Patent ID: 7376541

Claim:
A pin-based memory power dissipation determination method using arc-based characterization, comprising steps of: detecting a number of switching data output pins of a memory as n, said memory including m data output pins; and computing Write power-for a power arc from a clock pin of said memory to a data output pin of said memory when said clock pin switches, a write enable signal of said memory is high, and n data output pins of said memory switch, comprising: for said clock pin, providing first current consumption when said clock pin switches, said write enable signal is high, no data input pin of said memory switches, and none of m data output pins of said memory switches; for said data output pin, providing second current consumption when said clock pin switches, said write enable signal is high, all data input pins of said memory switch, and all said m data output pins of said memory switch; calculating third current consumption caused by switching of said all m data output pins of said memory as: said third current consumption=said second current consumption−said first current consumption; calculating said Write power as: said Write power=said first current consumption +said third current consumption * (said n/said m); and utilizing said Write power to determine a silicon power dissipation for said memory.