Timing
Setup Time
The minimum time before the clock edge during which the data signal must be stable for reliable capture.
Detailed Explanation
Setup time ensures the flip-flop's internal circuitry has settled before the clock samples the data. Violating setup time can cause metastability or incorrect capture. Setup violations are fixed by reducing combinational path delay.
Setup time constraint: Tclk > Tlogic + Tsetup + Tskew. Faster clocks require shorter logic paths or less setup time. Process, voltage, and temperature variations affect setup time.