MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

6.374: Analysis and Design of Digital Integrated Circuits

Problem Set # 1 Solutions
Fall 2003 Issued: 9/18/03

Problem 1: Device Parameters

The data from five measurements made on a short channel NMOS device appears in Table 1. Given that
VDSAT = 0.6 V and k’ = 100 µ A/V2, calculate VT0, γ , λ , 2| φ F|, and W/L.

Table 1: Measured Data for Short Channel NMOS

Meas. Number VGS VDS VBS ID( µ A)

1 2.5 1.8 0 1812

2 2 1.8 0 1297

3 2 2.5 0 1361

4 2 1.8 -1 1146

5 2 1.8 -2 1039

Solution
Using the data from the table, set up equations containing the unknowns of interest. We will use the unified
MOSFET model for our analysis: kn’W/L(VGTVmin - Vmin2/2)(1+ λ VDS) = Io.

Let us first make an assumption about the region of operation. The minimum VGS is 2, and we can guess that
Vto is less than half a volt, so VGT > VDSAT. Additionally, the minimum VDS is greater than VDSAT. Unless
Vto is abnormally high, the device is in the velocity saturation region for all the data points. We can check
this assumption at the end of the problem. Using this assumption, the first three data points give us the fol­
lowing equations
0.6 2
100 ⋅ ----- ⋅  (2.5 – V to ) ⋅ 0.6 – ---------- ⋅ (1 + λ ⋅ 1.8) = 1812µ
W
L  2 
0.6 2
100 ⋅ ----- ⋅  (2 – V to ) ⋅ 0.6 – ---------- ⋅ (1 + λ ⋅ 1.8) = 1297µ
W
L  2 
0.6 2
100 ⋅ ----- ⋅  (2 – V to ) ⋅ 0.6 – ---------- ⋅ (1 + λ ⋅ 2.5) = 1361µ
W
L  2 

These are three equations with three unknowns - piece of cake! Divide the first two equations to get:

2
 (2.5 – V ) ⋅ 0.6 – --------- 0.6 
-
 to 2  1812 ˙
------------------------------------------------------------ = ------------ . Simplifying gives: 1.5 – 0.6V to – 0.18 = 1.397 ⋅ (1.2 – 0.6V to – 0.18)
 (2 – V ) ⋅ 0.6 – --------- 0.6  2 1297
-
 to 2 

and 0.2382V to = 0.1049 and V to = 0.44 V.

1
 Dividing the second and third equations gives:
(1 + λ ⋅ 1.8) 1297
----------------------------- = ------------ . Solving for λ gives λ = 0.08
(1 + λ ⋅ 2.5) 1361
W
Plugging these two parameters into the first equation gives: ------ = 15 .
L

Writing two equations from the last two data points permits us to solve for the remaining two unknowns:

1716 ⋅ ((2 – V T 1 ) ⋅ 0.6 – 0.18 ) = 1146 so V T 1 = 0.5869 .

1716 ⋅ ((2 – V T 2 ) ⋅ 0.6 – 0.18 ) = 1039 so V T 2 = 0.6909 .

Now we use the equation for threshold voltage to relate the remaining unknowns:
0.44 + γ ⋅ ( 2φ F + 1 – 2φ F ) = 0.5869
0.44 + γ ⋅ ( 2φ F + 2 – 2φ F ) =
0.6909

Subtracting 0.44 from both sides and dividing the equations gives:
( 2φ F + 2 – 2φ F )
--------------------------------------------------- = 1.7 . Simplifying gives: 1.7 ⋅ 2φ F + 1 = 2φ F + 2 + 0.7 ⋅ 2φ F .
( 2φ F + 1 – 2φ F )
Squaring both sides gives: 2.89 ⋅ ( 2φ F + 1 ) = 2φ F + 2 + 0.49 ⋅ 2φ F + 1.4 ⋅ 2φ F ⋅ 2φ F + 2 .
2
Collecting terms gives: 1.4 ⋅ 2φ F + 0.89 = 1.4 ⋅ 2φ F + 2 ⋅ 2φ F . Squaring both sides and solving
gives: 2φ F = 0.556 .

