Reducing leakage current in a data processing apparatus

摘要

The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and method for reducing leakage current during a power down mode of operation. The data processing apparatus comprises a dynamic node, precharge circuitry arranged during a precharge phase to precharge the dynamic node to a first voltage level, and evaluation circuitry arranged to receive a number of input signals and during an evaluate phase to selectively drive the dynamic node to a second voltage level dependent on the input signals. In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus also includes power down drive circuitry arranged when the data processing apparatus is to enter a power down mode to drive the dynamic node to the second voltage level. It has been found that by driving the dynamic node to the second voltage level during a power down mode of operation, a significant reduction in the leakage current is observed.