2.1 I/O Voltage Scaling

FPGAs often interface with a variety of external devices, such as processors, memory modules, sensors, and other peripherals, each of which may operate at different voltage levels (e.g., 1.2V, 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V). Implementing appropriate I/O voltage scaling is essential to ensure compatibility and reliable communication between the FPGA and these devices.

Utilizing lower I/O voltages can significantly reduce overall power consumption, which is especially important for battery-powered and energy-efficient applications. In some cases, higher I/O voltages (overvolting) may be used to achieve higher operating frequencies and improved performance. Many modern FPGAs and associated components allow voltage regulation to be controlled through software, enabling dynamic adjustment of supply voltages for the core, RAM, PCI Express, and other subsystems. This flexibility allows designers to optimize power and performance based on application requirements.