Method to generate circuit energy models for macros containing internal clock gating

Abstract

A method, a computer program, and an apparatus are provided for generating circuit energy models for a macro containing internal clock gating. Circuit energy models are used to estimate system power consumption. The present invention enables circuit energy models to be created for macros that contain internal clock gating and multiple clock gating inputs. To achieve accurate power estimates a voltage supply is connected to each clock activate signal. Energy tables are then created based upon the macro's input switching factor percentage and clock activation percentage. These power tables are generated from a minimum number of power simulations. By incorporating internally generated clock activate signals into the power estimations the macro energy tables are much more accurate.