Re: What is timing ?
1. What is timing as related to P&R
-- Placement decides location of each instances
-- CTS decides the clock networks
-- Routing decides wire of each interconnects
--> Parasitic RC is decided by P&R.
Therefore, there are timing-driven Placement & timing-driving routing.
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2. Where the timing info is set
-- In most case, timing constraints are defined in the SDC(Synopsys Design Constraint) File.
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3. What are the min timing requirements that need to be met.
-- At least, the clock definition is necessary.
-- After clocks have been defined, setup time & hold time of sequentical cells/blocks will be checked.
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4. What if we don't get the required timing ?
-- First, ensure those timing constraints are correct.
-- Then, hold time must be met.
-- If setup time can not be met after using all possible optimization techniques,
maybe only refine the timing constraints (slow down).