Implementing the VLSI transition to 3 volts

The 5V power supply has long served as a standard for VLSI circuits. Fundamental forces (such as scaling of physical dimensions, device physics constraints, and the desire for improved power/ performance ratios) are now propelling the industry towards lower voltage operation. By consensus, the next power supply standard could be 3.3V. However, the benefits and difficulties of converting to 3.3V operation vary considerably among memory, logic and analog components. Panelists will review the complex choices facing VLSI manufacturers, and how the transition will affect technology and product characteristics as well as the integration of components at the system level.