The Art of Timing Closure

Book excerpt: The Art of Timing Closure is written using a hands-on approach to describe advanced concepts and techniques using Multi-Mode Multi-Corner (MMMC) for an advanced ASIC design implementation. It focuses on the physical design, Static Timing Analysis (STA), formal and physical verification. The scripts in this book are based on Cadence® Encounter SystemTM. However, if the reader uses a different EDA tool, that tool’s commands are similar to those shown in this book. The topics covered are as follows: Data Structures Multi-Mode Multi-Corner Analysis Design Constraints Floorplan and Timing Placement and Timing Clock Tree Synthesis Final Route and Timing Design Signoff Rather than go into great technical depth, the author emphasizes short, clear descriptions which are implemented by references to authoritative manuscripts. It is the goal of this book to capture the essence of physical design and timing analysis at each stage of the physical design, and to show the reader that physical design and timing analysis engineering should be viewed as a single area of expertise. This book is intended for anyone who is involved in ASIC design implementation -- starting from physical design to final design signoff. Target audiences for this book are practicing ASIC design implementation engineers and students undertaking advanced courses in ASIC design.