Low voltage microprocessors, the inevitable future

Abstract

The laws of physics will necessitate that future microprocessors operate with ever decreasing power supply voltages. Smaller process technologies, higher integration, and faster internal frequencies are requiring the reduction of the power supply voltage. This paper is an insightful look at the challenges of designing with low voltage microprocessors. An embedded reference design based on a military Pentium processor is presented as a primary example. Topics included in the paper include explanation of the reasons for lowering supply voltage, techniques for interfacing devices of different voltage technologies, and the creation of an accurate low voltage power supply.