AN 1016: Timing Closure Methodology Quick Reference Guide
2. RTL Analysis and Optimization Techniques
RTL (register transfer level) analysis and optimization involves examining and enhancing your digital circuit design before running design synthesis. The objective of initial RTL analysis and optimization and establishing initial timing constraints is to ensure correctness and streamline the design implementation process.
Using a meticulous coding style significantly influences how synthesis tools interpret the design. The timing constraint definition establishes relationships among various clock signals and the expected timing behavior of the system. You must eventually specify assignments to define clock relationships, timing exceptions, input and output delays, and clock domains to ensure accurate timing.
You can avoid potential timing issues, such as excessive logic delays, by prioritizing initial RTL analysis, optimization, and precise timing constraint definition. This section underscores the timing closure benefits of synchronous design and careful constraint definition and highlights the risks of neglecting these areas early in the design flow.
This section describes the RTL analysis and optimization techniques that you can apply before running design synthesis to simplify timing closure.