From: Fitzpatrick, Joe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> "There is the inconvienient problem with physics.  Power consumption is
> proportional to the SQUARE of the clock rate."
>
> That is completely false, at least with regards to microprocessors.  The
> problem is at the other end.  That is why we moved from 5V to 3.3V
> instead of up to 7V.
>

Joe, I agree with you except for this statement.  Power consumption in all
digital circuits goes up proportional to the clock rate - the switch to low
voltage parts was done so that the faster slew rates needed to run fast
(e.g. 100's of MHz) are possible.  A smaller voltage swing results in a
faster transition.  It is an incidental result of this (although nice) that
lower power is also achieved when the clock rate is not increased.  But
start cranking up that clock and you'll pull much more current, regardless
of your voltage rail.  i.e. don't confuse voltage with power.



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