Integrated Circuit with Interface Circuitry, and an Interface Cell for Such Interface Circuitry

摘要

An integrated circuit is provided with interface circuitry used to provide an interface between functional circuitry of the integrated circuit and components external to the integrated circuit. The functional circuitry is configured to operate from a first power supply and has a power supply distribution network associated therewith providing the first power supply to the functional components of the functional circuitry. The interface comprises a plurality of interface cells that have interface components operating from a second power supply different to the first power supply. A power supply line structure is shared by the plurality of interface cells, and arranged to provide the second power supply to the interface components. In addition, at least a subset of the interface cells include additional interface components that operate from the first power supply. Each such interface cell is arranged to have independent connection to the power supply distribution network in order to receive the first power supply. This avoids the need to incorporate any lines within the power supply line structure for provision of the first power supply to such additional interface components.

主权项

1. An integrated circuit comprising:
functional circuitry comprising functional components configured to perform processing functions required by the integrated circuit, the functional circuitry configured to operate from a first power supply; a power supply distribution network associated with the functional circuitry and configured to provide said first power supply to the functional components; interface circuitry configured to provide an interface between the functional circuitry and components external to the integrated circuit, the interface circuitry comprising a plurality of interface cells having interface components configured to operate from a second power supply different to the first power supply; a power supply line structure shared by said plurality of interface cells, and configured to provide said second power supply to the interface components; and at least a subset of said interface cells further comprising additional interface components configured to operate from said first power supply, each interface cell in said at least a subset having an independent connection to the power supply distribution network in order to receive the first power supply.