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. The digital circuit includes one or more circuit elements of respective circuit element types. In the method, idle power values including idle power values for each circuit element type. The idle power values for each circuit element type correspond to different states of the inputs of a circuit element of the circuit element type. Additionally the idle power values are used to determine, for each circuit element, states of the inputs of the circuit element that would set the circuit element to a lowest-allowable idle power state when the digital circuit is in the idle state. The states determined for those of the inputs that constitute the circuit inputs define the input state vector. The states are also determined accounting for the logic constraints of the digital circuit.