We can plug this value back into either threshold voltage equation to get γ = 0.293 .

Problem 2: Backgate Effect

The circuit in Fig. 1 is known as the source follower configuration. It achieves a DC level shift between the
input and the output. The value of this shift is determined by the current I0. Assume xd=0, γ=0.4, 2|φf|=0.6V,
VT0=0.43V, kn’=115µA/V2 and λ=0.

VDD = 2.5V VDD = 2.5V

Io

Vi Vi M1 1um/0.25um
M1 1um/0.25um

Vo Vo
Vbias= 0.55V
M2 LD=1um
Io

(a) (b)

Figure 1: NMOS source follower configuration

a) Suppose we want the nominal level shift between Vi and Vo to be 0.6V in the circuit in Figure 1(a).

2
 Neglecting the backgate effect, calculate the width of M2 to provide this level shift (Hint: first relate Vi
to Vo in terms of Io).

Solution

The level shift of 0.6 tells us that VGS1=0.6 so VGT1=0.17. This means that M1 must be in the saturation
region (not velocity saturated). Thus,
W
k' n ⋅ ----­
L
----------------- ⋅ (V GS – V T ) = I D , and ID=6.647 µ A.
2
2
For M2, VGT=0.12, so M2 also is in the saturation region (not velocity saturated). Using the same equation
as above and solving for W/L gives W/L = 8.

b) Now assume that an ideal current source replaces M2 (Figure 1(b)). The NMOS transistor M1 experi­
ences a shift in VT due to the backgate effect. Find VT as a function of Vo for Vo ranging from 0 to 2.5V
with 0.5V intervals. Plot VT vs. Vo.

Solution

The threshold voltage equation provides the relation that we need:

V T = V T 0 + γ ⋅ ( 2φ F + V SB – 2φ F ) = V T 0 + γ ⋅ ( 2φ F + V o – 2φ F ).

See the graph at the end of this problem.

c) Plot Vo vs. Vi as Vo varies from 0 to 2.5V with 0.5 V intervals. Plot two curves: one neglecting the back-
gate effect and one accounting for it. How does the backgate effect influence the operation of the level
converter?

At Vo(with backgate effect) = 2.5V, find Vo(ideal) and thus determine the maximum error introduced by
the backgate effect.

Solution

To plot Vo versus Vi, we need to relate Vo to Vi. We can do this by solving the current equation (M1 should
remain in the same region to first order because VGT will remain roughly constant to maintain the correct
drain current) for Vi:
2I D
V i = V o + V T + ----------------­
W

k' n ⋅ ----­

The maximum error occurs at the highest VSB. At Vo = 2.5, the error is 3.4944-3.1=0.3944 V.

3
 Backgate Effect: Vo versus V T Backgate Effect: Vo versus Vi
0.9 2.5

0.85 No backgate effect

Backgate effect

0.8 2

0.75

0.7 1.5
VT (V)

Vo (V)
0.65

0.6 1

0.55

0.5 0.5

0.45

0.4 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
V (V) V (V)
o i

Figure for Problem 2(b) Figure for Problem 2(c)

Problem 3: Velocity Saturation

This problem explores the behavior of short-channel devices. For the HSPICE simulations of this problem
you will use the 0.18u model parameters. Use the HSPICE model parameters which can be found in “ log018_1.l ”

a) Using HSPICE plot ID versus VDS, for the transistor of the following figure, with VGS (0.6V, 0.8V, 1V,
Vd

M1
Vg WD = 0.54um
LD = 0.18um

Vs

Figure 2: Short channel Transistor.

1.2V, 1.4V, 1.6V, 1.8V) as a parameter. Comment on the dependence of ID with respect to VGS.

Solution

The ID plots are shown in the next graph.

4
 * problem 3a
360u
Vgs=1.8V

340u

320u

300u Vgs=1.6V

280u

260u

Vgs=1.4V
240u

220u

200u
Currents (lin)

Vgs=1.2V
180u

160u

140u

Vgs=1.0V
120u

100u

80u
Vgs=0.8V
60u

40u

Vgs=0.6V
20u

0 200m 400m 600m 800m 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8

Voltage X (lin) (VOLTS)

It is clear from the curves that, for the short channel device, there is a linear dependence of the saturation
current with respect to VGS.

b) Calculate the effective resistance for a high to low transition, using the method described in slide 44
(Handout 2).

