A switching noise vision of the optimization techniques for low-power synthesis

Different techniques used by a CAD tool that automatically optimize power consumption at gate-level circuit have been investigated in terms of switching noise generation. Such techniques, clock-gating, sleep-mode and others at a gate-level are usual saving power techniques, but are rarely applied to switching noise reduction. The reduction of peaks in supply current is of great interest due to their impact in sensitive parts of a circuit. An estimation of these peaks has been done at a gate level by two different tools (PrimePower and NanoSim, both from Synopsys) providing both the power supply current waveform along time, the average and the peak power for different synthesized circuits to check the effectiveness of such low-power techniques for switching noise reduction. As conclusions, although both tools provide an estimation of peak power, only NanoSim gives accurate values, and how these optimization techniques for low-power are, in general, useful for switching noise reduction.