Overview

In this paper, a logic style that is becoming increasingly popular is presented, which is called MOS Current Mode Logic (MCML). MCML is a novel and useful logic style for high-speed, low-power and mixed-signal applications. Its high-speed switching, low supply voltage and reduced output voltage swing contribute to its high performance, low power dissipation, and low noise features. MCML circuits are compared to several other logic styles, such as conventional static CMOS, dynamic logic, and traditional emitter coupled logic (ECL) in terms of power, delay and common mode noise immunity. MCML circuits seem to be very promising in high-speed, low-power and mixed-signal digital circuit applications, such as portable electronic devices, gigahertz microprocessors, and optical transceivers.

Keywords: MOS current mode logic; high-speed; low-power.

1. Introduction

The advances in VLSI technology have made portable electronic devices become more and more popular today. Laptop computers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants have all become more prevalent in people's lives each year. Except for the high-speed demand, another most significant properties of portable devices are battery-powered and lightness. As CMOS technology scales down and device density increases, the power consumption of future IC's will increase excessively beyond the traditional constrains of packaging cost and...