Reversible computing and truly adiabatic circuits: the next great challenge for digital engineering

This paper provides a brief review of the energy dissipation problem in conventional FET-based logic. Some alternative device switching principles that might help with this problem in the relatively near term are described. Fundamental limits to dissipation that apply to any non-energy-recovering digital technology are described. Elements required as part of any long-term solution (i.e. adiabatic switching, reversible logic, and resonant clocking) are discussed