CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO LOW POWER:
The need for portable devices operating at low power and at high speeds is growing
day by day. During the recent years there is a huge demand for portable devices and they all
demand for low power dissipation. Hence low power design has emerged as a very striking
and fast growing field. High performance digital systems such as microprocessors and other
applications demand for low power design. The low power operation is essential mainly to
increase the battery life and to reduce the excess of heat. In view of this it is essential to
minimize the power dissipation in digital integrated circuits.
The various techniques that are employed to reduce the power dissipation are
recycling the energy that might be stored in nodal capacitances, reduction in voltages and
currents, reduction in transitions (0 to 1 or 1 to 0), and so on. The techniques based on
operation at very low currents usually below the normal conduction region, especially in FET
based circuits is known as sub threshold operation. Sub-threshold circuits work generally
with a supply voltage less than the threshold voltage of transistor and leakage current used as
operating current. As power is related quadratically to the voltage, reducing the voltage to
low levels causes a reduction in power consumption. These circuits are limited to low
frequency applications, because of low current operation.
Conventional digital CMOS circuits have two modes of operation called ON mode
(saturation) and OFF mode (sub threshold mode). But sub threshold circuits are either in OFF
mode or almost ON mode (still circuit is in sub threshold region). This has fascinated several
investigators, as it has flexibility to choose their own logic levels and power dissipation. But
the main drawback of this technique is the circuits suffer from large delays and hence the
realization of high frequency circuits becomes complicated. This is due to small driving
current.
1.2 OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of this project is to design Sub-Threshold based Pass Transistor
Arithmetic and Logic circuits, which are responsible in building up an ALU (Arithmetic and
Logic Unit)

1.3 MOTIVATION:
Power consumption is a major concern for integrated electronic circuits. It influences
the design and fabrication of circuits and systems. The need for portable devices operating at
low power and at high speeds is growing day by day. During the recent years there is a huge
demand for portable devices and they all demand for low power dissipation. Hence low
power design has emerged as a very striking and fast growing field. High performance digital
systems such as DSP, microprocessors, and other applications demand low power design.
The low power operation is essential mainly to increase the battery life and avoid failures of
hot spots.
In modern VLSI design transistor sizes are scaling down to integrate millions of
transistors in a single chip, from this SOC (System on chip) has arrived. Such high level of
integration leads to increase in power consumption and area. For more power and area
efficient design, we need to examine different logic families. There are two logic families
such as Static CMOS logic and Dynamic CMOS logic design. Static CMOS has been the
most dominant design in the VLSI design in recent decades.
However, it may not be the most power and area efficient design. Early PseudoNMOS design requires only N+1 transistor i.e. (NMOS transistors and one more PMOS
transistor which is constantly ON). Pseudo-NMOS logic is Ratioed logic, i.e. the correct
function relies on the proper sizing of the transistors. These limit the application of PseudoNMOS logic.
Dynamic logic may require less number of transistors, thus leading to more area
efficient design. These works in pre-charge and evaluation phases and outputs are valid only
in evaluation phase. Furthermore, dynamic circuits suffer from charge leakage effect. Due to
charge leakage in the output nodes, the voltage level gradually decreases and eventually
cannot be recognized to logic 1, this leads to logic error of the circuit.
Coming to Pass Transistor Logic, it seems to have advantages of reduced transistor
count, smaller circuit area and low power consumption. It does not suffer from charge
leakage problem. The outputs are valid all the time as in Static-CMOS. Thus Pass Transistor
Logic could be a good choice for low power VLSI design. Pass Transistor Logic has been
widely used in Low Power VLSI design. In Pass Transistor Logic, there are different types of
approaches.

The Project investigates to find more power efficient circuits which aim in exploiting
the PTL for building blocks of ALU. There are two aspects in this project. Firstly, the project
focused on Pass Transistor Logic circuits instead of CMOS logic circuits and concluded that
PTL has lower leakage and requires less number of transistors compares to CMOS logic.
Second aspect is the use of transistor in Sub-Threshold region as a method of Low Power
Consumption compared to CMOS logic.
The techniques based on operation at very low currents usually below the normal
conduction region, especially in FET based circuits is known as sub-threshold operation. Subthreshold circuits work generally with a supply voltage less than the threshold voltage of
transistor and leakage current is used as operating current. As the power is related
quadratically to the voltage, reducing the voltage to lower levels causes a reduction in power
consumption. Transistor operating in the Sub-Threshold region consumes small amount of
energy, but at the cost of circuit performance in terms of speed. However, the approach is
concerned that performance is not a major part and primary concern is Power Consumption.
The Project study includes power efficient structural methods for complex circuits. The
motivation of the project is to show that PTL logic circuits are more power efficient than
CMOS logic and PTL can be operated with sub-threshold voltage. The project validates subthreshold PTL for limited number of basic logic circuits and small hierarchical structures.
And these lead towards building larger circuit blocks like ALU. If this is successful, it can be
advantageous for energy constraint applications.
1.4 The Project:
The whole design of the project was conducted in Cadence Virtuoso 180nm process
design kit. The MOSFET transistors used in this project are obtained from the gpdk-180 built
in library where transistors are fully characterised for all three regions of operations including
sub-threshold. Therefore, the simulation results are expected to be valid and accurate. The
project started with studying of Pass-transistor logic and corresponding CMOS basic circuits
for the purpose of comparison. The basic logic circuits are added carefully in order to develop
efficient hierarchical structures of ALU. All the Pass-Transistor logic circuits are
characterised in terms of propagation delay and power consumption for sub-threshold supply
voltage. The characterisations were carried out for all PTL circuits and basic logic gate
CMOS circuits only. This is because the project goal was to develop larger PTL circuits.

Both Arithmetic and Logic circuit designs are implemented, in order to enable the
circuits to be useful for realising ALU.
1.5 Organisation of the Project:
Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction to low power followed with the Motivation and
considerations to take up the project.
Chapter 2 explains about Operation of MOSFET and CMOS Logic gates, thereafter a
description of sub-threshold conduction followed by sub-threshold swing and sub-threshold
slope. Characteristics of CMOS inverter and pass transistor logic circuits, these follow
description of PTL circuits with different styles.
Chapter 3 includes Arithmetic circuits (Adder, Sub-tractor, Multiplier, Multiplexer
and Divider) designed with Pass Transistor logic.
Chapter 4 includes the Circuit characterisation, which deals with propagation delay
and power consumption.
Chapter 5, in this chapter the conclusion about the suitability of sub-threshold PTL for
ALU has been discussed.
Last Section includes References which are taken into consideration to this project.

CHAPTER 2
BASIC CONCEPTS AND LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction:
This chapter gives the information about CMOS behaviour and its characteristics in
sub-threshold region and Pass Transistor Logic styles.
2.2 Operations of MOSFET and CMOS Logic Gates:
2.2.1 Strong Inversion:
The requirement for the normal operation of a MOSFET is the gate voltage to be
bigger than the device threshold voltage. The region of this operation can be referred to as
strong inversion operation.
(2.1)
There are two regions of operation for Strong Inversion (Triode and Saturation
region). Both region of operation is controlled by the bias voltage of the device. For an
NMOS transistor, below expressions gives conditions for triode and saturation region of
operation.
(2.2)
(2.3)
In Triode (linear) region, the device behaves like a linear resistor whose value is
controlled by VGS. In saturation, the device current reaches a maximum value and the device
is said to be pinched off.

