Advancements in Low-Power Design Techniques for Digital ICs: Innovations Driving Energy Efficiency in Semiconductor Industry

Techniques for designing digital ICs with low power consumption are discussed in this article by KUSHAL SAWARKAR, a Professional Content Writer specializing in the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry.

Digital integrated circuits (ICs) are utilized in a variety of sectors such as automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. They provide advantages such as being lightweight, small in size, cost-effective, reliable, and easy to replace.

Consegic Business Intelligence predicts that the Digital IC Market will increase in size from USD 93.71 Billion in 2022 to over USD 179.47 Billion by 2031. The market is expected to grow by USD 98.79 Billion in 2023, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2023 to 2031.

The fast-paced growth of the electronics industry is creating a strong need for digital integrated circuits (ICs) that are energy-efficient and consume less power. New methods and advancements in the industry are focused on reducing power usage while still optimizing performance and efficiency.

Important strategies in designing low-power systems include Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), which involves changing the voltage and frequency of a processor in real-time depending on the workload. By lowering the voltage and frequency during times of low activity, DVFS can greatly reduce power consumption. This technique is widely used in modern processors and embedded systems, but it requires advanced control algorithms to effectively manage both performance and power usage.

Clock gating is a technique that helps decrease the amount of power used by turning off the clock signal to parts of the circuit that are not being utilized. This helps prevent unnecessary power consumption and only allows power to be used by active parts of the circuit, making the system more efficient. Clock gating can be applied at different levels, from larger blocks to individual flip-flops.

Power gating is a technique that involves shutting off power to specific sections of a circuit when they are not being used. This can help to decrease the amount of power consumed by the circuit, both when active and in standby modes. To implement power gating successfully, designers must carefully plan the placement of power switches and control circuits so that the modules can be quickly activated without impacting the circuit's overall performance.

Multi-Threshold CMOS is a technology that uses transistors with varying threshold voltages in a single circuit to find a middle ground between speed and power efficiency. It employs high-threshold transistors to reduce leakage current and low-threshold transistors in areas where fast operation is essential.

Adiabatic switching is a method that reduces energy loss by gradually charging and discharging capacitors, allowing energy to be reused within the circuit. It is a technique that focuses on reversible computing and aims to minimize the energy lost during each operation.

In the field of low-power design, there have been many important advancements and progress made. Renesas Electronics has introduced new third-generation 5G mmWave beamforming ICs that incorporate Dynamic Array Power technology. These advanced ICs are able to adapt the output power to a wide range of levels, providing flexibility and efficiency for 5G applications.

Incorporating artificial intelligence directly into devices has led to the creation of power systems that can adapt in real-time, improving energy efficiency. Advanced power management ICs are now available for various industries such as automotive and industrial sectors. Companies like ROHM have developed small and user-friendly DC-DC converter ICs to help save energy in consumer electronics.

Current studies are concentrating on improving existing techniques and exploring different materials and transistor structures. One example is the FinFET multigate technology, which is showing potential in reducing leakage currents and improving power efficiency.

In summary, the constant development of techniques to reduce power consumption in digital integrated circuits is mainly motivated by the growing demand for energy efficiency in a highly connected society. Progress in managing dynamic power, creating new IC designs, and incorporating smart systems is setting higher standards for the industry, ensuring that upcoming devices will be both strong and environmentally friendly.

Origin: Achieving Business Insights: Digital Integrated Circuit Market

Other articles on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, EV charging points, generative AI apps, ESG reports, electronics manufacturing trends, and IoT field trials are available. STMicroelectronics is highlighted for its microcontroller innovations and commitment to empowering edge AI innovation, as well as its advancements in power electronics for aircraft electrification. Additionally, there will be discussions on strategic sourcing and distribution solutions, as well as a webinar on solder paste process control hosted by Seika Machinery. Click Snap from MIKROE is also mentioned for reducing size, weight, and power for final products.