Solution

* problem 3b
360u
Vgs=Vdd
Voltage =1.80e+00
340u
Current =3.48e-04

320u Voltage =9.00e-01

Current =3.25e-04

300u

280u

260u

240u

220u

200u
Currents (lin)

180u

160u

140u

120u

100u

80u

60u

40u

20u

0 200m 400m 600m 800m 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8

Voltage X (lin) (VOLTS)

We can use the following expression:

1 V DS V DS
R eff = ---  ----------- +  ----------­ 

2 I D V DS = V DD   I D  V DS = V DD ⁄ 2

5
 We can find the values of the drain current from the plot. So

R eff = ---  -------------------------------- + -------------------------------- = 4KΩ

1 1.8 0.9
2  0.3481 ⋅ 10 – 3 0.3254 ⋅ 10 – 3

c) Consider two CMOS inverters with (W1/L1)n=(2.88u/1.44u), (W1/L1)p=(5.76u/1.44u) and (W2/

L2)n=(0.36u/0.18u), (W2/L2)p=(0.72u/0.18u). Assume VDD = 1.8 V and the output of the inverter is
loaded by CL=100fF capacitance. Calculate the propagation delay tP and check the answers with
HSPICE.

Solution

The propagation delay tp is the average of tpHL and tpLH. We can use the next equations to calculate the rise
and fall times for the two inverters.

t pHL = 0.69R eqHL C L and t pLH = 0.69R eqLH C L

Inverter 1

for a high to low transition (we assume that the PMOS is off):

R ( V DS = 1.8V ) = 1.8V ⁄ 0.339m = 5.3KΩ and R ( V DS = 0.9V ) = 0.9V ⁄ 0.319m = 2.8KΩ

1
R eq = --- (5.3K + 2.8K ) = 4.05KΩ
2

t pHL = 0.69 ( 4.05K )(100 f ) = 0.28ns

for a low to high transition (we assume that the NMOS is off):

R ( V DS = – 1.8 ) = –1.8V ⁄ –0.162m = 11.1KΩ andR ( V DS = – 0.9 V ) = –0.9V ⁄ –0.150m = 6.0KΩ

1
R eq = --- (10.5K + 5.7K ) = 8.6KΩ
2

t pLH = 0.69 ( 8.1K )(100 f ) = 0.59ns

1
So, t p1 = --- ( t pHL + t pLH ) = 0.435ns
2
Inverter 2

for a high to low transition (we assume that the PMOS is off):

R ( V DS = 1.8V ) = 1.8V ⁄ 0.254m = 7.1KΩ and R ( V DS = 0.9V ) = (0.9V ) ⁄ 0.237m = 3.8KΩ

1
R eq = --- (7.1K + 3.8K ) = 5.45KΩ
2

t pHL = 0.69 ( 5.45K )(100 f ) = 0.38ns

6
for a low to high transition (we assume that the NMOS is off):

R ( V DS = – 1.8 V ) = – 1.8 ⁄ –0.172m = 10.5KΩ and R ( V DS = – 0.9 V ) = – 0.9 ⁄ –0.147m = 6.4KΩ

1
R eq = --- (6.4K + 10.5K ) = 8.5KΩ
2

t pLH = 0.69 ( 7.9KΩ)(100 f ) = 0.58ns

1
So, t p2 = --- ( t pHL + t pLH ) = 0.48ns
2
The HSPICE simulation gives for the propagation delay:
0.45n + 0.8n 0.39 + 0.59n
t p1 = ------------------------------- = 0.625ns and t p2 = ------------------------------ = 0.49ns
2 2

Comment.

Hspice simulations give different results than the hand calculations, because there are some second order
effects that affect the performance of the devices. If you perform a transient analysis, you will see that in the
case of the long channel inverter, there is an overshoot(undershoot) when the new input data arrives. That’s
because of clock feedthrough (gate-to-drain capacitive coupling - Chapter 6). The long channel inverter
experiences this more intensively, because of the larger sizes of the transistors.