Figure 2.1: Ideal Current Voltage characteristics of NMOS Transistor

5

2.2.2 Weak Inversion:

A MOSFET is said to be in cut-off region for gate voltages less than the device
threshold voltages. Theoretically, there is no current flow. However, in practical a weak
inversion layer exists which causes the flow of diffusion carriers in the channel. Therefore,
the device current

exhibits an exponential dependence on

. This region of operation is

called the sub-threshold region.

2.2.2.1 Sub-Threshold conduction:
Basically the Sub-threshold conduction is nothing but the Sub-threshold leakage or
Sub-threshold drain current is the current that flows between the source and drain of the
MOSFET, when the transistor is in Sub-threshold region or weak inversion region, i.e. gate to
source voltages below the threshold voltage.
(2.4)
The Sub-threshold current varies exponentially with

and the current voltage

relation is given by equation

(2.5)
Where

(2.6)
Sub-threshold swing coefficient

Where

Depletion capacitance
Oxide capacitance
VT = Thermal voltage
Zero bias electron mobility in the channel
Width over length ratio of the device
Threshold voltage

In Sub-threshold region, the drive current (

) is the sub-threshold current given by

the equation 2.7.

(2.7)
Also the transistor OFF state current (

) is the drain current when gate-voltage is

given by the equation

(2.8)
It is observed that the drain current changes exponentially with
inversion, drain current responds relatively with

where as in strong

. The transfer characteristics of MOSFET

in Sub-threshold region is usually plotted in terms of log

vs. gate voltage and curve is

shown in below figure2.2.

Figure 2.2: Transfer characteristics of MOSFET in Sub-threshold region

There are two parameters that are normally defined in the region and they are
1. Sub-threshold slope
2. Sub-threshold swing
2.2.2.2 Sub-threshold slope and Sub-threshold swing:
The dependence of the gate voltage swing needed to change the drain current by an
order of magnitude is defined as sub-threshold slope S and S is defined as

S=

(2.9)

The sub-threshold slope S is an important device parameter in the sub-threshold

region. The smaller the S value is the higher the drive current

, and thus the faster the

device. The sub-threshold swing is inversely proportional to slope.

A NMOS transistor operating in different gate voltage,
voltage i.e. 0.5V and the corresponding drain current

below the threshold

response is given in below figure. It

was driven in sub-threshold region.

Figure 2.3: sub-threshold Current-voltage characteristics of NMOS with (0.5V)

2.2.3 CMOS Inverter (STATIC):

Inverter in sub-threshold mode requires the supply voltage
threshold voltage

to be less than the

, to ensure the weak inversion operation for both the NMOS and PMOS

transistor of inverter while maintaining input logic 1 value less than

. That ensures the

successful implementation of CMOS inverter in sub-threshold region.

Figure 2.4: Static CMOS Inverter

Although the sub-threshold inverter implementation is feasible, many researchers are
concerned on the delay of such logic gates. The propagation delay of asymmetric inverter for
<

is stated in below expression, from where it can be seen that the delay is strongly

depended and inversely proportional to

. On the other hand, dependence on

the speed

(tpd) of a normal inverter is insignificant. In the sub-threshold region, the speed decreases.
(2.10)

(2.11)

The voltage transfer characteristics shown in figure 2.5 and 2.6 is of a static CMOS
inverter is similar in both normal and sub-threshold operation. This is a key fact that makes
the sub-threshold implementation of logic cell possible without any large scale adjustment
in design.

Figure 2.5: Normal operation with 1.8V

Figure 2.6: Sub-threshold with 0.5V

The most important feature of sub-threshold design is that it can offer minimal energy
consumption in electronic circuits. However, such energy efficiency comes at the expense of
performance which is the large propagation delay in circuits. Figure 2.7 gives a rough idea of
how speed can be affected by low power.

10

Figure 2.7: Delay vs. Energy for Minimum delay and energy point
Dependence of threshold voltage on the temperature along with process is another
major concern for sub-threshold design.
On the other hand, sub-threshold design does not require immense amount of design
effort and hence easier to implement. A number of applications are implemented in subthreshold technique since it ensures that low power consumption and easier design process.
As mentioned earlier in this chapter that portable applications like mobile phone, dynamic
range of power and process operation. Ultra Dynamic Voltage Scaling (UDVS) is used to
ensure the low power consumption in such devices for extending the battery life. For high
performance critical operations, it allows devices to run in high voltage or in high frequency.
While in sleep mode, the devices run in sub-threshold voltage to minimize power
consumption. Another major platform of sub-threshold technique exploration is the energy
constrained applications. These applications typically do not require high performance
process and strive for low power consumption.
2.3 Pass Transistor Logic:
In electronics, pass transistor logic (PTL) describes several logic families used in the
design of integrated circuits. It reduces the count of transistors used to make different logic
gates, by eliminating redundant transistors. Transistors are used as switches to pass the
voltage logic levels between nodes of a circuit, instead of as switches connected directly to

11

supply voltages. This reduces the number of active devices, but has the disadvantage is that
the difference of the voltage between high and low logic levels decreases at each stage.
In standard CMOS logic circuits all input signals are applied to the gate of both
NMOS and PMOS transistors. When in static mode, the complementary transistors are either
in cut-off mode or in saturation mode depending on the input signals state. However, in Passtransistor logic the input signals is connected to both drain and source of a transistor.
2.3.1 Operation Principle:
Pass Transistor Logic requires comparatively fewer number of transistor than CMOS
and easier to implement. Below figure shows an NMOS transistor implemented as in PTL
AND gate. Source voltage of the transistor is
much bigger than the voltage drop caused by

. In practice, the supply voltage is

and the output voltage is considered as logic

1. However, it is inadequate to carry out the AND operation for the arrangement where
circuit goes to high impendence state for gate logic 0. Therefore another NMOS is added to
the design. The addition of NMOS is essential for the static design since it ensures low
impendence path to the supply rail (input rail for PTL).

Figure 2.8(a): Pass Transistor logic using single NMOS

12

Figure 2.8(b): PTL AND operation

Pass Transistor logic makes the design much easier with fewer transistor and variety
of logic operations. Compared to six transistors in CMOS design implementation, it uses only
two transistors for the AND operation. Other logic operations are also achievable with the
appropriate change of wiring. The output logic was obtained by drain and gate voltages of the
NMOS. The below expression shows the logic function of a Pass-Transistor Logic AND gate.
(2.10)
A major concern for Pass Transistor Logic design is the lower output voltage due to
drop, as mentioned earlier. A PTL AND gate should not be connected the input of another
gate for the

drop at output end shown in the figure 2.9. The degraded output ultimately

becomes insufficient to drive the next gate. When connected in series, the input signal is

13

degraded for

drop throughout the chain given in figure 2.10. Therefore, it does not allow a

very longer chain connection.

Figure 2.9: Output driving another gate

Figure 2.10: Voltage Degradation in PTL Chain

However, this signal degradation can be recovered by using a level restorer circuit i.e. buffer
or either PMOS or NMOS with always ON state for recovery of voltage logic level
degradation. Conventionally, a CMOS inverter is used to restore the signal to voltage logic
values logic1 =

and logic 0 = 0V. This added inverter however leads to static

dissipation.
2.3.2 Complementary Pass Transistor Logic (CPL):
Complementary Pass Transistor Logic is based on the true and complementary signal
at both the input and output end. The operation is based on the PTL AND gate in the figure
(2.8(b)). The logic is also known as differential pass transistor logic for the complementary
outputs. The Figure 2.11(a) (b) shows AND/NAND and OR/NOR gate. They follow the same
topology with input signal combinations defining the type of logic operation. Furthermore an
XOR/XNOR gate could also be derived from the same topology. The main feature of CPL is
that it offers a simple Full Adder implementation. Simple design of XOR/XNOR gate allows
designing a Full-Adder very easily.
14

Figure 2.11: CPL logic

Figure 2.12: CPL implementation for (a) AND/NAND (b) OR/NOR

2.3.3 Dual Pass Transistor Logic (DPL):
Dual Pass Transistor Logic overcomes the CPL threshold voltage drop when passing
logic 1. Unlike CPL logic which uses a CMOS inverter to overcome the voltage drop, DPL
uses PMOS logic in parallel with NMOS. Figure 2.13 shows general DPL AND/NAND gate.
In this approach, the PMOS transistor passes logic 1 without any threshold loss while logic
0 is passed by NMOS transistor.

