A novel ratioed logic style for faster subthreshold digital circuits based on 90 nm CMOS and below

An innovative logic style is proposed to achieve faster logic propagation in subthreshold operation: the Active Controlled Ratioed Logic (ACRL). It is an complete improvement and optimization from previous ratioed logic styles with pull-up current control and modified branches tailored to very-low supply voltage and ultra-low power. Even without proper control of its load current at the pre-drive stage, the active power of ACRL cells can be suppressed to a comparable magnitude of static CMOS logic cells leakage. General logic cells and complex circuit designs were fabricated in 90 nm CMOS technology. In measurement they are 30-70% faster than those of static and dynamic CMOS styles, and with lower power when the logic activity rises to a certain level.