Digital timing integrity: Why might a designer insert a dedicated delay gate (buffer chain) in a synchronous digital circuit?

Introduction / Context:
In synchronous logic, data must satisfy both setup and hold constraints relative to the clock at flip-flop inputs. When propagation along a path is too fast or too slow, designers sometimes insert intentional delay (e.g., buffers) to satisfy these constraints without changing functionality.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Synchronous registers driven by a common clock.
• Paths with either excessive or insufficient delay exist.
• Goal: meet both ts (before edge) and th (after edge).

Concept / Approach:
Setup time requires sufficient path delay so data arrives and settles before the capturing clock edge. Hold time requires a minimum delay so data does not change too soon after the clock edge. A delay gate increases propagation time, helping meet hold. Buffering can also help align skews to meet setup on marginal paths.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluate the failing path: identify whether setup or hold is violated.Add delay where needed to satisfy th (common use) and adjust path balancing to meet ts.Reverify timing across PVT corners.

Verification / Alternative check:
Static timing analysis reports before/after buffer insertion demonstrate positive slack for both ts and th post-fix.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Never needed” is incorrect; hold violations routinely require added delay.Only ts or only th is incomplete; practical fixes often must satisfy both constraints.

Common Pitfalls:
Fixing setup at the expense of creating new hold violations, or ignoring clock skew that shifts apparent margins.

Final Answer:
to provide for setup times and hold times