Three-dimensional lattice logic circuits, Part I: Fundamentals

Fundamentals of regular three-dimensional (3D) lattice circuits are intro- duced. Lattice circuits represent an important class of regular circuits that allow for local interconnections, predictable timing, fault localization, and self-repair. In ad- dition, three-dimensional lattice circuits can be potentially well suited for future 3D technologies, such as nanotechnologies, where the intrinsic physical delay of the irreg- ular and lengthy interconnections limits the device performance. Although the current technology does not offer a menu for the immediate physical implementation of the proposed three-dimensional circuits, this paper deals with three-dimensional logic cir- cuit design from a fundamental and foundational level for a rather new possible future directions in designing digital logic circuits.