Critical path adaptive power control

Abstract

Modern digital integrated circuits are commonly synchronized in their workings by clock circuits. The clock frequency for a circuit must take into account the propagation delay of signals within the critical path of the circuit. If the clock time is not adequate to allow propagation of signals through the critical path, improper circuit operation may result. The propagation delay is not a constant from circuit to circuit, and even in a single circuit may change due to temperature, power supply voltage and the like. Commonly, this variation is handled by assuming a worse case propagation delay of the critical path, and then designing the clock frequency and minimum power supply voltage of the circuit so that the circuit will function under worst case conditions. However, instead of assuming a worse case propagation delay of the critical path, the propagation delay may be measured in an actual circuit path that has been constructed to be the equivalent to, or slightly worse than, the propagation delay of the critical path. By knowing the actual worst case propagation delay, the circuit may be modified to operate with lower power supply voltages, conserving power and/or to controlling the frequency of the clock, so that the clock may be operated at or near the circuit's actual, not theoretical worst case limit. Such modifications of power supply voltage and/or clock frequency may occur during circuit operation and thus, adapt the circuit to the different operating parameters of each circuit.