Low-power design is an important aspect of chip design, crucial for extending the battery life of portable devices, reducing energy consumption, and improving overall system performance. Here are some common low-power design methods:
1. Clock-Based Low-Power Design
This method involves shutting down or reducing the clock frequency when not needed, as clock activity is the primary source of dynamic power consumption. By using clock gating technology, the clock can be turned off in unused modules, significantly reducing power consumption.
2. Voltage Domain-Based Low-Power Design
This method includes using different supply voltages for circuit modules with different functions. For example, core logic may operate at a lower voltage to save power, while higher performance modules may require a higher voltage.
3. Multi-Threshold Libraries
Using standard cell libraries with different threshold voltages can optimize the balance between power consumption and performance. High-threshold cells consume less static power in standby mode but require a higher voltage to guarantee performance during operation.
4. RTL-Level Low-Power Design
When designing at the Register Transfer Level (RTL), power consumption factors should be considered, such as optimizing algorithms and data paths to reduce switching activities and lower power consumption.
5. Modular Design
This method involves dividing the entire system into multiple modules and shutting down inactive modules as needed, referred to as module shut-down or power islanding.
6. Upgrading Manufacturing Processes
With advancements in technology, adopting more advanced manufacturing processes can reduce transistor leakage, thus lowering static power consumption.
7. Reducing Operating Voltage
Dynamic power consumption is proportional to the square of the operating voltage, so reducing the operating voltage is an effective method to decrease power consumption. However, this may affect performance and requires careful consideration.
8. Using Standard Cells with Different Speeds
Selecting appropriate speed standard cells based on performance requirements can avoid over-design and reduce unnecessary power consumption.
9. Applying Different Voltage Supplies in Different Regions
Using different supply voltages for different functional modules allows for more precise power management.
In summary, low-power design is a complex process that involves multiple levels and requires comprehensive consideration from system architecture, circuit design, and process technology. As technology advances, new low-power design methods continue to be proposed and implemented to address the growing performance and energy efficiency challenges.
What low-power techniques have you used in your actual projects? Feel free to leave a comment or join our fan group for discussion.
