Design optimizations for microprocessors at low temperature

We investigate trade-offs in microprocessor frequency and system power achievable for low temperature operation in scaled high leakage technologies by combining refrigeration with supply voltage selection, body bias, transistor sizing and shorter channel length. Reducing channel length provides better frequency and power improvement than forward body bias. When, the leakage power is more than 30% of chip power, combining refrigeration with enhancing technology by shorter channel length provides the best trade-off for power and frequency. Categories & Subject Descriptors: Design General Terms: Design, Performance

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: DAC
• Authors: Arman Vassighi, Ali Keshavarzi, Siva Narendra, Gerhard Schrom, Yibin Ye, Seri Lee, Greg Chrysler, Manoj Sachdev, Vivek De
• Keywords: DAC 2004, Design Automation, Forward Body Bias, Leakage Power, Shorter Channel Length