A GaAs low-power normally-on 4-bit ripple carry adder

The realization and performance of a low-power buffered FET logic (1p-BFL) 4 bit ripple carry adder is reported. Performance measurements indicate a critical path average propagation delay of 1.9 ns at a total power dissipation of 45 mW, output buffers included (27 mW without). This corresponds to an average propagation delay of 380 ps/gate (FI/FO=/SUP 5///SUB 3/), an average power consumption of 1.56 mW/gate, and a power-delay product of 0.6 pJ. Best speed performance biasing conditions yield a 1.25 ns critical path average propagation delay at a total power dissipation of 180 mW (180 mW excluding buffers), which corresponds to an average gate delay, power consumption and power-delay product of 250 ps, 6 mW, and 1.5 pJ, respectively. Standard cell layout techniques yield an average gate density of 200 gates/mm/SUP 2/, interconnection wiring included.