Physical-Aware Synthesis

Section goal

Topographical synthesis, congestion-aware optimization, PD handoff reports, and physical-aware debug loops.

How to study this section

1. Start with each topic hub to understand mechanism and ownership.

2. Use reports and debug pages to build run-comparison instincts.

3. Use interview and case pages for pressure drills.

4. Close with checklist and PPA impact before merge decisions.

Topics

1. topo-synthesis/ — Topographical Synthesis

2. congestion-aware-synth/ — Congestion-Aware Optimization

3. pd-handoff-reports/ — PD Handoff Reports

4. physical-aware-debug/ — Physical-Aware Debug

Related topics

• Synthesis course hub

Synthesis deep dive

Physical-aware synthesis reduces logic-to-route surprise when correlation is monitored.

Concept diagram

PHYSICAL-AWARE LOOP

topo compile -> congestion hints -> handoff -> PD correlation

Metric graph

CORRELATION DELTA

logic view WNS      ███████
topo view WNS       █████
route trial WNS     ████

Reports and artifacts

• topo QoR

• congestion heatmap

• handoff manifest

• delta compare vs PD

Mini case study

Topo compile looked clean, but hotspot congestion predicted route failure and prevented late ECO churn.

Debug branches

• Check hotspot ownership

• Bound correlation drift

• Escalate if handoff assumptions stale

Senior review question

Ask: what evidence proves this QoR move is real and stable?