Experimental 2.0 V power/performance optimization of a 3.6 V-design CMOS microprocessor-PowerPC 601

An experimental 2.0 V PowerPC 601 microprocessor demonstrating 3/spl times/ active power reduction and performance comparable to the 3.6 V version has been fabricated. The standard 3.6 V 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS technology was modified for low-power operation with unmodified circuits/masks. No degradation to yield was observed. Experimental low-voltage PowerPC 601 process/device alterations and test results are described.<
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