HotSpot : Visualizing dynamic power consumption in RTL designs

Abstract

We propose `HotSpot', a tool for the visualization of dynamic power consumption in RTL designs. Using an RTL simulation, the amount of switching activity at major circuit nodes is determined. This information is annotated onto a custom graph of the circuit in the form of `temperature' colour coding. HotSpot highlights areas in which switching activity (and thereby dynamic power consumption) may be reduced. We survey some existing techniques for dynamic power minimization and discuss how HotSpot may identify opportunities for the application of such techniques at RTL. We believe this could lead to reduced power consumption, faster design turnaround and better design practices in future.