Patent ID: 7712066
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A power switching circuit for use in an integrated circuit including at least a first voltage rail and a second voltage rail, the power switching circuit comprising: at least one MOS device including a first source/drain physically configured to connect vertically to the first voltage rail, a second source/drain adapted for connection to the second voltage rail, and a gate adapted for receiving a control signal, the at least one MOS device selectively connecting the first voltage rail to the second voltage rail in response to the control signal; wherein the first and second voltage rails are physically configured to form a grid overlying the power switching circuit, the first and second voltage rails being formed in different vertical planes relative to one another, and wherein the connection between the power switching circuit and the first voltage rail is made at a physical intersection between the first and second voltage rails; wherein the first voltage rail comprises an actual ground rail and the second voltage rail comprises a virtual ground rail.