Performance Analysis of Multilayer Graphene Nano-Ribbon in Current-Mode Signaling Interconnect System

Abstract

In nanometer regime, graphene nano-ribbon (GNR) has been identified as one of the prominent materials for on-chip interconnects. Current-mode signaling (CMS) has higher performance over conventional voltage-mode signaling (VMS) technique. VMS technique has received wide attention. However, impressive CMS technique has been less explored and needs more investigation. This paper efficiently analyzes multilayer graphene nano-ribbon (MLGNR) interconnect using current-mode signaling technique. Propagation delay, power dissipation and bandwidth are determined for CMS MLGNR interconnect. The performance of CMS MLGNR interconnect is compared with CMS copper interconnect. MLGNR interconnect is analyzed using equivalent single conductor (ESC) model and is driven by CMOS gate. It is analyzed that with increase in interconnect length, propagation delay increases while power dissipation and bandwidth decrease. The effect of variations in number of graphene layers in MLGNR interconnect is also analyzed. It is investigated that as the number of graphene layers increases, the performance of MLGNR interconnect improves. Further, the impact of variations in signal transition period is examined. The signal transition period variations severely affect the performance of the system. It is investigated that CMS MLGNR interconnect outperforms its counterpart CMS copper interconnect and is aptly suited for integrated circuit designs.