Power rail logic: a low power logic style for digital GaAs circuits

This paper describes a new logic style called Power Rail Logic (PRL) which is compatible with DCFL circuits. Multiplexors, latches, flip-flops and exclusive-OR gates can be built using this logic style. Compared to DCFL, PRL uses fewer transistors, has larger noise margins, and up to 40% lower power-delay products. A test chip containing 32-bit barrel shifters designed in DCFL and in PRL, were successfully fabricated and tested. Test results are given for both circuits.