An Approach to Measure the Performance Impact of Dynamic Voltage Fluctuations Using Static Timing Analysis

Abstract

Design closure for predictable silicon performance is emerging as the most challenging digital VLSI design problem in advanced deep-submicron technology nodes. One of the significant problems is effective power-grid distribution,and the comprehension of the impact of voltage drops in the power grid on design timing and performance. This paper proposes a way by which the complex interactions between timing and dynamic power drops can be comprehended without being significantly pessimistic, while also not losing out on accuracy. We highlight the heuristics that we have used in this regard to reduce the complexity of the timing analysis, and to reduce the overall computation time. The overall method uses conventional analysis approaches for dynamic voltage-drop and timing. This method proposes options for comprehending effects of dynamic voltage drops during traditional design-closure methods and also highlights means of validating any assumptions made. Comparison results between performance degradation due to voltage drop assumptions and the traditional margin based approaches show significant reduction in the pessimism and these are presented in this paper.