15

Figure 2.13: General DPL logic

As concerned with the DPL logic, it can be implemented simply with single NMOS
and single PMOS. For this logic simple OR gate is given below. By taking this logic into
consideration, complete circuits that are included in this project are designed with this logic.

Figure 2.14: DPL OR gate with Single PMOS and NMOS

16

Similarly for CPL, DPL offers a very efficient Full-Adder design. Other logic gates
such as OR/NOR and XOR/XNOR could also be designed effectively. Furthermore, the
circuit capacitance in DPL is equally distributed for each output as well as for the inputs.
2.3.4 LEAP (Lean Integration with Pass Transistor):
Lean Integration with Pass Transistor (LEAP) was introduced in 1996. The
researchers successfully developed a smart and small PTL based cell library (7 cells) with a
synthesis tool defined as cell inventor. The main objective of the research was to optimize
area, speed and power optimization in digital design. Furthermore, LEAP was more cost
effective compared to CMOS. Along with 4 different inverters used to meet the drive
requirement, the cell library consists of 3 logic cells Y1, Y2 and Y3 shown in the below
figure. These 3 cells are capable of executing basic logic function with different number of
input signals as necessary.

Figure 2.15: Basic cells Lean Integration Pass Transistor Logic

2.4 Sub-Threshold Pass Transistor Logic:
Number of researches has been conducted on sub-threshold voltage implementation
and pass-transistor logic separately for different parameter optimization such as speed, power
consumption and area. However, there is only a limited amount of research discussing about
combining both the techniques. Most of the researches concentrate on circuit performance in
terms of speed for different design techniques.

17

As mentioned earlier, many researchers declared that different type of PTL designs
are to be more energy efficient than CMOS design. Moreover, sub-threshold implementation
is capable of optimizing the design for minimal power consumption. Combination of these
two techniques indicates a substantially power efficient design at the cost of speed.
Therefore, sub-threshold Pass Transistor Logic design could be greatly beneficial for selfpower constraint application where, power is scarce resource and performance is not the main
concern.
2.5 Literature Review:
This section deal with the low power circuits, power reduction, Pass-transistor logic
circuits in sub-threshold operation.
Anantha P. Chandrakasan in his article [16] focused on the supply voltage reduction
for obtaining low power. The switching power consumed is a quadratic function of the
operating voltage. Hence reducing the operating voltage, results in considerable reduction of
switching power. However reducing the operating voltage increases the delay of the different
logic circuits, since the delay is proportional to the capacitor being charged and discharged
and inversely proportional to

the threshold voltage). Hence he

concluded that power reduction through supply voltage reduction results in increase in delay
and in turn reduces the throughput.
Reto Zimmermann in his research [3] identified that the previous works on PTL
focused developing Full-Adders only which is relatively easier to design in CPL or DPL
compared to least efficient CMOS approach. Furthermore, design topology of PTL requires
immense design effort and layout of such design is complicated as well. In fact the outcome
research [3] is based on the variety of digital application in CMOS which does not thoroughly
cancel out the merits of PTL design. It completely compares the CMOS logic and PTL logic.
B Paul and K Roy [11] concluded that sub-threshold CMOS circuits can provide
excellent power reduction over strong inversion CMOS circuits. They designed devices
which are suitable for sub threshold operation. Results indicate that the optimized device
improves the speed and power delay product (PDP) of an inverter chain by 44% and 51%,
respectively, over the normal super-threshold device operated in the sub threshold region.

18

Ramesh Vaddi and S Dasgupta [9] has done research on device level optimization in
sub-threshold region and concluded that as supply voltage continues to scale with each new
generation of CMOS technology, Sub-threshold design is an inevitable choice in the semiconductor road map for achieving ultra low-power consumption. Device optimization is a
must for optimal sub-threshold operation to further reduce power and enhance performance.
This showed that double gate SOI devices and CNFETs are better candidates to work for
Sub-threshold operation than Bulk CMOS devices.

19

CHAPTER 3
ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC CIRCUITS
3.1 Introduction:
The objective of this chapter is to design Arithmetic and Logic circuits and evaluate
their behaviour. Firstly, basic logic circuits are implemented in CMOS logic style and as well
as pass transistor logic style i.e. Dual Pass Transistor Logic Style. Later, based on the logic
circuits arithmetic circuits are implemented which includes (adder, subtractor, multiplier,
multiplexer and divider circuits).
3.2 Basic Circuits:
The Basic circuits, which included in this project are AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR
these are designed with Static CMOS logic and Dual Pass Transistor logic (DPL) and
compared with Power consumption, propagation delay and number of transistors which
defines the area of the circuit. The following section includes design details and features of
each circuit.
3.2.1 CMOS Circuits:
All the basic Logic gate circuits which are needed is designed and characteristics are
taken which includes power consumption, propagation delay. The complete designs are done
in Cadence Virtuoso IC6.1.5, it includes 180nm technology. The Width and Lengths for
PMOS (width = 1.6 m and length = 180nm) and for NMOS (width = 0.8 m and length =
180nm). Characteristics of the circuits is taken with voltage range of 0.3V to 0.5V i.e.
propagation delay measurement, power consumption and power delay product. These
characteristics decide the performance of the circuits.
CMOS Inverter plays a key role in both CMOS circuits and as well as in passtransistor logic circuits, it is integrated in all the circuits. However, there was no separate
circuit designed and characterised for inverter operation. Of course there are other approaches
for designing a circuit for inverter logic but, this includes only Static CMOS inverter.
Moreover, for larger design blocks, inverter is used extensively. Transistor sizes of the
inverter are same as the ones used in other basic circuits. In Dual Pass Transistor Logic style
circuits, inverter plays a key role at output logic levels.

20

3.2.1.1 Logic circuits with CMOS:

AND gate:
This logic circuit includes 2 input AND gate with an inverter which is used to drive
the output. It has 3 PMOS transistors and 3 NMOS transistors with width (1.6
0.8

PMOS,

NMOS) and length 180nm for the both transistors.

Figure 3.1: 2 input AND gate circuit and simulation waveform with CMOS at 0.5V
supply
21

The input of figure3.1 is taken 0.4V with 0.5V supply and many simulations are done
with different voltages i.e. with 0.3V to 0.5V. And Power Delay Product (Figure of merit) is
measured from obtained Propagation delay and Power.
OR gate:
This logic circuit includes 2 input OR gate arranged with two parallel NMOS
transistors in series with serial PMOS transistors as shown in figure 3.2. A separate inverter is
arranged at the output of the circuit to invert complimentary output to the exact OR logic
output.

Figure 3.2: 2 input CMOS OR gate and simulation waveform with 0.5v supply
22

XOR gate:
This XOR logic circuit contains 4PMOS in pull up circuit and 4NMOS in pull down
circuit. For driving different inputs inverters are using i.e. for satisfying the XOR logic.

