How do you choose the best ASIC synthesis tool for your design goals?

1 Design complexity

One of the first factors to consider is the complexity of your design, which can affect the scalability, speed, and memory consumption of the synthesis tool. Some tools are optimized for handling large and complex designs, while others are more suitable for smaller and simpler ones. You should also check if the tool supports the HDL features and constructs that you use in your design, such as parameterization, hierarchy, interfaces, and assertions. Additionally, you should look for a tool that can handle multiple clock domains, asynchronous logic, and mixed-signal components, if your design requires them.

2 Design optimization

Another factor to consider is the optimization capabilities of the synthesis tool, which can help you achieve your design goals in terms of area, power, timing, and reliability. Different tools may have different optimization algorithms, strategies, and options that can affect the trade-offs between these goals. For example, some tools may offer more aggressive or conservative synthesis modes, or allow you to specify different optimization targets or constraints for different parts of your design. You should also look for a tool that can perform design for testability (DFT) and design for manufacturability (DFM) optimizations, which can improve the testability and yield of your ASIC.

3 Design verification

A third factor to consider is the verification capabilities of the synthesis tool, which can help you ensure the correctness and functionality of your design. Verification is crucial for avoiding errors and bugs that can compromise the quality and performance of your ASIC. Some tools may offer built-in verification features, such as formal equivalence checking, static timing analysis, logic simulation, and code coverage analysis, that can help you verify the consistency and accuracy of your synthesis results. You should also look for a tool that can generate reports and feedback that can help you identify and resolve any synthesis issues or warnings.

4 Design integration

A fourth factor to consider is the integration capabilities of the synthesis tool, which can help you streamline your design workflow and improve your productivity and efficiency. Integration refers to how well the tool can work with other tools and platforms that you use in your design process, such as editors, simulators, analyzers, debuggers, and place-and-route tools. You should look for a tool that can support the file formats, interfaces, and standards that are compatible with your design environment, such as SystemVerilog, SDC, UPF, and EDIF. You should also look for a tool that can provide a user-friendly and customizable user interface, as well as documentation and support resources.

5 Design cost

A fifth and final factor to consider is the cost of the synthesis tool, which can affect your budget and return on investment. Cost can include both the upfront and recurring expenses of acquiring and using the tool, such as licensing fees, maintenance fees, hardware requirements, and training costs. You should compare the cost of different tools with the value and benefits that they can offer for your design goals and constraints. You should also consider the availability and accessibility of the tool, such as whether it is cloud-based or on-premise, and whether it has a trial or demo version.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?