Industry Standard Tools
Synopsys SpyGlass CDC:
Most widely used. Reports CDC violations: missing synchronizers, Gray code errors, reset issues. Integrates with DC/IC Compiler.
Most widely used. Reports CDC violations: missing synchronizers, Gray code errors, reset issues. Integrates with DC/IC Compiler.
Cadence XCellent:
Formal CDC checking. Exhaustive proof that all clock domain crossings are safe. Part of Xcelium suite.
Formal CDC checking. Exhaustive proof that all clock domain crossings are safe. Part of Xcelium suite.
OneSpin:
Dedicated formal CDC tool. Fast, configurable rules. Often catches issues tools miss.
Dedicated formal CDC tool. Fast, configurable rules. Often catches issues tools miss.
Typical CDC Sign-Off Flow
- 1. Run SpyGlass on RTL (early detection)
- 2. Fix reported violations
- 3. Re-verify with formal tool
- 4. Run simulation (confirm no regressions)
- 5. Document all CDC paths (audit trail)
Day 14: CDC design review checklist.