Figure 3.3: CMOS XOR gate schematic and Simulation waveform

23

NAND gate:

Figure 3.4: CMOS NAND gate schematic and simulation waveform

24

NOR gate:

Figure 3.5: CMOS NOR gate schematic and simulation waveform

25

The Logic gates are designed to measure power consumption and propagation delay
to compare these characteristics with the Pass Transistor Logic circuits, which take part in the
rest of the circuits included in this project.
3.2.2 Pass Transistor Logic circuits:
Design of the circuits are firstly made with Complementary Pass Transistor logic, this
design includes either PMOS or NMOS. Logic gates (AND, OR, NAND, XOR) are designed
with Complementary Pass Transistor logic and logical outputs are taken, Later shifted to Dual
Pass Transistor Logic which includes both PMOS and NMOS. The main intention in taking
Dual Pass Transistor Logic is area and power efficient when compare to other PTL logic
styles and as well as CMOS logic styles
The main advantage of using PTL is that one pass transistor (either a PMOS or an
NMOS) is sufficient to perform a logical operation, which greatly reduces the number of
transistors used, compared with a circuit using a conventional CMOS configuration to
achieve the same logic. One major drawback in the Complementary PTL is that although an
N-type pass transistor produces a strong 0 or ground, it produces only a weak 1 by
lowering the output below

, where

is the threshold voltage of the NMOS. In

contrast, a P-type pass-transistor produces a strong 1, but a weak 0 by raising the output
above |

| when the input is zero, where

is the threshold voltage of the PMOS. This

drawback results from different threshold voltages for NMOS and PMOS FETs, and the
change in the output is usually referred to as threshold voltage drop. However, benefitting
from the small threshold voltage near zero, the threshold voltage drops for both NMOS and
PMOS pass transistors are much smaller, which show threshold voltages that are typically ten
times larger. On the basis of these high-performance pass transistors, we are using CMOS
based Pass Transistor Logic it is nothing but Dual Pass Transistor Logic (DPL).
3.2.2.1 Logic Circuits with PTL:
OR gate:
OR gate is shown in figure 3.6. It consists of one PMOS transistor and one NMOS
transistor to pass either input A OR B to output. The gate input of both transistors is
connected to input B.

26

Figure 3.6: DPL OR gate logic

The above circuit was simulated in cadence virtuoso, the output logic levels are
occurring with some glitches, this is due to the threshold drop of pass transistors. As we
know, MOS transistor needs to maintain its

voltage drop to be larger than threshold

voltage in order for the transistor to be turned ON. In order to maintain the threshold drop,
PMOS transistor passes a strong 1 but a weak 0, NMOS transistor pass a strong 0 but a
weak 1. This indicates that voltage passing through pass transistors will have level
degradation issue. If it is only a single PTL gate, this may not be a big problem. However, if
multiple PTL logic gates are cascaded to each other, this level degradation may become even
worse and eventually cause logic error. Thus certain action needs to be taken to overcome
this level degradation problem of PTL logic.
For this problem a level restorer circuit can be used to restore the logic levels
whenever voltage drops. Level restorer circuits can be of different types, but here we are
using CMOS buffer circuit because CMOS logic can recover logic level to full power rails.
When output of CMOS is logic 1 or 0, it is connected to either

or Ground, hence

achieving strong rail-to-rail voltage levels. Adding CMOS buffers will introduce extra gates,
hence leading to power and area overhead. However, this ensures the correct function of the
PTL circuit. However, this circuit consumes less power when compared to CMOS logic. OR
gate with a level restorer circuit is shown in figure 3.7.

27

Figure 3.7: DPL OR gate schematic with level restorer circuit

Figure 3.8: Simulated waveform of DPL OR gate with 0.5V

28

The simulated waveforms for OR gate are show in figure 3.8. As we can see from
figure 3.8, when input AB=00, output is 0, when input AB=01, 10, or 11, output is 1.
Coming to the logic, the circuit is completely made based on the truth table of the OR gate.
For example, take input as A=1, B=0, then corresponding PMOS gate is ON, it will gives
logic 1 as output and for 11 it gives 1 and likewise OR gate logic is obtained using DPL
logic.
NOR gate:
For DPL NOR gate, we only use CMOS inverter at the end for level restoration, by
this both CMOS and DPL logic has the same number of transistors. And rest of the circuitry
is same as DPL OR gate logic.

Figure 3.9: DPL NOR gate schematic

Figure 3.10: Simulation waveform for DPL NOR

29

AND gate:
DPL AND gate logic circuit was given below. The AND logic gate is designed by
interchanging the PMOS and NMOS positions, thus it gives (A.B) logic based on the two
input signals.

Figure 3.11: DPL AND gate schematic

Figure 3.12: Simulation waveform for DPL AND

30

The figure 3.12 waveform shows the AND operation logic and the circuit includes a
level restorer circuit and logic levels at outputs, when both inputs are 1 the corresponding
output is 1.
NAND gate:
The logic of NAND gate is obtained by adding a level restorer circuit to the DPL
AND gate circuit, this give the NAND operation.

Figure 3.13: DPL NAND gate circuit

Figure 3.14: Simulation waveform for DPL NAND circuit

31

XOR gate:
The XOR gate includes AND logic design and buffer circuit, but difference is giving
inputs to the two transistors. In every circuit one of the input is given as common to the gates
and connected to the second input i.e. to drain, but in XOR logic one separate input is given
to the gates of two transistors and input one is inverted and given to the other input, which is
shown in figure 3.15.

Figure 3.15: DPL XOR gate schematic

Figure 3.16: Simulation waveforms for XOR gate

32

The waveforms shown in figure 3.16 gives the XOR gate logic with respect to the
inputs, but there is a glitch that occurred at one stage where input 1 rising from low to high
and input 2 falling from high to low. That unwanted glitch should be reduced.

3.3 Arithmetic Circuits:

3.3.1 Adders:
1 Bit Adder:
The design of 1 Bit Adder is with logical AND, XOR and in DPL logic. The figure
3.17 shows the design of Pass Transistor Full Adder circuit. As shown in the figure, two
CMOS inverters are connected to Sum and Carryout outputs of the PTL full adder. They are
used as buffers to recover the logic levels of PTL full adder. This ensures that there is no
voltage threshold drop for the PTL full adder. This is important because for 8-bitadder
design, we need to cascade eight 1-bit full adder circuits in series. If not corrected, voltage
degradation in PTL full adders can be added up and eventually causes logic error of the
circuit.

Figure 3.17: 1 Bit Full Adder (DPL) schematic

33

Figure 3.18: simulation waveform of 1 bit FA without restorer circuit

Firstly, without using level restorer circuit we have output with level degradation i.e.
output waveform without using buffer circuit in figure 3.18. And with the addition of level
restorer circuit i.e. buffer circuit, the level degradation was reduced is shown in figure 3.19.

Figure 3.19: simulation waveform of 1 bit FA with level restorer circuit

34

2-Bit Adder:
The 2-bit adder circuit was built up by using 2 1-bit full adder circuits, these two are
cascaded in series and first output carry is forwarded to second. Design is given in the figure3.20. For given inputs a0=1, b0=1, co=0, a1=1, b1=0 the waveform is in figure 3.21.

Figure 3.20: 2-bit Adder circuit schematic

Figure 3.21: simulation waveform of 2-bit adder for single input

35

For the different combinations given to the 2 bit adder continuously with the help of
different time period which covers maximum combinations and simulated waveform is
shown in figure 3.22.

