Altera Quartus II Settings File - Manual (Page 278)

OPTIMIZATION_MODE
Controls the Compiler's high-level optimization strategy. By default, the Quartus II Compiler optimizes in
a balanced mode, targeting the design's timing constraints. The alternate modes cause the Compiler to
prioritize a particular optimization metric. High effort modes primarily enable additional optimizations
that increase compilation time. Aggressive modes may increase compilation time and also make trade-offs
that may harm the other optimization metrics (performance, area, etc.).\r\n\r\n'High Performance Effort'
mode will cause the compiler to target increased positive timing margin (via Standard Fit compilation),
increase the timing optimization effort applied during placement and routing, and enable timing-related
Physical Synthesis optimizations (as allowed by the register optimization settings below). Each of these
additional optimizations can increase compilation time. 'Aggressive Performance' mode enables the same
optimizations as 'High Performance Effort' mode, and additionally enables options during Analysis &
Synthesis to maximize design performance at a potential increase to logic area. If design utilization is
already very high, this option may lead to difficulty in fitting which could also negatively affect overall
optimization quality.\r\n\r\n'High Power Effort' mode guides the Compiler to spend additional
compilation time reducing routing utilization, which saves dynamic power. In 'Aggressive Power' mode,
the Compiler will further target reducing the routing usage of signals with the highest specified (via Signal
Activity File) or estimated toggle rates, saving additional dynamic power but potentially affecting
performance.\r\n\r\n'Aggressive Area' mode instructs the Compiler to target an area minimal solution,
even if this reduces overall timing performance.
Type
Enumeration
Values
• Aggressive Area
• Aggressive Performance
• Aggressive Power
• Balanced
• High Performance Effort
• High Power Effort
Device Support
This setting can be used in projects targeting any Altera device family.
Notes
This assignment is included in the Fitter report.
This assignment is included in the Analysis & Synthesis report.
Syntax
set_global_assignment -name OPTIMIZATION_MODE <value>
Default Value
Balanced
278 OPTIMIZATION_MODE
MNL-Q21005
2015.05.04
Altera Corporation Quartus Settings File Reference Manual
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