Analog and Digital Circuit Design in 65 nm CMOS: End of the Road?

Abstract

This introductory embedded tutorial gives an overview of the design problems at hand when designing integrated electronic systems in nanometer-scale CMOS technologies. First, some general problems that affect circuit design are addressed, such as the increased leakage and variability with scaling technologies. Next, the impact of this on digital circuit design and embedded memories is discussed. Finally, problems bothering embedded analog circuits are presented, such as reducing supply voltages, poor design productivity and signal integrity troubles. Addressing these problems will determine whether the design road ends at CMOS technology marker "65 nm " or not.