Figure 3.22: Simulated waveform of 2 bit adder with different combinations

In the figure 3.22, the output waveform contains unwanted glitches which are
obtained from the logical transitions of inputs given. There is continuous generation of
sequences at the input and output waveform takes some time to generate. From the figure
3.22, observed that there is a glitch when input 1 changing it state from 0 to 1 and input 2
changing its state from 1 to 0, here it takes time to change their states. At that particular
transitions the output suddenly changing to logic 1 i.e. 0.2us a minute change it can be
neglected.
4-Bit Adder:
The 4-bit adder is nothing but the Ripple Carry Adder, which first output carry drives
next one and so on up to 4 bits of A and B inputs. It is designed with 1-bit Full adder circuit
blocks.

36

Figure 3.23: 4-bit Adder schematic

Figure 3.24: simulation waveform of 4-bit adder

37

8-Bit Adder:
This is also designed by using 1-bit Full adder circuits as same as ripple carry adder,
but here we use 8 1-bit Full adder circuits.

Figure 3.25: 8-bit Full Adder schematic

The inputs to the 8 bit adder is given with different time periods, from 2us i.e.
multiples of 2 and extended to 128us. But, simulation waveform is taken up to 50us so that
complete combinational outputs are not there in figure 3.26.

Figure 3.26: simulation waveform of 8-bit adder

38

3.3.2 Subtractors:
1-bit Subtractor:
The design of the 1-bit Subtractor is based on the 1-bit Full adder circuit, where and
extra CMOS inverter is enough to change the logic from Adder to Subtractor.

Figure 3.27: 1-Bit Subtractor schematic

Figure 3.28: simulation waveform for 1-bit Subtractor

39

2-bit Subtractor:
The 2-bit Subtractor can be designed in two ways, one is by using 1-bit full adders
and inverter circuit and another is by using 1-bit full Subtractor which was shown previously.

Figure 3.29: 2-bit Subtractor circuit schematic

Figure 3.30: simulation waveforms for 2-bit Subtractor

40

4-Bit Subtractor:

Figure 3.31: 4-bit subtractor circuit schematic

Figure 3.32: Simulated waveform for 4-bit subtractor

41

8-Bit Subtractor:
The 8-bit Subtractor is designed by using 1-bit full Subtractor circuits.

Figure 3.33: 8-bit Subtractor circuit schematic

Figure 3.34: simulated waveform for 8 bit subtractor

42

The inputs to the circuit is given with all 8 combinations for first 1 bit subtractor and
later on following with 2 combinational inputs to the rest of the inputs. Coming to the
glitches, as discussed earlier if there is a sudden change in transitions in opposite direction for
2 inputs, at that particular state there is sudden change to logic 1 which gives a glitch. If we
are applying only one logical input to one input, the outcome would appear with a small
delay and the rest of the output logic would be as expected.
3.3.3 Multipliers:
Multiplier is also a major one in arithmetic circuits which works in multiply Shift and
Add theory, for this case Array multiplier is used in this design. Each carry output will
carried to the next circuit i.e. output at the second stage depends upon the previous stage
output.
4 bit Multiplier:
Design is the Array multiplier designed with AND logic circuit, Half adder and Full
Adder circuits. Figure 3.35 gives the array multiplier design.

Figure 3.35: 4*4 multiplier circuit schematic

43

The Inputs are given with single logic level i.e. either logic 1 or logic 0 and
corresponding outputs are taken. Here delay is occurring at waveforms i.e. it is going on
increasing from one output to the other.

Figure 3.36: Simulation waveform for 4 bit multiplier with single input
For a combination of inputs the output waveform would be completely
different and delay of one stage depends on the previous stage. Multiplier with different
combination of inputs given in sequence is shown in figure 3.37.

Figure 3.37: Simulation of 4 bit multiplier with sequence of inputs

44

8*8 Multiplier:
This design is also based on the Array design.

Figure 3.38: 8*8 Array Multiplier schematic

Figure 3.39: 8*8 array multiplier symbol

45

The input for 8*8 multiplier is given as all 1s for input A and B and outputs are
taken, the outputs are obtained with delay which is carried from one stage to another. The
output is given in figure 3.40.

Figure 3.40: Simulated waveform for 8bit multiplier

The delay is carrying for all the outputs because, it takes time to evaluate one input
and for carrying to the other input it would take some time to get second block output.
3.3.4 Multiplexers:
Multiplexer is designed to select either input 1 or input 2 based on the select lines that
are given by the designer. In this project multiplexer designs are made by using DPL logic
with only two transistors, one PMOS and one NMOS. Here, a level restorer circuit is also
used to reduce the level degradation of the logic levels.
2*1 Multiplexer:
The 2*1 Multiplexer helps in building 4*1 multiplexer, 8*1 multiplexer circuits and
useful in complex circuits that are used in processors.

46

Figure 3.41: 2*1 MUX schematic

Figure 3.42: Simulation waveform for 2*1 MUX

4*1 Multiplexer:
This 4*1 Multiplexer is designed with the help of 2*1 multiplexers and followed
outputs are obtained based on select lines.

47

Figure 3.43: 4*1 MUX schematic

Figure 3.44: Simulated waveform for 4*1 MUX

8*1 Multiplexer:
The 8*1 Multiplexer is designed by combining both 2 bit multiplexer and 4 bit
multiplexer i.e. two 4*1 multiplexers in series and their outputs are given as inputs to the 2*1
multiplexer.
48

Figure 3.45: 8*1 MUX circuit schematic

Figure 3.46: Simulation waveform for 8*1 MUX

49

3.3.5 Divider: 4 bit Divider

The design of the Divider is based on subtraction and comparison. For this circuit
design is based on the number of inputs that are taken as Dividend and Divisor. Logic is to
subtract the Divisor from Dividend and compare that subtracted output with the divisor, if the
divisor is greater than subtracted output, divisor again subtracted from the output obtained. A
comparator is arranged at the outputs of every Subtraction to compare the obtained output
and divisor, if outcome is greater than divisor, subtraction continues and if output obtained is
less than the divisor and then we need to stop the operation. The obtained one is remainder,
number of outcomes from the comparator is taken and there are to be added, obtained one is
coefficient. The inputs are given as dividend 1101 and divisor 0011
Coefficient was obtained by counting the number of subtractions done with respect to
the divisor.

Figure 3.47: Divider circuit 4 bit schematic

The comparator circuit designed with CMOS logic in this 4 bit divider circuit, which
gives the partial coefficient is obtained and then based on the counting of the number of
coefficient outcomes gives the original coefficient.

50

Figure 3.48: coefficient of the Divider circuit

Figure 3.49: Remainder for the divider circuit

At the output there is a delay in the waveform, which is giving an unwanted signal.
This unwanted delay could be reduced by making small modifications and rest of the signal
output is coming as per the logic. From this same logic an 8 bit divider circuit can also be
implemented.
This chapter gives the designs of Dual Pass Transistor logic based Sub-threshold
Arithmetic and logic circuits and concludes that the Sub-threshold based DPL circuits are
more power efficient with low performance. All the Arithmetic and logic circuit
characteristics are taken for different voltages where the output driving without larger delay.
The circuit characterisations are included in chapter 4.
51

CHAPTER 4
CIRCUIT CHARACTERISATION
4.1 Introduction:
This chapter gives the characteristics i.e. propagation delay and power consumption
of logic circuits and Arithmetic circuits.
4.2 Design characterisation:
All the design work in this project was carried out in the Cadence virtuoso IC6.1.5
with 180nm process. This technology is chosen specifically for two reasons. Firstly, the
Spectre simulator included in this process can provide very detailed and precise simulation on
analogue circuits with user friendly interface. Most importantly it can characterise the MOS
devices from its own library for sub-threshold operation. Secondly, this technology is well
known and has been widely used for years. It is available
The basic logic circuits designed in this project and were characterized in terms of
propagation delay and power consumption (static and dynamic) for an inverter under
different simulation conditions such as different ambient temperatures with a single supply
voltage and for the rest of the logic circuits, only with one supply voltage at room
temperature

. However, the simulations were mainly carried out on PTL basic circuits

and only a few CMOS circuits were characterised. This is because the project intended for
designing complex and practical circuits based on PTL method only. The supply voltage for
the circuits is taken as 0.5V as common to all, which runs circuits in sub-threshold region.
4.2.1 Propagation Delay measurement:
Delay time definitions of CMOS Inverter:
The input and output voltage waveforms of a typical inverter circuit are shown in
figure. The delay parameters include tphl (high to low propagation delay), tplh (low to high
propagation delay), the output signal used to fall at first transition is the fall time and next
transition is the rise time.

