Altera PowerPlay Early Power Estimator - Manual (Page 30)

3–18 Chapter 3: Using Cyclone III PowerPlay Early Power Estimator
Power Analysis
PowerPlay Early Power Estimator User Guide for Cyclone III FPGAs © June 2009 Altera Corporation
Power Analysis
The Main section of the PowerPlay Early Power Estimator summarizes the power and
current estimates for the design. The Main section displays the total thermal power,
thermal analysis, and power supply sizing information. The accuracy of the
information depends on the information entered. The power consumed can also vary
greatly depending on the toggle rates entered. The following sections provide a
description of the results of the PowerPlay Early Power Estimator.
Figure 3–12 shows the Thermal Power, Thermal Analysis, and Power Supply Current
areas in the Main section.
Thermal Power
Thermal power is the power dissipated in the device. The total thermal power is
shown in W and is a sum of the thermal power of all the resources being used in the
device. The total thermal power includes the maximum power from standby and
dynamic power.
1
The total thermal power only includes the thermal component for the I/O section and
does not include the external power dissipation, such as from voltage referenced
termination resistors.
Figure 3–13 shows the total thermal power in watts and the static power (P
static
)
consumed by the device. The thermal power for each section is displayed. To see how
the thermal power for a section was calculated, click on the section to view the inputs
entered for that section.
Figure 3–12. Power Areas in Main Section