If you make the output load capacitance fairly large then this effect won’t be so obvious, and the inverter
with the long channel devices will be faster as expected.

This is shown in the next figure.

* problem 3c

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1
Voltages (lin)

800m

Short Channel
600m

400m

Long Channel

200m

0 20n 40n 60n 80n 100n 120n 140n 160n 180n 200n 220n 240n 260n 280n 300n 320n 340n 360n 380n
-20n 400n
Time (lin) (TIME)

The difference for the two transitions, comes from the fact that the for the low-to-high transition the currents
forthe two inverters are almost the same..

d) Repeat part c) sweeping the supply voltage VDD from 0.4V to 1.8V (sweep step 0.2V). Plot the propa­

7
 gation delay tPversus the supply voltage VDD in the same graph. Comment on the results.

Solution

The next table summarizes the propagation delays for the different supply voltages

VDD (V) tPinv1 (ns) tPinv2 (ns)

0.4 X X

0.6 9.8 7.7

0.8 2.9 1.9

1 1.6 1.1

1.2 1.1 0.8

1.4 0.9 0.6

1.6 0.7 0.5

1.8 0.6 0.5

Table 2: Propagation Delays for the two inverters

The plot is shown in the next figure.

10

7
Long Channel
6
tp (ns)

4
Short Channel
3

0
0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
Vdd (Volts)

Comments

We see that the curve for the short channel device flattens (~1.4 V), since ID is linear with respect to VGS.

Problem 4: Voltage transfer characteristics, Noise Margins

The next figure shows an all NMOS inverter.

8
a) Calculate VOH, VOL, VM for the inverter.

VDD = 2.5V

M2 W/L=0.375/0.25

VOUT

VIN M1 W/L=0.75/0.25

Figure 3: Two Inverter Implementations

Solution:

VOH: We calculate VOH, when M1 is off. The threshold for M2 is:

VT = VT0 + γ ⋅ ( – 2φ F + V SB – –2φ F ), V SB = V OUT , –2φ F = 0.6V

and M2 will be off when: V GS – V T = V DD – V OUT – V T = 0,

Substitute VT in the last equation and solve for VOUT.

V DD – V OUT – V T = 2.5 – V OUT – (0.43 + 0.4 ⋅ ( 0.6 + V OUT – 0.6 )) = 0

We get VOUT=VOH=1.765V

VOL: To calculate VOL, we set VIN=VDD=2.5V.

We expect VOUT to be low, so we can make the assumption that M2 will be velocity saturated and M1 will

be in the linear region.

2
W2  V DSAT 
For M2: I D2 = k' n ⋅ -------- ⋅  ( V GS – V T ) ⋅ V DSAT – ----------------- ⋅ (1 + λV DS ) and
L2  2 

2
W1  V DS
for M1: I D1 = k' n ⋅ -------- ⋅  ( V GS – V T 0 ) ⋅ V DS – -----------
L1  2 
Setting I D1 = I D2 , we get an equation and we solve for VOUT.

We get: VOUT=VOL=0.263V, so our assumption holds. We have input 2.5 V instead of VOH, an assumption
that is often used. If we instead put VOH at the input, VOL=0.38 V and full credit was given for either solu­
tion.

VM: To calculate VM we set VM=VIN=VOUT.

Assuming that both transistors are velocity saturated, then we have the next pair of equations:

9
 2
W 1  V DSAT 
I D1 = k' n ⋅ -------- ⋅  (V M – V T 0 ) ⋅ V DSAT – ----------------- ⋅ (1 + λV M ) and
L1  2 

2
W 2  V DSAT 
I D2 = k' n ⋅ -------- ⋅  ( V DD – V M – V T ) ⋅ V DSAT – ----------------- ⋅ (1 + λ ( V DD – V M ))
L2  2 
Setting I D1 = I D2 , we get for VM = 1.01 V

b) Use HSPICE to obtain the VTC.

Solution

The VTC is shown below.

