Frequency Response Analysis of CNT Bundle Interconnects

Abstract

ABSTRACT When carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used in interconnects, their electrical properties are appealing as they are not affected by surface scattering when the feature size decreases. After almost two decades of research on CNT-based interconnects, it is still a question which type of CNT bundle performs better than the other. There are many contradictory reports in this regard. So, it is very important to study the frequency response of these interconnects to ascertain their actual performance and compare them. HSPICE-based circuit simulations at 20 nm and 14 nm technology nodes are carried out. Furthermore, the analysis for local, semi-global and global interconnect lengths is carried out. Results show that single-walled CNT (SWCNT) bundles have higher voltage gain and higher current gain for all lengths at both the technology nodes. These results are significant in understanding the best choice of interconnects among SWCNT bundle, MWCNT bundle and mixed CNT bundle interconnects.