Patent ID: 8924902
Filing Date: 2014-12-30
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for using one or more lower threshold voltage (Lvt) cells in a circuit, comprising: selecting, by a processor, based on target operating specifications of the circuit, one or more cells for the circuit to be Lvt cells; determining, by the processor, one or more operating temperature specifications for the circuit; determining, by the processor, a base supply voltage amplitude for providing power to the one or more Lvt cells as a function of a delay specification for the circuit using a delay-supply voltage profile for the circuit at the one or more operating temperature specifications, such that the base supply voltage amplitude corresponds to a low or lowest supply voltage to the Lvt cells that allows the circuit to meet a target operating speed; forming, by processor, a physical layout of the circuit using the one or more Lvt; and providing a base supply voltage rail in the physical layout of the circuit, wherein the base supply voltage rail is configured to supply a base supply voltage level at the base supply voltage amplitude from a base voltage supply to at least one of the one or more Lvt cells.