DTMOS: its derivatives and variations, and their potential applications

Since the first introduction of dynamic threshold voltage MOSFET (DTMOS) in 1994 (Assaderaghi et al, 1994), many novel and interesting proposals have been made regarding this device. Some of the proposals have focused on improving the original design and overcoming its limitations, while others have found circuit and system applications for it. This paper briefly reviews the DTMOS concept, and its advantages over conventional CMOS. Next, the main limitations and disadvantages of the device are touched upon, while covering some of the suggestions for optimizing the device. A rich category of circuit applications for DTMOS and its derivatives have been created in the short period following DTMOS inception. Some of the proposed circuit applications are mentioned next. Finally, the author's views on future directions of the device are presented.