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Lowering Power using the Voltage Identification Bit

Lowering Power using the Voltage Identification Bit

Voltage identification is a form of adaptive voltage scaling (AVS). The voltage-identification technique described in this application note enables certain devices in the Virtex®-7 family to be operated at a lower voltage of 0.9V while delivering the same specified performance as that of a device operating at the nominal supply voltage of 1.0V. Voltage identification capable devices consume approximately 30% lower worst case (maximum) static power and correspondingly dissipate less heat.

Reduced power consumption is a desirable characteristic and one that Xilinx 7 series FPGAs fulfill in multiple ways. The primary purpose of the voltage-identification technique is to reduce the worst-case power consumption of -1C devices. However, the significance of the voltage-identification technique goes beyond an individual device dissipating less energy, it also can lower the overall system cost.



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Power supplies and thermal management requirements are normally specified based on the worst-case power demands of all the system’s components. Although the 7 series FPGAs -1C devices are the most cost-effective, the total cost of a product is the sum of all parts, and costs associated with the power supply and thermal management can be significant. The voltage-identification technique specifically reduces worst-case power consumption, which reduces the overall costs associated with specifying a larger power supply, requiring a heat sink, adding forced air cooling, or including similar devices.

This application note shows the technical aspects of implementing the voltage-identification technique and introduces a reference design for the VC707 evaluation kit. It also explains how voltage identification fits into the complete power portfolio of Virtex-7 FPGAs and highlights the benefits of using the voltage-identification technique to reduce power consumption and system costs.

 


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