23/08/2025

What are inputs required to star CTS?

o   Placement Database: The design database after placement is complete, containing the locations of all standard cells (including clock sinks like flip-flops and clock gates) and macros. – it covers Timing lib. Tech lef, std cell lef, SDC etc.

o   CTS Specification File .ctstch, .cts_spec, This file (or equivalent tool settings) provides detailed instructions for building the clock tree:

  • Target Skew: Maximum acceptable skew between sinks in the same clock domain or skew group.
  • Target Max/Min Latency: Desired range for insertion delay.
  • Target Max Transition: Maximum allowed transition time for clock nets.
  • Buffer/Inverter List: Specifies the list of buffers and inverters the tool is allowed to use for building the tree (often restricts to specific drive strengths or balanced cells).
  • DRC Constraints: Max capacitance, max fanout limits specifically for clock nets.
  • NDR (Non-Default Rules): Specifies special routing rules (e.g., double width, double spacing, shielding) to be used for clock nets to improve signal integrity and reliability.
  • Routing Layers: Preferred top and bottom metal layers for clock routing.
  • Clock Tree Exceptions: Defines pins to be treated specially:
    • Stop/Sink Pins (Default): Normal clock endpoints to be balanced.
    • Exclude Pins: Excluded from skew/latency balancing but still receive the clock and DRV fixing (e.g., output ports, Multiplexer select pin )
    • Ignore Pins: Completely ignored by CTS balancing and DRC fixing (e.g., non-clock pins driven by clocks, test pins).
    • Float Pins: Similar to Exclude pins but allow specifying a pin delay range for balancing (used for macro models).
    • Non-stop pins: trace through the endpoints that are normally considered as endpoints of the clock tree. Ex, The clock pin of sequential cells driving generated clock are implicit non-stop pins. Clock pin of ICG.
  • Skew Groups: Defines groups of sinks that should be balanced together, potentially with different skew targets than other groups.
  • Clock Tree Structure Hints: May allow specifying preferred structures (e.g., H-tree for certain branches) or buffer placement constraints. Multi tap etc.

o   CTS Spec File Contents: https://ivlsi.com/cts-spec-file-vlsi-physical-design/

o   CTS Overview: https://www.scribd.com/document/698125285/CLOCK-TREE-SYNTHESIS

 

 

 


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