Next-gen 32-bit Arithmetic Logic Unit: Harnessing Cellular Automata using Quantum dots (QCA) Technology
H S Poornima, P Janani, A Manasa · 2024
In the domain of VLSI technology, the validity of Moore's Law is presently being put to the test due to the intricate nature of augmenting the number of transistors in CMOS VLSI technology. To overcome these limitations, a novel technology called Quantum dot Cellular Automata (QCA) has surfaced, providing, in the context of nanotechnology advancement, a more inventive and efficient framework than CMOS. Information transfer between charges in this technology relies on coulombic interactions. Considering its favorable combination of energy efficiency and high processing speed, QCA technology stands out as the most promising substitute for traditional CMOS circuits. The emphasis in this endeavor lay in the development of a 32-bit ALU, a core component embedded in computing frameworks such as Central Processing Units (CPUs), Floating-Point Units (FPUs), or Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This cohesive ALU design automates arithmetic and logical computations on binary data sets, emphasizing compactness and energy efficiency for optimal operational speed. According to the QCA expert tool's analysis, the outputs from using the QCA configuration tool show that the present architecture is superior to the current design, resulting in better space usage and increased power efficiency.