In a standard synchronous digital circuit, a setup time violation is observed on a flip-flop's data input. Which of the following modifications is the MOST effective and localized way to fix this specific violation?
A setup time violation means the data path is too slow and data arrives after the required setup time before the clock edge. Option A is a global change that slows down the entire chip. Option B adds more delay, worsening the setup violation. Option C effectively shortens the available time for the data path, also worsening the violation. Option D, reducing the logic delay (e.g., by using faster cells or optimizing the logic), is the direct way to fix a slow data path and resolve the setup violation locally.
