Ultra low power circuit design and technology

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. The requirements of portability are driving the power supply voltages ever lower. In order to retain performance, it is desirable to lower the thershold voltage which is ultimately limited by subthreshold conduction. A variety of circuit and process voltage operation. technology design solutions to this problem will be discussed including such techniques as direct sensing of subthreshold current, series resistance, switched supplies as well as process optimization for low voltage operation.