A 65-nm on-chip multi-mode asynchronous local power supply unit for multi-power domain SoCs achieving fine grain DVS

Abstract

This paper discusses a local power supply unit designed for fine grain dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) in a multi-power domain SoC. The proposed power supply unit is fully compatible with an I/O library and adaptable to various logic module power needs. It delivers the module operating voltage, from 1.2 V to 0.6 V, according to predefined operating power modes and is equipped with the module power gating. The designed circuit requires five-I/O-pad pitch area in a 65-nm technology. The first test chip demonstrates that the maximum power efficiency is over 87% and the measured current consumption in stand-by mode is only 19 nA regardless of the connected module.