The present invention optimizes the performance of integrated circuits by
adjusting the circuit operating voltage using feedback on process/product
parameters. To determine a desired value for the operating voltage of an
integrated circuit, a preferred embodiment provides for on-wafer probing
of one or more reference circuit structures to measure at least one
electrical or operational parameter of the one or more reference circuit
structures; determining an adjusted value for the operating voltage based
on the measured parameter; and establishing the adjusted value as the
desired value for the operating voltage. The reference circuit structures
may comprise process control monitor structures or structures in other
integrated circuits fabricated in the same production run. In an
alternative embodiment, the one or more parameters are directly measured
from the integrated circuit whose operating voltage is being adjusted.