The fundamental limit on binary switching energy for terascale integration (TSI)

Abstract

The fundamental limit on signal energy transfer during a binary switching transition is E/sub s/(min)=(ln2)kT. Derivation of precisely this result based on two entirely distinct physical models confirms its validity. The first model is an ideal MOSFET operating in a CMOS inverter circuit at the limit of its capacity for binary signal discrimination. The second is an isolated interconnect treated as a noisy communication channel. Both models are relevant to modern terascale integration.