Oasys-RTL vs. Ansys PowerArtist

Oasys-RTL addresses the needs for greater capacity, reduced runtimes, improved quality of results (QoR), and enhanced physical awareness by conducting optimization at a higher abstraction level while integrating features for floorplanning and placement. By enhancing physical accuracy and streamlining optimization cycles, this tool significantly elevates the quality of the final results, facilitating timely design closure. Its synthesis capabilities are power-aware, featuring support for multi-threshold libraries, automatic clock gating, and a flow based on UPF for multi-voltage domains. Throughout the synthesis phase, Oasys-RTL smartly integrates level shifters, isolation cells, and retention registers as per the power intent defined in the UPF framework. Furthermore, Oasys-RTL boasts the ability to create a floorplan directly from the design's RTL through dataflow application while adhering to various constraints such as timing, power, area, and congestion. It skillfully incorporates regions, fences, blockages, and other physical directives using sophisticated floorplan editing tools, automatically optimizing the layout by positioning macros, pins, and pads. This comprehensive method not only simplifies the management of intricate designs but also ensures that designers can fulfill rigorous performance expectations effectively. Ultimately, Oasys-RTL stands out as a vital tool for modern design challenges, enabling teams to achieve optimal results with efficiency and precision.

Ansys PowerArtist is recognized as the premier RTL design-for-power solution favored by leading low-power semiconductor companies, aiding in the early detection and mitigation of power issues. This innovative platform boasts features such as physically-aware RTL power precision, tools for interactive debugging of power-related challenges, and methodologies driven by analysis aimed at reducing power consumption, alongside unique metrics to assess both power efficiency and vector coverage. Furthermore, it supports swift power profiling grounded in real-world workloads and guarantees a seamless transition from RTL to maintaining the integrity of the physical power grid. The specially crafted physically-aware modeling capabilities of PowerArtist empower semiconductor firms to achieve trustworthy and rapid RTL power accuracy, which aids in making informed decisions at the earliest phases of design. Relying solely on synthesis to evaluate power consumption can prove to be too late; therefore, design teams utilize PowerArtist to meticulously break down and scrutinize power usage, effectively identify inefficient RTL code, and detect any unnecessary toggles present in the design. Additionally, the platform allows for the rapid profiling of extensive cycles, ensuring optimal performance throughout the development process. This all-encompassing methodology not only boosts overall efficiency but also significantly simplifies the design workflow, leading to faster project completion and enhanced product quality.