Optimal design of RAM cell using novel 2:1 multiplexer in QCA technology

Abstract

Purpose Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) has attracted computer scientists as new emerging nanotechnology for replacement the current CMOS technology because it has unique characteristics such as high frequency, extremely small feature size and low power consumption. The main building blocks in QCA are the majority gate and inverter so any Boolean function can be represented using these gates. Many important circuits were the target for implemented in this technology in an optimal form, such as random-access memory (RAM) cell. QCA-RAM cells were introduced in literature with different forms but most of them are not optimized enough. This paper aims to demonstrate QCA inherent capabilities that can facilitate the design of many important gates such as the XOR gate and multiplexer (MUX) without following any Boolean function to get an optimum design in terms of complexity and delay. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a novel structure of QCA-MUX in an optimal form will be used to design two unique structures of a RAM cell. The proposed RAM cells are the lowest cost required compared with different counterparts. The presented RAM cells used a new approach that follows the new suggested block diagram. The presented circuits are simulated and tested with QCADesigner and QCAPro tools. Findings The comparison of the proposed circuits with the previously reported in the literature show noticeable improvements in speed, area, and the number of cells. The cost function analysis results for the proposed RAM cells show significant improvement compared to older circuits. Originality/value A novel structure of QCA-MUX in an optimal form will be used to design two unique structures of a RAM cell.