Enabling energy-efficient ternary logic gates using CNFETs

Abstract

Traditional silicon binary circuits continue to face major challenges such as high leakage power dissipation and high area of interconnections. Multiple-Valued Logic (MVL) and nano-devices are two feasible solutions to overcome these problems. In this paper, a novel method is presented to design ternary logic circuits based on Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors (CNFETs). The proposed designs use the unique properties of CNFETs such as adjusting the Carbon Nanontube (CNT) diameters to have the desired threshold voltage and having the same mobility of P-FET and N-FET transistors. Each of our designed logic circuits implement a logic function and its complement via a control signal. Also, these circuits have a high impedance state which saves power while the circuits are not in use. The proposed ternary circuits are simulated using HSPICE with the standard 32nm CNFET technology. The simulation results indicate the correct operation of the designs under different Process, Voltage and Temperature (PVT) variations.