Netlist Type

Allows you to specify the Netlist Type for partitions. The following table describes the settings for the Netlist Type property, explains the behavior of the Quartus® Prime software for each setting, and provides guidance on when to use each setting.

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Netlist Type

Quartus® Prime Software Behavior for Partition During Compilation

Source File

Always compiles the partition using the associated design source file(s).

Use this netlist type to recompile a partition from the source code using new synthesis or Fitter settings.

Post- Synthesis

Preserves post-synthesis results for the partition and reuses the post-synthesis netlist as long as the following conditions are true:

  • A post-synthesis netlist is available from a previous synthesis.
  • No change that initiates an automatic resynthesis has been made to the partition since the previous synthesis.

Compiles the partition from the source files if resynthesis is initiated or if a post-synthesis netlist is not available.

Use this netlist type to preserve the synthesis results unless you make design changes, but allows the Fitter to refit the partition using any new Fitter settings. (1)

Post-Fit

Preserves post-fit results for the partition and reuses the post-fit netlist when the following conditions are true:

  • A post-fit netlist is available from a previous fitting.
  • No change that initiates an automatic resynthesis has been made to the partition since the previous fitting.

When a post-fit netlist is not available, the software reuses the post-synthesis netlist if it is available, or otherwise compiles from the source files. Compiles the partition from the source files if resynthesis is initiated.

The Fitter Preservation Level specifies what level of information is preserved from the post-fit netlist.

Use this netlist type to preserve the Fitter results unless you make design changes. You can also use this netlist type to apply global optimizations, such as Physical Synthesis optimizations that occur in the Fitter, for certain partitions while preserving the fitting results of other partitions. (1)

Empty

Uses an empty placeholder netlist for the partition. When a netlist type is set to Empty, peripheral nodes including pins and PLLs are preserved and all other logic is removed. The peripheral nodes including pins help connect the empty partition to the design, and the PLLs help preserve timing of non-empty partitions within empty partitions.

Use this netlist type to skip the compilation of a partition.

(1): You can turn on the Ignore changes in source files and strictly use the specified netlist, if available option on the Advanced tab in the Design Partitions Properties dialog box to specify whether the Compiler should ignore source file changes when deciding whether to recompile the partition. This setting has no effect when the partition is imported, or has the Netlist Type set to Source File or Empty.