The method defines an input state vector that achieves low power consumption when applied to the circuit inputs of a digital circuit in an idle state. In the method, independent determinations are performed. Each determination defines a respective set of the input states of the input state vector. Any conflict the definitions of any one or more of the input states is resolved in favor of the definition of the one or more of the input states that achieves the lowest idle power consumption when the input state vector incorporating the one or more of the input states in accordance with the definition is applied to the circuit inputs of the digital circuit in the idle state.