Characterizing and modeling minimum energy operation for subthreshold circuits

Subthreshold operation is emerging as an energy-saving approach to many new applications. This paper examines energy minimization for circuits operating in the subthreshold region. We show the dependence of the optimum VDD for a given technology on design characteristics and operating conditions. Solving equations for total energy provides an analytical solution for the optimum VDD and VT to minimize energy for a given frequency in subthreshold operation. SPICE simulations of a 200K transistor FIR filter confirm the analytical solution and the dependence of the minimum energy operating point on important parameters. Categories and Subject Descriptors B.6.3 [Design Aids] - optimization General Terms Performance, Design, Reliability Keywords Subthreshold circuits, Subthreshold model, Minimum energy point, Energy model

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: ISLPED
• Authors: Benton H. Calhoun, Anantha Chandrakasan
• Keywords: ISLPED 2004, Minimum Energy, Optimum Vdd, Subthreshold Operation