Abstract :
Recent innovations in nanoscale devices offer the potential for greater information density and system functionality. However, such devices present several new challenges. Design methodologies and tools have obtained a tremendous degree of sophistication and predictive value, and there are advantages in using the power of these tools to define a context for evaluating next-generation nanoelectronic technologies. Without a common context of systems evaluation, it will be difficult to make early viability assessments of new nanoelectronic-device approaches, nor will it be possible to strategically guide the development of these new technologies. This issue of IEEE Design & Test offers a special section on such topics. In addition, this issue presents the first in a series of tutorial articles derived from presentations at Test Technology Educational Program (TTEP) conferences. Finally, there are five general-interest articles on a wide range of topics.