Ultra-low-energy adiabatic dynamic logic circuits using nanoelectromechanical switches

Abstract

Nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches have the unique property of virtually zero leakage current, making it an appealing candidate for implementing dynamic logic circuits. However, NEM switches have relatively slow switching times (tens of nanoseconds) due to their mechanical nature. Adiabatic Dynamic Logic (ADL) is an approach that can achieve ultra-low-energy dissipation when operating at electrically slow speeds. We show through simulation that NEM switches can be used to implement ADL circuits that exploit its zero leakage property while operating at mechanically fast switching speeds. At least an order of magnitude reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional circuit design is shown in simulation using analytical compact modeling.