Dynamic voltage (IR) drop analysis and design closure: Issues and challenges

Abstract

Dynamic voltage (IR) drop, unlike the static voltage drop depends on the switching activity of the design, and hence it is vector dependent. In this paper we have highlighted the pitfalls in the common design closure methodology that addresses static IR drop well, but often fails to bound the impact of dynamic voltage drops robustly. Factors that can affect the accuracy of dynamic IR analysis and the related metrics for design closure are discussed. A structured approach to planning the power distribution and grid for power managed designs is then presented, with an emphasis to cover realistic application scenarios, and how it can be done early in the design cycle. Care-about and solutions to avoid and fix the Dynamic voltage drop issues are also presented. Results are from industrial designs in 45nm process are presented related to the said topics.