits are also relatively easy to adapt to new technologies; this is much more difficult with analog circuits.