Step 2: Preparing Design Constraints - 2021.2 English

Vivado Design Suite Tutorial: Creating and Packaging Custom IP

Document ID
UG1119
Release Date
2021-11-17
Version
2021.2 English

The tutorial design includes timing constraints defined in an XDC file (uart_top.xdc). These constraints were defined for the UART design as a standalone design. However, when packaged as an IP, the design inherits some of the needed constraints from the parent design. In this case, you must modify the XDC file to separate constraints the IP requires when used in the context of a parent design, and the constraints the IP requires when used out-of-context (OOC) in a standalone capacity. This requires splitting the current XDC file. You should prepare the design constraints prior to packaging the design for inclusion in the IP catalog; however, you can also perform these steps after packaging the IP.

Important: The Vivado tools create a synthesized design checkpoint (DCP) as part of the default Out-of-Context (OOC) design flow for IP packaging and use.

To ensure that the packaged IP functions properly in the default OOC design flow, the IP packaging must include a standalone XDC file to define all external clocking information for the IP.

Vivado synthesis uses the standalone XDC file in the OOC synthesis run to constrain the IP to the recommended clock frequency.

When used in the context of a top-level design, the parent XDC file provides the clock constraints and the standalone OOC XDC file is not needed.

For more information on the OOC design flow, and the use of the DCP file, see the Vivado Design Suite User Guide: Designing with IP (UG896).

Tip: Depending on the function and use of the packaged IP, you might need to adjust the design constraints to ensure proper scoping. For more information, see "Constraints Scoping" in the Vivado Design Suite User Guide: Using Constraints (UG903).