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Multi Voltage Area

Multi-level voltage design in VLSI and FPGA optimizes power consumption and performance by using multiple voltage domains within a chip. It allows for power savings, performance optimization, and thermal management, particularly beneficial for low-power and mobile applications. Key components include level shifters, isolation cells, and power switches, while challenges involve voltage noise, timing integrity, and power planning.

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38 views3 pages

Multi Voltage Area

Multi-level voltage design in VLSI and FPGA optimizes power consumption and performance by using multiple voltage domains within a chip. It allows for power savings, performance optimization, and thermal management, particularly beneficial for low-power and mobile applications. Key components include level shifters, isolation cells, and power switches, while challenges involve voltage noise, timing integrity, and power planning.

Uploaded by

balanallam1005
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Multi-level Voltage

Multi-level voltage (or multi-voltage) designs are widely used in VLSI and FPGA design
to optimize power consumption, performance, and system efficiency. Below is a
comprehensive explanation:

What is Multi-Level Voltage in VLSI Design?

Multi-level voltage design involves using multiple power supply voltage domains within
the same chip or design to achieve a balance between performance and power
efficiency. Different design parts operate at different voltage levels depending on their
performance requirements and power constraints.

Why Use Multi-Level Voltage?


• Power Savings: Lowering the voltage reduces dynamic power consumption
(P∝V2P \propto V^2), which is critical for low-power applications.
• Performance Optimization: High-performance blocks may require higher
voltages for faster operation, while non-critical blocks can operate at lower
voltages.

• Thermal Management: Reducing power dissipation leads to lower thermal


output.
• Battery Life Extension: Especially important in mobile and portable devices.

Key Terminologies
1. Voltage Domain: A section of a design that operates at a specific voltage level.
2. Level Shifters: Special circuits used to transfer signals between different voltage
domains.

3. Power Gating: Turning off power to certain blocks when they are idle to save
power.
4. Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS): Adjusting the supply voltage dynamically
based on workload requirements.
5. Retention Cells: Special flip-flops that retain data when powered down.

6. Power Island: A block of circuitry that can be powered on/off or operated at


different voltage levels independently.
Components in Multi-Level Voltage Design
1. Level Shifters

• Used to connect voltage domains with different operating voltages.


• Types:
o High-to-Low Shifters: Simple buffer-based design
o Low-to-High Shifters: Requires pull-up circuitry to drive the signal to a
higher level
• Placement is crucial to avoid timing bottlenecks.
2. Isolation Cells
• Prevent leakage currents when one voltage domain is powered down.
• Ensure safe signal communication when voltage domains are in different states.
3. Retention Cells
• Flip-flops that retain state information during power-down conditions.
• Useful for maintaining system state in low-power modes.
4. Power Switches (MTCMOS)

• Used for power gating by disconnecting the power supply from specific blocks.
• Implemented using high-threshold voltage transistors to reduce leakage.

Design Challenges

1. Voltage Noise and IR Drop


• Ensure that voltage levels remain stable despite dynamic current changes.
2. Timing and Signal Integrity
• Timing violations can occur at the boundary of voltage domains due to delays
introduced by level shifters.
3. Power Planning and Routing
• Proper placement of power grids and power switches to minimize IR drop and
ensure uniform power distribution.

4. Power-Up Sequencing
• Ensure the correct power-on sequence to avoid latch-up and circuit damage.
Design Flow for Multi-Level Voltage in Physical Design

1. RTL Design and Partitioning

o Identify blocks with different voltage requirements.


2. Floorplanning
o Place voltage domains and define power grids accordingly.
3. Power Planning

o Design power rings and power grids for each voltage domain.
o Insert power switches and retention cells.
4. Placement
o Ensure that cells within the same domain are clustered to minimize
routing complexity.
5. Insertion of Level Shifters and Isolation Cells
o Automatically or manually place level shifters at the boundaries between
voltage domains.
6. Clock Distribution

o Ensure that clock signals meet timing requirements across voltage


domains.
7. Power Analysis
o Perform dynamic and static power analysis to verify power efficiency.

8. Verification
o Run multi-voltage aware timing and power simulations.
o Validate the design for power-up/power-down sequences.
Best Practices for Multi-Voltage Design

1. Voltage Domain Partitioning: Identify performance-critical and low-power


blocks early in the design.
2. Use of Automated Tools: Use EDA tools that support multi-voltage design (e.g.,
Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC).

3. Proper Placement of Level Shifters: Ensure that they do not become timing
bottlenecks.
4. Power Grid Design: Ensure robust power delivery with minimal IR drop.

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