* problem 5
2.6

2.4

2.2

1.8

1.6

1.4
Voltages (lin)

1.2

800m

600m

400m

200m

0 200m 400m 600m 800m 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4
2.6
Voltage X (lin) (VOLTS)

Depletion Load Inverter

c) Calculate VIH, VIL, and the noise margin and comment on the results. How can you increase the noise
margins and reduce the undefined region?

Solution

Circuit 1

VIL = 0.5V, VIH = 1.35V

NMH = VOH - VIH = 1.765 - 1.35 = 0.42V, NML = VIL - VOL = 0.5- 0.26 = 0.24V

We can increase the noise margins by moving VM closer to the middle of the output voltage swing. Some of
you pointed out that the VOH/VOL obtained from HSPICE does not match the value in the hand calculation.
This is because, due to diode and leakage currents, the output actually rises higher than VT in order to reach
DC steady state and match all the tiny leakage currents. (These are second order effects not modeled by the
assumption that Vout should rise to VDD-VT).

d) Comment on the differences in the VTCs, robustness and regeneration between this inverter and a stan­

10
 dard CMOS inverter.

Solution

It is clear from the two VTCs, that a CMOS inverter is more robust, since the low and high noise margins are
higher than the first inverter. Also the regeneration in the second inverter is greater since it provides rail to
rail output and the gain of the inverter is much greater.

Problem 5: Inverter Gain and Regions of Operation

Figure 0.1 shows a piecewise linear approximation for the VTC. The transition region is approximated by a straight
line with a slope equal to the inverter gain at VM. The intersection of this line with the VOH and the VOL lines defines
VIH and VIL.

a) The noise margins of a CMOS inverter are highly dependent on the sizing ratio, r=kp/kn, of the NMOS
and PMOS transistors. What ratio ’r’ would be required to achieve equal noise margins if the thresholds
of NMOS and PMOS were equal and channel length modulation were ignored? Now use HSPICE and
the 0.25u process file to test your theory. For your simulation, use Wn=1.0 umso that Wp will just be
equal to r*(NMOS mobility/PMOS mobility). If there is a discrepancy in the two results you obtain,
suggest some possible explanations.

Solution

The TSMC 0.25µm models were used for simulation and the threshold voltages of NMOS and PMOS
devices are nearly equal in this process. A value near r=1 should result in equal noise margins, since the
transistors will be closely matched. HSPICE showed that the resulting noise margins for this sizing were
NMH=0.97 V and NML=1.1 V. The mismatch is due to the fact that the PMOS threshold voltage is actually
slightly lower, so the PMOS is stronger and the upper noise margin is reduced. In addition, the NMOS veloc­
ity saturates at a lower voltage, further increasing the relative strengh of the PMOS when both devices are in
velocity saturation. The actual value that results in equal noise margins is r=0.83.

b) Section 5.3.2 of the text uses this piecewise linear approximation to derive simplified expressions for
NMH and NML in terms of the inverter gain. The derivation of the gain is based on the assumption that
both the NMOS and the PMOS devices are velocity saturated at VM . For what range of r is this assump­
tion valid? What is the resulting range of VM ?

Solution

Using the equations for finding the region of operation, it can be shown that the PMOS and NMOS are both
velocity saturated only while the switching threshold is between 1.06 V and 1.10 V. Since this range may be
considered inclusive, we can assume that both devices are velocity saturated and set the currents equal with
VIN=VOUT=VM to find kp/kn . Depending on the assumptions we make when we find r, there are a range of
possible results. Some people used the definition of r that includes variation in VDSAT for NMOS and
PMOS, some included the effect of channel length modulation, and other combinations of the above consid­
erations. Since the problem was slightly ambiguous on this topic full credit will be given for any of the
answers.

The equation below gives kp/kn in terms of known circuit parameters. Leaving out channel-length modula­
tion results in slightly different numbers. Then, whether r is defined as kp/kn or (kp*vdsatp)/(kn*vdsatn)
produces two different results due to the different definitions.

