RNS multi-voltage low-power multiply-add unit

In this paper an efficient way to exploit multi-Vdd standard-cell libraries is quantitatively investigated as a means to reduce power consumption of multiply-add units. It is shown that multi-Vdd library-based design is suitable for RNS systems due to their inherent modular organization. In particular the paths defined by the isolated moduli channels are clearly distinguished and the designer can easily and efficiently determine high- and low-voltage areas in the design. A five-moduli RNS system has been implemented including RNS-to-Binary and Binary-to-RNS converters.