Module 72 min

Synopsys PrimeTime

PrimeTime (PT) is the industry-standard sign-off STA tool. It uses accurate parasitic data (SPEF) from the extracted layout for final timing certification.

PrimeTime (PT) is the industry-standard sign-off STA tool. It uses accurate parasitic data (SPEF) from the extracted layout for final timing certification.

Key PrimeTime Commands

CommandPurpose
read_netlistRead gate-level netlist from PD tool
read_sdcApply timing constraints (SDC)
read_parasiticsLoad extracted parasitics (SPEF file)
set_operating_conditionsSet PVT corner for analysis
update_timingPropagate timing through all paths
report_timingPrint timing paths (worst paths)
report_constraintReport all violated constraints
check_timingValidate constraint coverage (unconstrained paths)
report_global_timingSummary: WNS, TNS, WHS, THS
pt_shell -fileRun PrimeTime in batch mode

Sample PrimeTime Script

TCL - PrimeTime Sign-off Script
## PrimeTime Sign-off Script
set_app_var search_path [". /tech/saed32nm/db"]
set_app_var target_library "saed32nm_ss0p9v125c.db"
set_app_var link_library   "* $target_library"

## Read design
read_netlist    "./out/chip_final.v"
link_design     chip_top

## Constraints and parasitics
read_sdc        "./out/chip_final.sdc"
read_parasitics -format spef "./out/chip.spef"

## PVT corner
set_operating_conditions "ss0p9v125c"

## Enable OCV derating
set_timing_derate -late  1.05 -cell_delay
set_timing_derate -early 0.95 -cell_delay

## Update timing
update_timing -full

## Reports
report_timing        -max_paths 20 -slack_lesser_than 0   > rpt/vio_setup.rpt
report_timing  -delay min -max_paths 20 -slack_lesser_than 0   > rpt/vio_hold.rpt
report_constraint    -all_violators                           > rpt/all_vio.rpt
report_global_timing -significant_digits 3                    > rpt/global.rpt
check_timing                                                   > rpt/check.rpt