CMOS/nano co-design for crossbar-based molecular electronic systems

Future electronic systems will need to adopt novel nanoelectronic solutions to keep pace with Moore's Law. Crossbar-based molecular electronics are among the most promising of nanotechnologies. However, circuits similar to the conventional mainstream electronics of today will have a presence in future complex systems for some time. This paper presents a circuit paradigm where silicon and molecular electronics are integrated. We discuss methods for realizing memory and logic using nanoscale crossbars as well as for interfacing the crossbars to CMOS circuitry. Using custom nanoscale device models, we perform circuit simulation and analysis of the crossbar circuits and the peripheral CMOS circuitry. Finally, we present a design methodology to accompany the CMOS/nano paradigm.