A new algorithm for improved VDD assignment in low power dual VDD systems

Abstract

We present the first in-depth study of the two existing algorithms, namely, Clustered Voltage Scaling (CVS) and Extended Clustered Voltage Scaling (ECVS), used for assigning the voltage supply to gates in integrated circuits having dual power supplies. We present a comparison of the achievable power savings using these algorithms on various benchmark circuits and first point out that ECVS does provide appreciably larger power improvements compared to CVS. We then provide a new algorithm based on ECVS that further improves the power savings by efficient assignment of the power supplies to the gates. Our new algorithm provides up to 66% power reduction and improves the power savings by up to 28% and 13% with respect to CVS and ECVS respectively. Furthermore, since level conversion is an essential component of dual power supply systems we also present the first circuit-specific sensitivity study of achievable power savings to the energy and delay penalties imposed by level conversion.