The alternative to a CPA is the distributed power architecture, DPA. With the DPA a single, semi-regulated DC voltage is distributed throughout the system and individual DC/DC converters (linear or switching) are located adjacent to each load. The distance between the DC/DC converter and the load, e.g. FPGA, is much shorter with a DPA which reduces the voltage decrease from line resistance and the voltage dip from wiring inductance. This method of local powering of loads is named point-of-load, POL.

