Power consumption: a key criterion in system-on-chip design

The first generations of embedded electronic systems may have required particular optimization in terms of energy consumption (e.g. satellite electronics). However, these systems were mainly specific, and the need for low-power design standards and tools did not really emerge. As already mentioned, mobility (e.g. computers, telephones, PDAs, tablets) was the first factor to lead circuit designers to consider energy consumption as an important criterion justifying adapted techniques and tools. The manufacturers concerned then needed approaches clearly supported by silicon foundries and electronic CAD tools to produce circuits with controlled energy consumption. In 2003, for example, the conclusion of an article in HP