11
 v dsatn
kp v dsatn v m – v tn – ----------------- [1 + λv m ]
2
------ = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------­-
kn v dsatp
v dsatp v m – v dd – v tp – ----------------- [1 + λ(v m – v dd )]
2

TABLE OF ‘r’ RANGES VDSAT Included VDSAT Not Included

Lambda Included 0.54-0.65 0.34-0.41

Lambda Not Included 0.58-0.71 0.37-0.45

Some of you, however, used the equation for r given on page 186, equation 5.6 of the text. Although you
coincidentally got the same numbers as one of the results above, this method isn’t valid because this equa­
tion is for the case when both NMOS and PMOS are saturated, NOT velocity saturated.

This result can be checked by sizing the devices accordingly and testing the resulting VM in HSPICE. The
result gives a range of 1.04 V to 1.09 V. This makes sense, because the NMOS must be much stronger than
the PMOS to achieve a switching threshold near 1 V.

c) Derive expressions for the inverter gain at VM for the cases when the sizing ratio is just above and just
below the limits of the range where both devices are velocity saturated. What are the operating regions
of the NMOS and the PMOS for each case? Consider the effect of channel-length modulation by using
the following expression for the small-signal resistance in the saturation region: ro,sat = 1/(λID).
Vout

VOH

VM

Vin
Figure 0.1 A different approach to derive
VOL
VIL VIH VIL and VIH.

Solution

When V‘ is slightly smaller than 1.06 V, the PMOS is velocity saturated and the NMOS is saturated. Section
5.3.2 of the text shows this derivation for the case when both devices are velocity saturated. These deriva­
tions can be completed by substituting the correct current equations and using the same method. The results
are as follows:

For the case when the NMOS is saturated and the PMOS is velocity saturated:

d V out k n (V in – V tn )(1 + λ n V out ) + k p V DSATP (1 + λ p (V out – V DD ))

---------------- = –----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------­
d V in k n λn V DSATP
------------- (V – V ) + k V
2
λ V – V – V – -----------------------­
2 in tn p DSATP p in DD tp 2 

12
 Dropping the second order terms in the numerator, substituting Vm for Vin, and simplifying the denominator
leads to the following expression for the gain:

d V out k n (V m – V tn ) + k p V DSATP
---------------- = –------------------------------------------------------------------------­
dV in I D (V m )(λ n – λ p )

Problem 6: Static CMOS Inverter

For this problem use scalable CMOS design rules and assume:

VDD = 2.5V, WP/L = 1.25/0.25, WN/L = 0.375/0.25, L=Leff =0.25µm (i.e. xd= 0µm), CL=Cinv-gate, kn’ =
115µA/V2, kp’= -30µA/V2, Vtn0 = | Vtp0 | = 0.4V, λ = 0V-1, γ = 0.4, 2|φf|=0.6V, and tox = 58A. Use the Hspice
model parameters for parasitic capacitance given below (i.e. Cgd0, Cj, Cjsw), and assume that VSB=0V for all
problems except part (e).

VDD = 2.5V

L = LP = LN = 0.25µm

VOUT
VIN

CL = Cinv-gate
(Wp/Wn = 1.25/0.375)
-
+ VSB

Figure 4: CMOS inverter with capacitive load.

## Parasitic Capacitance Parameters (F/m)##

NMOS

CGDO=3.11x10-10, CGSO=3.11x10-10, CJ=2.02x10-3, CJSW=2.75x10-10

PMOS

CGDO=2.68x10-10, CGSO=2.68x10-10, CJ=1.93x10-3, CJSW=2.23x10-10

a) What is the Vm for this inverter?

Solution

Assume that Vm is around midrail (1.25V). That means that the NMOS is velocity saturated and the PMOS
is saturated. To find Vm, we set the sum of the currents at Vout equal to 0 using the correct equation for each
device:
V DSATn
k n ⋅ V DSATn ⋅  V M – V Tn – -------------------- + k p ⋅ 0.5 ⋅ (V M – V DD – V Tp ) = 0. Plug in numbers:
2
 2 

13
 2
172.5 ⋅ 0.6 ⋅ (V M – 0.4 – 0.315 ) + ( – 150 ) ⋅ 0.5 ⋅ (V M – 2.5 – ( – 0.4 )) = 0

2
103.5V M – 74 – (–75 ⋅ (V M – 4.2V M + 4.41 )) = 0.

