PLAs in Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata

Various implementations of the quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) device architecture may help many performance scaling trends continue as we approach the nanoscale. Experimental success has led to the evolution of a research track that looks at QCA-based design. This paper follows that track and looks at implementation friendly, programmable QCA circuits. Specifically, we present a novel QCA-based programmable logic array (PLA) structure. Our PLA is capable of providing defect tolerance at both the device and architectural levels, and limits the amount of determinism required in any fabrication process. The design is compact, exploits properties unique to QCA devices in order to ease programmability, and is relevant to all implementations of the QCA.