Patent attributes
A circuit and method efficiently powers a static storage element during a low voltage mode of operation. The static storage element is powered at a first voltage level in an active mode of the static storage element. The static storage element is powered in a low power mode using alternating first and second phases. Powering the static storage element during the first phases in the low power mode includes powering the static storage element at or below a second voltage level, wherein powering the static storage element during the second phases in the low power mode includes powering the static storage element at a higher voltage level than the second voltage level. In another form two modes of low power operation are used where a first mode uses a less power efficient operation than the second mode, but both are more power efficient than a normal power mode.
