NER: NanoCAD - Computer-Aided Design Algorithms and Tools for Nanotechnologies
There has been a huge surge of research activity in recent years in the area of nanoelectronic device design and fabrication. Such ``nanodevices'' include solid-state quantum-effect devices and molecular devices. In terms of work at the logic and architecture levels, quantum cellular automata (QCA) based on quantum dot cells, and resonant tunelling diode (RTD) based implementations seem ahead of others, and chips based on these devices are likely to be feasible within this decade. While working devices and logic gates, and even some small circuits, have been demonstrated for various nanotechnologies, no logic synthesis methodology has evolved yet for automatically synthesizing large logic circuits in these technologies. The aim of this proposal is to develop automatic logic synthesis algorithms and implement them as software tools to bridge this gap. In this exploratory phase of research, we will target QCA and RTD based logic circuits.
Specifically, we will develop a general multi-level logic synthesis algorithm and software tool using threshold gates and majority gates as primitive gates. We will derive bit-level pipelined versions of different arithmetic units to exploit the concept of nanopipelining. We will also derive physical synthesis rules for QCA to ensure its correct functionality.
The software tools developed in this research will be made available on the world-wide web for wide dissemination. The material will be included in a new graduate-level course on Computer-Aided Design for Emerging Nanotechnologies. Undergraduates will also be involved in this research. Princeton encourages applications from women and minority students through special fellowships. Such students will be specially welcome to join this research.
