SuVolta chip tech could cut processor power draw in half
updated 06:00 am EDT, Mon June 6, 2011
SuVolta start-up slashes CPU power needs
SuVolta, a start-up created by a group of Silicon Valley veterans has developed a technology that they claim can reduce the power consumption of chips by 50%. Their technology has captured the eye of Fujitsu, who have licensed the SuVolta technology, which it will incorporate into chip designs from next year. Analysts watching the company believe that with Fujitsu onboard, that it is very possible that SuVolta’s technology could gain widespread acceptance and become commonplace.
While Intel recently announced that it was moving to an effective, but expensive 3D fabrication process to achieve power consumption savings, SuVolta is of the view that similar power savings can be achieved on cheaper, traditional manufacturing processes.
The SuVolta chip design is focused on reducing power leakage in existing chip designs. While not spilling the details on their approach, it is said to allow current designs to ultimately draw up to 50% less power than they do without the anti-power leakage technique applied.
While the company has already built working chips with Fujitsu using the technology, it won’t be until the next generation of smaller chip designs arrives next year designed for use in smartphones that the fruits of its labor will become a reality. [via Wall Street Journal]
