🔬 VLSI Physical Design Course

Master the complete VLSI Physical Design flow from Synthesis to GDS2. Click a phase below to explore detailed topics.

Phase 1: Synthesis

Synthesis is the first critical step in the VLSI Physical Design flow, transforming RTL code into a gate-level netlist. This phase involves different methods of synthesis to achieve the best Quality of Results (QOR).

Master the complete synthesis flow from design loading to optimization and output generation.

🔥 Practical Exercise

Hands-on synthesis flow with real design examples and QOR analysis techniques.

Phase 2: Floorplan

Floorplanning is the foundation of physical design where we define the chip's physical structure, including die size, pin placement, macro placement, and power planning. This phase sets the stage for successful implementation.

Learn comprehensive floorplanning techniques including macro placement and power planning calculations.

🔥 Practical Exercise

Create floorplans with macro placement optimization and power grid design.

Phase 3: Placement

Placement determines the physical locations of standard cells within the design. This phase focuses on achieving the best QOR in terms of area, power, and timing through various optimization techniques.

Master placement flow settings and techniques to address timing, congestion, and power issues.

🔥 Practical Exercise

Optimize placement for timing closure with congestion and power analysis.

Phase 4: Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS)

CTS builds a clock distribution network to deliver clock signals to all sequential elements with minimal skew and optimal power consumption. Understanding CTS structure and balancing techniques is crucial for timing closure.

Learn CTS structures, balancing techniques, and methods to address skew and latency issues.

🔥 Practical Exercise

Build optimized clock trees with skew and power analysis.

Phase 5: Routing

Routing creates the physical connections between all components in the design. This phase involves pre-routes, clock routes, and signal routes while managing signal integrity and antenna effects.

Master routing flow from pre-routes to signal integrity and DRC analysis.

🔥 Practical Exercise

Complete routing with signal integrity analysis and DRC resolution.

Phase 6: Signoff

Signoff is the final verification phase ensuring the design meets all timing, power, and physical requirements. This includes comprehensive timing analysis using PrimeTime and physical verification using ICV.

Master timing signoff with PrimeTime and physical verification with ICV tools.

Timing Signoff (PrimeTime)
Physical Verification (ICV)
🔥 Practical Exercise

Complete signoff flow with timing closure and physical verification.

Phase 7: TCL Scripting

TCL scripting provides automation capabilities for VLSI design flows. Learn to create scripts for automating repetitive tasks, analyzing reports, implementing fixes, and managing design data efficiently.

Master TCL scripting for design automation and report analysis.

🔥 Practical Exercise

Develop TCL scripts for design automation and report processing.

Key Takeaways

Complete PD Flow Mastery

Master the entire VLSI Physical Design flow from Synthesis to GDS2 with industry-standard tools.

QOR Optimization Skills

Learn advanced techniques to achieve best Quality of Results in timing, power, and area.

Debug & Analysis Expertise

Master debugging techniques and report analysis for efficient issue resolution.

Signoff Verification

Complete timing and physical verification using industry-standard signoff tools.

Automation Skills

Develop TCL scripting expertise for design automation and productivity enhancement.

Industry-Ready Skills

Gain practical experience with real design examples and industry best practices.