QCA-LG: A tool for the automatic layout generation of QCA combinational circuits

Abstract

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a promising successor for CMOS transistor technology, while allowing the implementation of logic circuits using quantum devices, such as quantum dots or single domain nano magnets, a new set of tools must be developed to assist the design and implementation process. Examples of such tools are the QCADesigner for handmade layout and physical simulation, and also tools for majority logic optimization. Since no tool is available for assisting the QCA layout generation, we propose tool to automatically generate the layout of QCA circuits. This tool, designated by QCA-Layout Generator (QCA-LG), was integrated in a general QCA technology design flow, accepting the most used formats of the synthesis tools and producing the layout output according to the QCADesigner tool. Therefore, the layout of a logical circuit described in VHDL is automatically generated, and can be further optimized by hand and simulated using the QCADesigner. Examples of layouts automatic generated by the QCA-LG are presented for simple logical circuits, and are also compared with optimal layouts designed by hand.