Solving this quadratic gives V M = 1.245 V.

b) What is the effective load capacitance CLeff of this inverter? (include parasitic capacitance, refer to notes

for Keq and m.) Hint: You must assume certain values for the source/drain areas and perimeters since
there is no layout. For our scalable CMOS process, λ = 0.125 µm, and the source/drain extensions are
5λ for the PMOS; for the NMOS the source/drain contact regions are 5λx5λ.

Solution

The calculation of the lumped load capacitance follows the format presented in the lecture notes. The only
difference is the dimensions of the devices.

CLeff = CL + Cparasitic = Cg3 + Cg4 + Cdb1 + Cdb2 + Cgd1 + Cgd2.

Cg3 = (CGD0n + CGSOn)Wn + CoxWnL = 2(3.11e-10)(0.375e-6) + 6e-15(0.375)(0.25) = 0.796fF

Cg4 = (CGD0p + CGSOp)Wp + CoxWpL = 2(2.68e-10)(1.25e-6) + 6e-15(1.25)(0.25) = 2.545fF

Cdb1 = Keqn(ADn)Cj + Keqswn(PDn)Cjsw. Need to do this calculation for both transitions and average the
results. The Keq values are already calculated in the notes.

ADp=ASp=1.25um*0.625um=0.78125um2 and ADn=ASn=0.125*0.375+0.6252=0.4375um2.

PDp=PSp=2*0.625um+1.25um=2.5um and PDn=PSn=5*0.125um*3+(2+1+1)*0.125um=2.375um.

(0.57*0.4375*2 + 0.61*2.375*0.28) = 0.904fF for HL transition

(0.79*0.4375*2 + 0.81*2.375*0.28) = 1.23fF for LH. Average Cdb1=1.067fF.

Cdb2 = Keqp(ADp)Cj + Keqswp(PDp)Cjsw.

(0.79*0.78125*1.9 + 0.86*2.5*0.22) = 1.65fF for HL transition

(0.59*0.78125*1.9 + 0.7*2.5*0.22) = 1.26fF for LH. Average Cdb2=1.455fF.

Cgd1 = 2CGD0nWn = 2*3.11e-10*0.375e-6 = 0.233fF.

Cgd2 = 2CGD0pWp = 2*2.68e-10*1.25e-6 = 0.67fF.

CL = sum = 6.767fF. Note - since the problem states that xd=0, it is ok if you neglected the last two parasitic
capacitances. We intended for them to be included, though.

c) Calculate tPHL, tPLH assuming the result of (b) is ‘CLeff = 6.5fF’. (Assume ideal step input, i.e.
trise=tfall=0. Do this part by computing the average current used to charge/discharge CLeff.)

Solution

We can estimate the propagation delay using the approximation ∆t = ∆Q/I, where ∆Q = CLeffVDD and I is

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the average current used to charge/discharge CLeff. During the high-to-low transition CLeff is discharged
through the NMOS transistor so I = IavgN. During the low-to-high transition CLeff is charged through the
PMOS transistor so I = IavgP. In summary
V DD V DD
V DD ⋅ C Leff I ds (V o = 0) + I ds  V o = ----------- I ds (V o = V DD ) + I ds  V o = ----------­
 2   2 
t delay ≅ ------------------------------, where I avgN = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------, I avgP = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------­
2 ⋅ I avg 2 2
Table 3 shows corresponding values for IavgN, IavgP, tPLH, and tPHL. NOTE- This solution included channel

Vo (V) Operation Mode Ids (mA) Iavg (mA) Prop Delay (ps)

0 PMOS vel sat. 0.300

for tPLH 0.285 28.5
1.25 PMOS vel sat 0.270

2.5 NMOS vel sat. 0.209

for tPHL 0.202 40.0
1.25 NMOS vel sat 0.195

Table 3: Average currents and propagation delays for Problem 4(c).

length modulation, but it is ok if your solution did not (see problem assumptions).

d) Find (Wp/Wn) such that tPHL = tPLH.

