Synthesis flow
Synthesis elaborates RTL, optimizes Boolean and sequential logic, then maps it to cells in a target library.
The synthesized netlist is shaped by RTL, constraints, libraries, and optimization objectives together.
A multiply operator may map to a dedicated arithmetic structure or a gate network depending on libraries, constraints, and compile options.
Logic Synthesis flow
Follow each stage in sequence. Every stage produces information needed by the next.
Synthesis flow—visualized
This technical view uses the actual structures and relationships associated with this stage, followed by its key terms.
Understand every concept
Elaboration and linking
What it is: Elaboration and linking is a core concept within Synthesis flow. It describes the information, structure, or analysis engineers use at this stage of the Logic Synthesis flow.
Why it matters: Understanding it helps you interpret the stage correctly, avoid incorrect assumptions, and connect the result to the next implementation or signoff step.
Where it fits: This topic belongs to module 1, Synthesis flow, and its output supports the stages that follow.
Practical example: Engineer workflow: Read libraries, RTL, and design parameters. A multiply operator may map to a dedicated arithmetic structure or a gate network depending on libraries, constraints, and compile options.
Generic optimization
What it is: Generic optimization is a core concept within Synthesis flow. It describes the information, structure, or analysis engineers use at this stage of the Logic Synthesis flow.
Why it matters: Understanding it helps you interpret the stage correctly, avoid incorrect assumptions, and connect the result to the next implementation or signoff step.
Where it fits: This topic belongs to module 1, Synthesis flow, and its output supports the stages that follow.
Practical example: Engineer workflow: Elaborate and link all references. A multiply operator may map to a dedicated arithmetic structure or a gate network depending on libraries, constraints, and compile options.
Technology mapping
What it is: Technology mapping is a core concept within Synthesis flow. It describes the information, structure, or analysis engineers use at this stage of the Logic Synthesis flow.
Why it matters: Understanding it helps you interpret the stage correctly, avoid incorrect assumptions, and connect the result to the next implementation or signoff step.
Where it fits: This topic belongs to module 1, Synthesis flow, and its output supports the stages that follow.
Practical example: Engineer workflow: Apply timing and design-rule constraints. A multiply operator may map to a dedicated arithmetic structure or a gate network depending on libraries, constraints, and compile options.
Work through it step by step
- 1
Elaboration and linking
Read libraries, RTL, and design parameters.
- 2
Generic optimization
Elaborate and link all references.
- 3
Technology mapping
Apply timing and design-rule constraints.
- 4
Elaboration and linking
Compile, map, and review QoR and warnings.
Explore each topic
01Elaboration and linking
Understand the concept, connect it to the ASIC flow, study the report or behavior it produces, and apply it in a guided exercise. Check the result against the module goal before moving forward.
02Generic optimization
Understand the concept, connect it to the ASIC flow, study the report or behavior it produces, and apply it in a guided exercise. Check the result against the module goal before moving forward.
03Technology mapping
Understand the concept, connect it to the ASIC flow, study the report or behavior it produces, and apply it in a guided exercise. Check the result against the module goal before moving forward.
Completion checklist
- ✓ Top design and parameters are correct
- ✓ No unresolved references remain
- ✓ All clocks are constrained
- ✓ The netlist passes structural checks
Practise with open-source tools
These are official third-party GitHub projects selected for this learning path.