52

Figure 4.1: propagation delay, rise and fall time

The propagation delay times tphl and tplh determines the input to output signal delay
during the high to low and low to high transition of the output respectively. By definition,
tphl is the time delay between the 50% transition of the rising input voltage and the 50%
transition of the falling output voltage. Similarly, tplh is the time delay between the 50%
transition of the falling input voltage and the 50% transition of the raising output voltage.
The rise time is defined as the time required for the output voltage to rise from the
10% level to 90% level. Similarly, the fall time is defined as the time required for the output
voltage to drop from the 90% level to 10% level. Reducing gate delays in digital circuits
allows the data processing at a faster rate and improves overall performance.
Propagation Delay measurements:
Inverter: Here load is given with 0.82f Farad
Supply(v)
0.5

Delay(

2.565

Logic Circuits: with load 0.82f F and 0.5V supply

Table 4.1: Delay for Logic circuits
Logic

Delay(

gates

CMOS

PTL

AND

4.58

4.582
53

OR

10.053

9.674

NOR

5.0186

5.1094

NAND

0.1360

0.1466

XOR

5.0206

5.1094

Arithmetic Circuits:
Table 4.2: Delay for Adder circuits

Adder types

Delay(

1 bit adder

10.729

2 bit adder

10.687

4 bit adder

10.675

8 bit adder

7.5203

Table 4.3: Delay for Subtractor circuits

Subtractor type

Delay(

1 bit

7.73

2 bit

7.672

4 bit

6.943

8 bit

6.878

Multiplexer circuits:
Table 4.4: Delay for Multiplexer circuits
Type

Delay(

2*1 MUX

10.077

8*1 MUX

9.668

Multiplier Circuit: For 4 bit multiplier

Table 4.5: Delay for Multiplier circuit
Type
4 bit multiplier

Delay(

12.151

54

4.2.2 Power Consumption measurement:

Power Consumption measurement is the most important simulation procedure in this
project since this project objective is to design power efficient circuits. Static and Dynamic
consumptions were measured for CMOS logic circuits and total power in PTL circuits.
Similarly propagation delay measurement, the procedure is also focused on PTL circuits such
as AND/NAND, OR/NOR, XOR/XNOR, Adder, Subtractor, multiplier and divider circuits.
The simulations were carried out single supply voltage and later it will extend to different
ambient temperatures.
4.2.2.1 Static power:
The static power will be obtained in two stages i.e. logic 0 and logic 1, For a clear
understanding of static power consumption, the CMOS inverter modes are considered and are
shown in figure. As shown in Figure 4.2, case 1, if the input is at logic 0, PMOS device is on
and the NMOS device is off. The output voltage is logic 1. Similarly, when logic 1 input is
applied, the NMOS device is on and the PMOS device is off. The output voltage is logic 0.
From the figure 4.2, it is observed that one of the transistors is always off. When the gate
input is in either of these logic states, dc current that flows from VDD to GND, is only the
sub threshold conduction or leakage current. Static power consumption is the product of the
device leakage current and the supply voltage. Total static power consumption is given in
equation.
Power =

Leakage current * Supply voltage

Figure 4.2: CMOS inverter static power consumption

55

Compared to the dynamic power consumption, static power consumption has been
considered as negligible. But in modern CMOS processes, due to decrease in supply voltage
and sub threshold voltage, the leakage current increases, causing increase in static power
consumption. Hence in modern CMOS technologies, the static power dissipation component
cannot be neglected.
4.2.2.2 Dynamic power consumption:
In conventional CMOS technologies, the dynamic (switching) power consumption is
the major contributor to the total power dissipation. It is due to switching capacitance,
diffusion capacitance, inter connect capacitances and the junction capacitance. The CMOS
inverter circuit is shown in Figure 4.3. The output capacitor C constitutes the lumped
parasitic capacitances. When input switches from high to low, the NMOS transistor is turned
OFF and PMOS transistor is ON and capacitor C is charged. The total energy that is drawn
from power supply during this charging process is equal to C

. Half of the energy is

dissipated in PMOS transistor and other half is stored in capacitor C. When input switches
from low to high, the NMOS transistor turns ON. The capacitance C discharges through
NMOS transistor. For any logic gate, if inputs to the gate are assumed to switch at a rate of f
times per second, then the average switching power is given as.
=

(4.3)

Figure 4.3: Inverter for Dynamic power

Where

is the switching activity factor which, indicate the probability of the output

switching from 0 to 1, C is the switching capacitance, V is the voltage swing and

is the

switching frequency.
56

4.2.2.3 Short circuit power consumption:

Short circuit power arises when a conducting path exists between supply and ground
i.e. when both PMOS and NMOS are simultaneously ON. Short circuit current flows when
the rise time and fall time of the input signal is slow. The pull-up and pull-down devices
should be sized properly to achieve slow rise or fall time. This component of power
consumption can be significant in pre-charge and evaluate circuits.
Power consumption measurements:
Power consumption is measured based on the static power consumption and dynamic
power consumption. In cadence virtuoso IC6.1.5, the measurement of power is done in
multiple ways like transition power, dc output power and dc output information are taken for
the circuits. All the asserted values are taken with 0.5V as supply and as well as input to the
circuits.
Table 4.6: Inverter circuit with 2p F load at different input voltages with 0.5v supply:
Inputs(V)

Total power( W)

0.5

0.0501

0.4

0.0501

0.3

0.0091

0.2

0.0006

Table 4.7: Inverter circuit with 0.82f F load at 0.5V:

Supply and input

Total power

0.5

4.685e-12

Table 4.8: Logic gates average power:

Average Power
Logic gates

CMOS

PTL

OR

0.2167e-9

0.532e-9

AND

0.418e-9

0.2827e-9

NOR

0.113e-9

0.378e-9

NAND

0.2216e-9

0.1595e-9

XOR

0.5066e-9

1.281e-9

57

In the table 4.8, the DPL based logic gates consumes some more power because of the
circuitry i.e. using an inverter and a separate level restorer circuit. So, few logic circuits
consume more power. The Logic gate circuits OR and NOR gates interchanges their
transistors as per the logic function and this increases the driving capability. Therefore,
exhibiting little bit more power than CMOS logic circuits.
Arithmetic circuits:
Table 4.9: Adders average power:

Adder types

Average Power

1 bit adder

6.842e-9

2 bit adder

13.27e-9

4 bit adder

26.12e-9

8 bit adder

73.46e-9

Table 4.10: Subtractors average power

Type

Average power

1 bit Sub

8.918e-9

2 bit Sub

16.44e-9

4 bit Sub

24.96e-9

8 bit Sub

45.65e-9

Multiplier: Average power

4 bit Multiplier

56.56e-9

Multiplexer: Average power

2*1 MUX

2.069e-9

4*1 MUX

2.112e-9

8*1 MUX

6.316e-9

Divider: Average power

4 Bit Divider

203.3e-9

58

NAND gate
Average power(n watts)

0.25
0.2
0.15
cmos

0.1

dpl
0.05
0
0.3

0.4

0.5

Volatge (V)

Figure 4.4: Power comparison for NAND gate (CMOS & DPL)
Figure 4.4 gives a detailed comparison of power for NAND gate logic circuit. Where,
Dual Pass Transistor logic has consuming low power than CMOS logic circuit. And Figure4.5 shows AND gate circuit power comparison. These figures show that the power
consumption is less in DPL when compared to CMOS circuit.

