On the performance of multivalued integrated circuits: past, present and future

Abstract

The characteristics of the successful m-valued I/sup 2/L and ROMs that have been designed in the past are examined, and the reasons for their success are discussed. The problems associated with scaling of m-valued CMOS current mode circuits are examined. The tolerance issue, the respective propagation delays of binary and m-valued ICs, and the interconnection issue are considered. The challenges for m-valued circuits in competition with the exponential performance increase of binary circuits are identified.<>