Digital subthreshold logic design - Motivation and challenges

Sagi Fisher, Adam Teman, Dmitry Vaysman, Alexander Gertsman, Orly Yadid-Pecht, Alexander Fish

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Wide utilization of portable battery-operated devices in modern applications triggers a demand for ultra low-power designs. Many circuit techniques have been successfully applied to reduce both dynamic and leakage components of power. Recently, digital subthreshold circuit design has become a very promising method for ultra-low power applications. Circuits operating in the subthreshold region utilize a supply voltage (VDD) that is close to or even less than the threshold voltages of the transistors. This low V DD operation results in ultra low-power dissipation of the circuit, but significantly increases the circuit's propagation delay. In this paper a review of the advantages of the subthreshold circuits compared to the conventional strong inversion circuits is presented. Design challenges in advanced sub-micron technologies are presented through simulation results in 90nm and 65nm processes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2008 IEEE 25th Convention of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Israel, IEEEI 2008
Pages702-706
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event2008 IEEE 25th Convention of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Israel, IEEEI 2008 - Eilat, Israel
Duration: 3 Dec 20085 Dec 2008

Publication series

NameIEEE Convention of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Israel, Proceedings

Conference

Conference2008 IEEE 25th Convention of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Israel, IEEEI 2008
Country/TerritoryIsrael
CityEilat
Period3/12/085/12/08

Keywords

  • Battery-operated devices
  • Subthreshold digital circuit
  • Ultra lowpower

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