Cyclone V vs Cyclone IV static power

Hi Flz.

From my experience in running power analysis on Cyclone V vs Cyclone III/IV.

The static power is higher in Cyclone V, but the dynamic power was significantly lower.

So there was a wash in or improvement in power if the total number of LE was about the same.

I wasn't using the low power version of the Cyclone IV in my testing (1.0 V) core, so you need to keep that in mind if you are using the 1.0V core.

Static power at smaller geometries always get worse, because leakage currents go up. Although they have improved the material and at 14 nM they are going to a different geometry to combat this issue, it still holds true, it's just not as bad as it could be...

However, unless you design is just sitting idle the entire time, look at the dynamic power as well.

I think the marketing term of 40% savings, has a disclaimer if you read the fine print that it's related to dynamic power..

Dynamic power is basically follows the formula Power=CV^2F so reducing the core voltage is a big win for power. You can also reduce C in smaller geometries if your traces are short because the transistors are closer together.

The F term, Frequency is assumed is the same, but the benefit of smaller geometries, you can switch the transistor faster as well.

Pete