System and method for reducing power of a circuit using critical signal analysis
US9405872B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2119/12
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and methods provide for an analysis of at least a portion of an integrated circuit (IC) that comprises a plurality of modules, for the purpose of identifying signals that can be indicative of the activity of the modules. By analyzing the activity of these signal immediately before and immediately after each module going from non-idle to idle and from idle to non-idle respectively, it is possible to determine which signals provide an indication that the module should be shut down. If the module can be shut down in idle state, then these input signals may be used as control signals for this purpose. By reporting to a designer the role of such signals a simple design change for detecting the activity and controlling the module, can save on power consumption, in ways not previously detected by the designer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.