Patent ID: 8161431

Claim:
A method of enhancing performance of an integrated circuit (IC), the method comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of performance results associated with a plurality of corresponding on-chip performance monitors formed at different respective locations on the IC; associating at least one of the performance results of at least one of the on-chip performance monitors with deterministic combinations of IC performance and at least one of a processing parameter, a supply voltage, and a temperature of the IC; determining an IC processing characterization of the IC as a function of the at least one performance result for at least one prescribed supply voltage and temperature of the IC, the IC processing characterization being indicative of a type of processing used to fabricate the IC; and controlling a voltage supplied to at least a portion of the IC, the voltage being controlled as a function of at least the IC processing characterization so as to satisfy at least one prescribed performance parameter of the IC; wherein the steps are performed at least in part by a processor.