MagCAD: Tool for the Design of 3-D Magnetic Circuits

Abstract

The post-CMOS scenario poses many challenges to researchers. Innovative solutions must be found to further improve electronic circuits. Exploiting the potential offered by the third dimension is clearly one of the best possibilities available. However, due to the lack of a simple and straightforward methodology, it is difficult to analyze and compare beyond-CMOS technologies. We tackle this challenge by presenting a framework that enables the design of 3-D circuits based on field-coupled technologies. The tool is called MagCAD and is part of the ToPoliNano design suite, created to design and simulate circuits based on emerging technologies by applying a top-down methodology. Right now, MagCAD supports the two main implementations of nanomagnetic logic (NML), the in-plane NML, and the perpendicular NML (pNML). However, it is designed to be easily extended to other beyond-CMOS technologies. Researchers can design pNML circuits by using MagCAD, which embeds design rules, physical models, and technological parameters. The compact model and the physical properties of these cells are based on experimental results. After the design phase, a register-transfer-level model of the circuit is automatically extracted by MagCAD. The model is written in VHSIC Hardware Description Language and has been validated through experiments. The extracted model can be simulated with fast HDL-simulators; this makes it possible to verify the behavior and extract the performance of the designed circuit. With MagCAD, designers have the possibility to easily design, simulate, and compare 3-D NML circuits, exploring the advantages provided by the third dimension freely.