Hercules: A Power Analyzer for MOS VLSI Circuits

摘要

We present new accurate slope based models for efficient computation of both the switching and direct currents in nMOS and CMOS. These models, along with the depth-first search of stages, are incorporated into a power analysis CAD tool Hercules. In addition to the current levels in a circuit, Hercules reports the worst case voltage drops from the power pin to the device drain/source validating the power bus design. The metal segments in the power/ground bus having potential electromigration problem are flagged. All the cascaded drivers whose size ratio deviates significantly from the ideal ratio based on the power consumption are also detected.