Design optimization for an 8-bit microcontroller in wireless biomédical sensors

This paper focuses on the design of an ultra low power 8-bit microcontroller for wireless biomédical sensors using advanced low power techniques such as Operand Isolation, Clock-Gating, Multi-Threshold Voltage and Power Gating. In addition, we have conducted a study based on the area, timing performances and power consumptions by benchmarking different low power design techniques. These statistical data allow us to have a thorough understanding of the various low power techniques. Finally, the fully implemented low power design shows that a total core power reduction of about 67.43% was achieved with a small area overhead of 0.3% compared to the original design while maintaining an operating clock frequency of 100 MHz at 900mV supply voltage These designs are implemented using Chartered Advantage High Speed 65nm Generic Multi-threshold Technology Libraries.