Average power(n watts)

AND gate
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0

cmos
dpl

0.3

0.4

0.5

Voltage(V)

Figure 4.5: Power comparison for AND gate

4.2.3 Power Delay Product:
The Power Delay Product is a fundamental parameter which gives performance of the
circuit. It measures quality performance of gate. It is an average energy required for a CMOS
gate for switching of output voltage from logic one state to another logic state. In other words
59

it is a figure of merit correlated with the energy efficiency of a CMOS logic gate. And it is
called as switching energy, it is the product of average power consumption on a switching
event times the delay. It calculates the energy consumed for switching event and it has
dimension of energy. PDP is taken in consideration when optimization of both power and
performance is possible. The minimization of power delay product is consideration for low
power and high performance application.
PDP
= Average Power
= Delay factor
Power Delay Product is measured for voltages range from 0.3V to 0.5V and figure of
merit of the circuit is identified when Low PDP is obtained.
Table 4.11: CMOS Inverter PDP
Inverter
Supply

0.3

86.121

60.82

5.237

0.35

39.2

79.14

3.102

0.4

25.790

98.61

2.5431

0.45

20.297

118

2.395

0.5

16.402

139.7

2.2914

PDP

(E-12)

Inverter PDP
6

PDP 10^(-18)

5
4
3
Series1
2
1
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage(V)

Figure 4.6: Graph of Power Delay Product for Inverter

60

Figure 4.6 shows the Power delay product of Inverter with a range of 0.3V to 0.5V.
The figure of merit is high at 0.3V and low at 0.5V, it shows that 0.5V is the effective voltage
for driving inverter logic. The lower the PDP, the more effective the inverter and the logic
circuits.
4.2.3.1 Logic Circuits PDP:
Table 4.12: CMOS AND & OR gate PDP
gate

AND

OR

Supply

0.3

5.0563

123.3

6.234

10.218

83.98

8.581

0.4

5.031

283

14.237

10.066

143.2

14.414

0.5

4.58

418.5

19.167

10.053

216.7

21.784

(E-12)

PDP

(E-12)

PDP

Table 4.13: CMOS NAND & NOR gate PDP

gate

NAND

NOR

Supply

0.3

0.1623

78.83

0.127

5.155

45.03

2.321

0.4

0.1522

152.6

0.2322

5.0331

75.32

3.79

0.5

0.136

221.6

0.3013

5.0186

113.5

5.696

(E-12)

PDP

(E-12)

PDP

Table 4.14: CMOS XOR logic gate PDP

gate

XOR

Supply

0.3

5.1603

191.5

9.881

0.4

5.0339

345.3

17.382

0.5

5.0206

506.6

25.434

(E-12)

PDP

61

CMOS Logic gates PDP

30

PDP 10^(-16)

25
20
AND

15

OR
10

NOR
XOR

5
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage (V)

Figure 4.7: Graph of Power delay product for CMOS logic circuits
Figure 4.7 and 4.8 shows that, how power delay product is varying from one voltage
to the other in CMOS logic circuit operating in Sub-threshold. For every logic circuit PDP is
very low for 0.3V and high for 0.5V. It shows the figure of merit of each logic circuit.

CMOS NAND PDP

0.35
PDP Multiple 10^(-16)

0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15

NAND

0.1
0.05
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage

Figure 4.8: Graph of Power delay product for CMOS NAND circuit
In Figure 4.8, it shows that PDP is occurring at very low levels which are more
effective in the terms of figure of merit.

62

Table 4.15: DPL AND gate and OR gate PDP

gate

AND

OR

Supply

0.3

4.977

94.57

4.706

11.426

89.76

10.25

0.35

4.742

127

6.022

10.766

128.9

13.878

0.4

4.635

164.3

7.615

10.356

220.9

22.877

0.45

4.607

211.3

9.734

10.175

324.9

33.058

0.5

4.582

282.2

12.93

9.674

532.4

51.504

PDP

(E-12)

(E-12)

PDP

Table 4.16: DPL NAND gate and NOR gate PDP

gate

NAND

Supply

0.3

0.271

49.72

0.134

6.833

56.39

3.853

0.35

0.214

68.54

0.146

5.860

77.25

4.527

0.4

0.176

86.39

0.152

5.428

154.4

8.381

0.45

0.158

126.42

0.199

5.198

242.2

12.59

0.5

0.146

159.5

0.232

5.109

378.2

19.323

(E-12)

PDP

NOR
(

(E-12)

PDP

Table 4.17: DPL XOR gate PDP

gate

XOR

Supply

0.3

11.205

210.1

23.54

0.35

9.065

296.2

26.85

(E-12)

PDP

63

0.4

5.6708

516.2

29.26

0.45

5.1958

856.2

44.486

0.5

5.1094

1281

65.44

DPL Power Delay Product

PDP multiple of 10^(-16)

70
60
50
40

And

30

OR
NOR

20

XOR

10
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage

Figure 4.9: Graph of Power delay product for DPL logic circuits
Figure 4.9 and 4.10 shows that, how power delay product is varying from one voltage
to the other in CMOS logic circuit operating in Sub-threshold. For every logic circuit PDP is
very low for 0.3V and high for 0.5V. It shows the figure of merit of each logic circuit.

DPL NAND PDP

PDP multiple of 10^(-16)

0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1

NAND

0.05
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage

Figure 4.10: Graph of Power delay product for DPL NAND circuit
64

4.2.3.2 Arithmetic Circuits PDP:

ADDER Circuits:
Table 4.18: PDP for 1bit and 2bit adder circuits
1Bit adder

2Bit adder

Supply

0.4

11.833

1.112

13.158

11.739

2.391

28.067

0.45

11.164

2.119

23.656

11.104

4.361

48.426

0.5

10.729

6.842

73.409

10.689

13.27

141.81

PDP

(E-9)

PDP

(E-9)

Table 4.19: PDP for 4bit and 8bit adder circuits

4Bit adder

8Bit adder

Supply

PDP

0.4

11.7162

4.965

58.17

7.8414

17.9

140.36

0.45

11.0899

8.847

98.11

7.7864

29.6

230.4

0.5

10.675

26.12

278.83

7.5203

73.46

552.44

(E-9)

(E-9)

PDP

Adder circuits PDP

600

PDP 10^(-15)

500
400
1B adder
300

2B adder

200

4B adder
8B adder

100
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage (V)

Figure 4.11: Graph of PDP for Adder circuits

65

Figure 4.11 shows how Power delay product is obtained for arithmetic circuits i.e.
Adder circuits. The power is going on increasing for 4bit adder, 8 bit adder circuits and
power delay product is very low for the 1bit Adder circuit that to for lower voltage 0.3V.
Subtractor circuits:
Table 4.20: PDP for 1bit and 2bit subtractor circuits
1Bit subtractor

