Medium VLSI Design Low Power Design
How do you handle voltage domain crossing in VLSI?
Answer
Voltage domain crossing occurs when signals pass between regions at different supply voltages. Level shifters convert voltage levels: Low-to-high shifter boosts voltage, High-to-low shifter reduces voltage (simpler). Isolation cells prevent floating or illegal values when power domain is off. Implementation: Insert level shifters at domain boundaries, use isolation for power-gated domains, consider timing impact of shifters, and verify correct shifter insertion. Special cells handle retention signals. UPF (Unified Power Format) specifies power intent for automated tool handling.
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