Genetic algorithm-based multiple voltages assignment considering the power network complexity and level shifters

Abstract

Power consumption has become one of crucial challenges for modern SoC design. Multiple Supply Voltages (MSV) technique is an effective way to reduce the SoC power consumption. In this paper, we apply the MSV design method to reduce power consumption during post-floorplanning. First, an improved method to model the power supply network complexity is proposed, then a cost function including power consumption, power network complexity and the number of level shifters is proposed and genetic algorithm is exploited to assign the most appropriate supply voltage to each module. Experimental results show that our proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the chip total power consumption while the overhead of MSV design is controlled at a lower level.