On-chip power distribution grids with multiple supply voltages for high performance integrated circuits

ABSTRACT

Multiple supply voltages are often utilized to decrease power dissipation in high performance integrated circuits. On-chip power distribution grids with multiple supply voltages are discussed in this paper. A power distribution grid with multiple supply voltages and multiple grounds is presented. The proposed power delivery scheme reduces power supply voltage drops as compared to conventional power distribution systems with dual supplies and a single ground by 17% on average (20% maximum). For an example power grid with decoupling capacitors placed between the power supply and ground, the proposed grid with multiple supply and multiple ground exhibits, respectively, 13% and 18% average performance improvement. The proposed power distribution grid can be an alternative to a single supply voltage and single ground power distribution system.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.7 INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
      B.7.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
decoupling capacitors, multiple power supply voltages, power distribution grids, power distribution systems