Exploration of on-chip switched-capacitor DC-DC converter for multicore processors using a distributed power delivery network

In this paper, we explore the design of on-chip switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC converters in the context of multicore processors, using an accurate power grid simulator. Results show that distributed design of SC converters can reduce the IR drop by up to 74% compared to the lumped design, with improved supply voltage. We also demonstrate the usage of SC converters for multi-domain power supply.