Title :
A case for NEMS-based functional-unit power gating of low-power embedded microprocessors
Author :
Henry, Michael ; Srivastav, Meeta ; Nazhandali, Leyla
Author_Institution :
Bradley Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
Abstract :
This paper presents a case for using Nano-Electro-Mechanical-System switches for power gating idle functional units of an embedded microprocessor. We achieve an average of 26% total energy savings, with a worst-case 5% increase in cycles. Our work includes detailed comparison with transistor switches, actuation circuitry design, identification of desired switch parameters, and device lifetime analysis.
Keywords :
low-power electronics; microprocessor chips; nanoelectromechanical devices; switches; NEMS; actuation circuitry design; device lifetime analysis; functional unit power gating; low power embedded microprocessors; nanoelectromechanical system switches; switch parameters; total energy savings; transistor switches; Charge pumps; Delay; Logic gates; Nanoelectromechanical systems; Program processors; Switches; Transistors; Functional Units; Low Power; NEMS; Power Gating;
Conference_Titel :
Design Automation Conference (DAC), 2011 48th ACM/EDAC/IEEE
Conference_Location :
New York, NY
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4503-0636-2
