Clock-Domain Power Simulation for Accurate IC Energy Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional simulation methods for integrated circuits face challenges in accurately estimating power consumption due to the complexity of multiple clock domains with varying operational states, leading to excessive estimation time and low accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A simulation method that models multiple clock domains independently, calculates power consumption based on energy values, and stores simulation results to accurately estimate power consumption by distinguishing between leakage and dynamic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional simulation methods are used for integrated circuits with multiple clock domains, then the simulation can be performed with a single unified model, but the power consumption estimation accuracy deteriorates and estimation time increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into multiple clock domains based on clock flow analysis. Each clock domain is independently modeled and simulated, allowing for accurate power consumption estimation specific to each domain's operational characteristics while reducing overall simulation complexity and time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different simulation models and parameters are applied to different clock domains based on their specific operational states and characteristics. This localized approach ensures that each domain is simulated with the appropriate level of detail and accuracy, improving overall power consumption estimation without uniformly increasing simulation time across the entire circuit.
2Measurement precision
If multiple clock domains are modeled independently with different operational states, then power consumption estimation accuracy improves, but the device complexity and modeling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the circuit into distinct clock domains, the complex task of modeling the entire circuit is broken down into manageable smaller models. Each domain's complexity is reduced by focusing only on the relevant operational states and signals for that specific domain, while the overall system accuracy is maintained through the aggregation of individual domain results.
Solution Approach 2:
Clock flow analysis is performed in advance to identify and delineate clock domains before detailed simulation begins. This preliminary action organizes the circuit structure and operational states beforehand, reducing the complexity of the actual simulation process by pre-establishing the modeling framework and domain boundaries.
3Productivity
If clock-based modeling methods segment the circuit into clock domains, then power consumption estimation becomes more manageable, but the methods fail when multiple clocks drive a single integrated circuit with domains in different operational states
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation method is designed to handle both single-clock and multi-clock scenarios within a unified framework. The system can adaptively model clock domains regardless of whether they are driven by a single clock or multiple clocks, making the methodology universally applicable to various integrated circuit configurations and operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The modeling approach dynamically adapts to the operational states of different clock domains. When multiple clocks are present, the system independently models each clock domain's specific operational characteristics, allowing the simulation to flexibly respond to varying clock conditions and operational states without requiring a complete methodological overhaul.
Data Source
AI summary
The technical idea of the present disclosure pertains to a simulation method and an integrated circuit simulation system for estimating power consumption of an integrated circuit. The method, according to this technical idea, involves determining a clock domain based on a clock flow in the integrated circuit, executing simulation for various modeling signals with different patterns in the targeted modeling clock domain, collecting an energy value consumed by each of the modeling signals based on a simulation result, and calculating the power consumption of the modeling clock domain based on at least one characteristic of the simulation clock.