21.8.64 set_multicycle_path

Description

Defines a path that takes multiple clock cycles in the current scenario. Setting multiple cycle paths constraint overrides the single cycle timing relationships between sequential elements by specifying the number of cycles that the data path must have for setup or hold checks. If you change the multiplier, it affects both the setup and hold checks.

False path information always takes precedence over multiple cycle path information. A specific maximum delay constraint overrides a general multiple cycle path constraint. If you specify more than one object within one -through option, the path passes through any of the objects.

You must specify at least one of the -from , -to, or -through arguments for this constraint to be valid.

set_multicycle_path ncycles [-setup] [-hold] [-setup_only] [-from from_list] \
[-through through_list ] [-to to_list] [ -start ] [ -end ]

Arguments

ParameterTypeDescription
ncyclesintegerSpecifies an integer value that represents a number of cycles the data path must have for setup or hold check. The value is relative to the starting point or ending point clock, before data is required at the ending point. Number of cycles must be greater than 1. If you set ncycles as 2.2 or 4/2 or "8a" then it is being truncated as 2 or 4 or 8, and no warning is reported.
setupNoneOptional. Applies the cycle value for the setup check only. The default hold check will be applied unless you have specified another set_multicycle_path command for the hold value.
holdNoneOptional. Applies the cycle value for the hold check only. This option does not affect the setup check.
Note: If you do not specify -setup or -hold, the cycle value is applied to the setup check and the default hold check is 0 not ncycles -1 .
setup_onlyNoneOptional. Specifies that the path multiplier is applied to setup paths only.
fromlist of stringsSpecifies a list of timing path starting points. A valid timing starting point is a clock, a primary input, an inout port, or a clock pin of a sequential cell.
throughlist of stringsSpecifies a list of pins, ports, nets, or instances (cells) through which the multiple cycle paths must pass.
tolist of stringsSpecifies a list of timing path ending points. A valid timing ending point is a clock, a primary output, an inout port, or a data pin of a sequential cell.
startNoneChanges the clock edges used to launch and capture the data. By default, setup multicycle holds the multicycle shifts launching edge backwards (that is-start is the default for hold). -start allows you to change those defaults and hold multicycle by shifting the launching clock forward.
endNoneChanges the clock edges used to launch and capture the data. By default, setup multicycle shifts the capturing edge forward (that is-end is the default for setup). -end allows you to change the defaults and specify a setup multicycle by shifting the capturing clock backward.

Error Codes

Error CodeDescription
Error: SDC0004clk does not match any clock name or source.
Error: SDC0015port list [get_ports { CLK_0_D }] is incorrect.
Error: SDC0054Invalid IO delay constraint: the min delay is greater than max delay.
Error: SDC0061Parameter _AtclParam0_ has illegal value.

Supported Families

PolarFire®
PolarFire SoC
SmartFusion® 2
IGLOO® 2
RTG4

Exceptions

Multiple priority management is not supported in Microchip SoC designs. All multiple cycle path constraints are handled with the same priority.

Example

The following example sets all paths between reg1 and reg2 to 3 cycles for setup check. Hold check is measured at the previous edge of the clock at reg2.

set_multicycle_path 3 -from [get_pins {reg1}] –to [get_pins {reg2}]

The following example specifies that four cycles are needed for setup check on all paths starting at the registers in the clock domain ck1. Hold check is further specified with two cycles instead of the three cycles that would have been applied otherwise.

set_multicycle_path 4 -setup -from [get_clocks {ck1}]
set_multicycle_path 2 -hold -from [get_clocks {ck1}]

The following example specifies that four cycles are needed for setup only check on all paths starting at the registers in the clock domain REF_CLK_0.

set_multicycle_path -setup_only 4 -from [ get_clocks { REF_CLK_0 } ]

The following are few more examples of the set_multicycle_path –setup_only command.

set_multicycle_path -setup_only 4 -from [ all_registers ]
set_multicycle_path -setup_only 4 -through [ get_cells { comb_0/XOR2_0 } ]
set_multicycle_path -setup_only 4 -from [ get_clocks { PF_CCC_C0_0/PF_CCC_C0_0/pll_inst_0/OUT0 } ] -to [ get_clocks { PF_CCC_C0_0/PF_CCC_C0_0/pll_inst_0/OUT1 } ]

The following example shifts lauching edge 1 clk1 cycle backward

set_multicycle_path -setup -start 2 -from [ get_clocks clk1 ] -to [ get_clocks clk2 ]

The following example shifts capturing edge 1 clk2 cycle forward

set_multicycle_path -setup -end 2 -from [ get_clocks clk1 ] -to [ get_clocks clk2 ]

Related Examples on GitHub

See Also