2Bit subtractor

Supply

PDP

0.4

8.198

1.488

12.198

8.006

2.673

21.20

0.45

7.421

3.249

24.112

7.789

5.078

39.552

0.5

7.731

8.918

68.949

7.672

16.44

126.12

(E-9)

PDP

(E-9)

Table 4.21: PDP for 4bit subtractor circuit

4Bit subtractor
Supply

PDP

0.4

6.44

7.478

48.158

0.45

11.32

7.401

83.783

0.5

24.96

6.943

173.29

(E-9)

PDP 10^(-15)

DPL Subtractor circuits PDP

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

1B sub
2B sub
4B sub

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage(V)

Figure 4.12: Graph of PDP for subtractor circuits

66

Multiplexer Circuits:
Table 4.22: PDP for 2*1 and 4*1 multiplexer circuits
2*1 MUX

4*1 MUX

Supply

PDP

0.4

11.426

0.089

1.025

7.84

0.606

4.751

0.45

10.356

0.220

2.287

7.692

0.892

6.864

0.5

10.07

2.069

20.83

7.631

2.112

16.117

(E-9)

PDP

(E-9)

Multiplexer circuits PDP

25

PDP 10^(-15)

20
15
2*1 MUX

10

4*1 MUX

5
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Supply voltage(V)

Figure 4.13: Graph of PDP for Multiplexer circuits

Multiplier Circuit:
Table 4.23: PDP for 4*4 multiplier
4*4 multiplier
Supply

0.4

12.685

13.12

166.4

0.45

12.495

22.28

278

0.5

12.151

56.56

687

PDP

(E-9)

67

4*4 multiplier
800
700
PDP 10^(-15)

600
500
400
300

4*4 multiplier

200
100
0
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

supply voltage(V)

Figure 4.14: Graph of PDP for 4*4 multiplier

Figure 4.14 is the graph for 4*4 multiplier where power delay product is extensively
increasing by increasing the voltage. Because of larger circuitry, there is large amount of
power dissipating when compared to other arithmetic circuits.
The circuit characterisations are carried out in this chapter and conclude that for a
lower voltage there is a low figure of merit in Dual Pass Transistor Logic based arithmetic
and logic circuits.

68

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE
The project results reported in this paper assert that the sub-threshold pass-transistor
logic can be thoroughly implemented in a large and complex hierarchical blocks for ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit). Results are analysed for basic logic circuits of both PTL and CMOS
design and results confirmed that PTL circuits are power efficient when compared to the
CMOS version for sub-threshold design. This project however, was focused on arithmetic
and logic circuits.
This report provides solid assessment of basic logic circuits that can operate in subthreshold supply for pass-transistor style logic design. It is also clear that measurements of
propagation delay and power consumption are feasible for such designs. Special attention
was taken for PTL styles to avoid glitches.
The measurement of power is taken with a voltage range 0.3 to 0.5 as supply
and power that consumed in the circuits is in Nano watts and Pico watts. The DPL circuits are
designed with the use of PMOS and NMOS transistors together. Though original logic
implementation of DPL requires few transistors, for example, designing of an AND gate uses
only 1 PMOS and 1 NMOS transistor. Further, circuitry was added for minimizing level
degradation even though it increases the transistor count.
Future Scope:
Technology size can be another prospect for future work. The current project was
carried out in Cadence virtuoso IC6.1.5 180nm technology. The third process that is
described here may be extended to realise the Dual Pass Transistor logic with sub-micron
technologies like 90nm. However it is not very clear whether this can be extended to
technologies like 22nm and below. It is known that the device characteristics at lower
technologies are somewhat different from those realised at higher technologies. In view of
this, one should develop DPL or similar to DPL logic which will overcome some of the
drawbacks that likely to arise. However, in the long run it is necessary to adapt newer
technology sizes to maintain the design considering the advantages offered by PTL.
It may be further seen from this report that the speed of operation of sub-threshold
circuits is limited. Perhaps in future this problem may be solved by making use of the
Substrate biasing [7]. It is called as Variable Threshold MOS (VTMOS) operation.
69

REFERENCES
[1]

Neil H. E. Weste, David Harris, CMOS VLSI design: A circuit and systems
perspective, Pearson Addison Wesley, 4th edition, March11, 2010.

[2]

J M. Rabaey, A. Chandrakasan, B. Nikolic, Digital Integrated Circuits: A design

perspective. 2nd Ed., Pearson Prentice Hall, 2003.

[3]

Reto Zimmermann and Wolfgang Fichtner, Low-Power Logic Styles: CMOS versus
Pass-transistor Logic, in IEEE journal of Solid-State Circuits, VOL. 32, NO. 7,
JULY 1997.

[4]

Li Ding, Zhiyong Zhang, Shibo Liang, Tian Pei, Sheng Wang, Yan Li, Wewei Zhou,
Jie Liu and Lian-Mao Peng, CMOS based carbon nanotube Pass-Transistor Logic
Integrated circuits, Nature Communications, Article number: 3:677, 2012

[5]

Shen-Fu Hsiao, Ming-Yu Tsai, Chia-Sheng Wen, Efficient Pass-Transistor Logic

Synthesis for Sequential circuits, IEEE Conference on Circuits and Systems, 2006.

[6]

Shen-Fu Hsiao, Ming-Yu Tsai, Chia-Sheng Wen, Ming-Chih Chen, An Efficient

Pass-Transistor logic synthesizer using multiplexers and inverters only, IEEE
International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, 2005.

[7]

M Satyam, K Ragini, B C Jinaga, VTMOS approach (through Dynamic threshold

MOSFET) for universal gates, International journal of VLSI design and
communication systems 1.1(2010) 33-34

[8]

John P. Uyemura, Introduction to VLSI circuits and systems, Wiley edition 2009.

[9]

Ramesh Vaddi, S Dasgupta, R P Agarwal, Device and Circuit Design Challenges in

the Digital Sub-threshold region for ultralow power applications, Hindawi publishing
corporation, VLSI design, Volume 2009, Article

[10]

K. Taki, B. Y. Lee, H. Tanaka, K. Konishi, "Super low power 8-bit CPU with passtransistor logic", in Proceedings of the Asia and South Pacific Design Automation
Conference (ASP-DAC'97), 1997, pp. 663-664

[11]

H. Soleman, K. Roy, B. Paul, "Robust Ultra-Power Sub-Threshold DTMOS Logic",

Rapallo/Portacino Coast, Jul. 2000, pp. 25-30.

70

[12]

K. Nehru, A. Shanmugam, G. Darmilathenmozhi, Design of low power ALU using

8T Full Adder and PTL Based MUX circuits, in 2012 International Conference on
Advances in Engineering, Science and Management (ICAESM), 2012, pp. 724730.

[13]

N. Limdert, T. Sugii, S. Tang, C. Hu, Dynamic Threshold Pass Transistor logic for
improved delay at power supply voltages, IEEE Journal of solid-state circuits, Jan.
1999, pp. 85-89

[14]

D. Markovic, B. Nikolic, V.G. Oklobdzija, "General Method in Synthesis of Passtransistor Circuits", Proc. of 22nd International Conference on Microelectronics, Nis,
May 2000, pp.695-698.

[15]

K. Gulati, N. Jaya kumar, S. P. Khatri, A Structured ASIC Design approach using

Pass-transistor logic, Proc. International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, New
Orleans, May 2007, pp. 1787-1790.

[16]

Anantha P. Chandrakasan, Miodrag potkonjak. Renu Mehra, Jan Rabaey and Robert
W. Brodersen, Optimizing power using transformations, IEEE transactions on
Computer-aided design of Integrated Circuits and Systems, VOL. 14, NO. 1, January
1995.

71