4-Bit AC Nano-Processor

Project Description

The development of a 4-bit AC nano-processor represents a significant shift in the design of self-powered IoT nodes and "smart dust." Traditional wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are hindered by the inefficiency of RF-to-DC rectifiers and the substantial area required for storage capacitors. The AC-logic family utilizes the phase of the signal to represent logic states 0∘ for High and 180∘ for Low while the QRF only logic utilizes quadrature (I and Q) signals to manage timing phases such as pre-charge, hold, and evaluate. This "rectifier-less" architecture eliminates the most power-hungry components of conventional designs.

Experimental validation of these logic families across different CMOS nodes demonstrates their suitability for complex processing tasks. In 65 nm CMOS, the fundamental AC gates (NOT, NAND, and NOR) consume as little as 8.2 nW to 20.8 nW.

The integration of these AC and QRF components into a 4-bit nano-processor provides a robust framework for next-generation implantable bio-medical devices and autonomous sensors. By leveraging the inherent adiabatic nature of the proposed logic cells, the processor can derive both its power and data synchronization directly from transmitted RF field. This design not only simplifies the complexity of single chip wirelessly powered applications but also ensures long-term operation in environments where battery replacement is impossible. The successful measurement of these fabricated single cell design confirms that logic information can be reliably processed in the phase domain, paving the way for fully functional, battery-free nano-computing.

Here in this project we aim to make the 4-bit ultra-low power nano-prcessor based on these AC-Cells. The schematic work has been done for one version, and US patent filed. The next step is the refinement of the schematic of the layout and tapeout.