Solution

One way to do this is to solve the current average equations for Wp/Wn after setting the propagation delays
equal to one another. A much easier method is to sweep the widths in HSPICE. The HSPICE sim shows that
Wp/Wn =2.6 gives equal rise and fall times.

e) Suppose we increase the width of the transistors to reduce the tPHL, tPLH. Do we get a proportional
decrease in the delay times? Justify your answer.

Solution

The propagation delays DO NOT decrease in proportion to the widths because of self-loading effects. As the
device size increases, its parasitic capacitances increase as well. In this problem, increasing device size
increases both average current and CLeff.

f) Suppose VSB = 1V, what is the value of Vtn, Vtp, Vm? How does this qualitatively affect CLeff?

Solution

Vtp = Vtp0 = -0.4V.

Vtn = 0.4 + γ ⋅ ( 2φ F + 1 –
2φ F ) = 0.596 V.

Using the equation for part a) and plugging in the new value of Vtn gives: VM = 1.35V

The increased Vsb will increase the depletion region and lower the junction capacitance, lowering CLeff.

g) Use Magic to create a layout for this inverter. Extract the schematic, including parasitic capacitance,
from the layout and use HSPICE to simulate the circuit and measure tP and the average power for the

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 following input Vin: pulse(0 VDD 5n 0.1n 0.1n 9n 20n), as VDD varies from 1V - 2.5V with 0.25V inter­
val. [tP = (tPHL + tPLH) / 2]. Using this data, plot ‘tP vs. VDD’, and ‘Power vs. VDD’.

The extracted layout will include parasitics so you need not manually include AS, AD, PS, PD in your
spice deck, but remember to manually add CL = 6.5fF. Set VSB = 0V for this problem. Use the HSPICE
model parameters which can be found in “ logic025.l ”.

Solution

There are many valid layouts for the inverter and you can find an example in the book. For one possible lay­
out, the simulation results are as follows. (The parasitics should be quite similar for any reasonable layout.)

*prob4g pset1 *prob4g pset1

4u

230p
3.8u

220p
3.6u

210p
3.4u

200p
3.2u

190p
3u

180p
2.8u

170p
2.6u

160p
Outer Result (lin)

Measures (lin)

2.4u

150p
2.2u

140p
2u

130p 1.8u

120p 1.6u

110p 1.4u

100p 1.2u

90p 1u

80p 800n

70p 600n

1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
Outer Result (lin) (pvdd) Outer Result (lin) (pvdd)

Delay vs VDD (part g) Power vs VDD (part g)

h) Using HSPICE, simulate the circuit for a set of ‘pulse’ inputs with rise and fall times of tin_rise,fall =1ns,
2ns, 5ns, 10ns, 20ns. For each input, measure (1) the rise and fall times tout_rise and tout_fall of the
inverter output, (2) the total energy lost Etotal, and (3) the energy lost due to short circuit current Eshort.
For measuring short circuit power, use the technique discussed in class (slide 96, Handout 2). Use the
HSPICE model parameters which can be found in “ logic025.l”

Using this data, prepare a plot of (1) (tout_rise+tout_fall)/2 vs. tin_rise,fall, (2) Etotal vs. tin_rise,fall, (3) Eshort
vs. tin_rise,fall and (4) Eshort/Etotal vs. tin_rise,fall.

Provide simple explanations for:

(i) Why the slope for (1) is less than 1?
(ii) Why Eshort increases with tin_rise,fall?
(iii) Why Etotal increases with tin_rise,fall?

Solution

i) The slope is less than 1 because of the regenerative property of the inverter. The high gain around the

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switching point causes the output to change faster than the inputs.

ii) The amount of time for which both devices are on simultaneously increases.

iii) Total energy increases because the short circuit energy begins to dominate, and it increases as the rise/fall

time increases.

(trise+tfall)/2 vs trfin Etotal vs trfin

5 2

4
1.5
(trise+tfall)/2 (ns)

Etotal (pJ)
3
1
2

0.5
1

0 0
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20
trfin (ns) trfin (ns)

Eshort vs trfin Eshort/Etotal vs trfin

2 1

1.5 0.9
Eshort/Etotal
Eshort (pJ)

1 0.8

0.5 0.7

0 0.6
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20
trfin (ns) trfin (ns)
Plots for Problem 4(h)

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