3D data structures for nanoscale design

Abstract

The silicon-scaling revolution presents a multitude of challenges as technology progresses into the nanoscale era. One of these challenges are new data structures required for nanoscale designs which are inherently three-dimensional (3D). The majority of the currently developed 3D data structures are extensions of their well known 2D predecessors. New data structures specifically designed for the 3D nanoscale designs-which are truly able to fulfill the new demand determined by 3D integration technologies-are required. In this paper a systematic overview of main data structures that have been developed for 3D designs is presented. Their characteristics are investigated in detail in order to draw conclusions about the application potential in the new, nanoscale 3D context.