Forward Body Biasing Techniques for Low Power Null Convention Logic in SOI

Asynchronous circuit design and implementation using Null Convention Logic (NCL) design paradigm, coupled with the inherent benefits of Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator (FD-SOI) technology, provide a promising path towards efficient and robust digital systems. In this paper, we propose and analyze different circuit design and customization methods for achieving low leakage-power high-performance FDSOI-based asynchronous Null Convention Logic circuits. The basic technique leverages behavior of the fine-grained Forward Body Biasing (FBB) characteristic available in FDSOI transistors to dynamically optimize for low leakage-power or high-performance by adjusting FBB of an NCL circuit using its input Data-Null wave-fronts. Results indicate that, with the addition of extra circuit components with relatively low circuit area, leakage (standby) power is significantly reduced.