Fast tag comparator using diode partitioned domino for 64-bit microprocessors

As the clock frequency and physical address space of 64-bit microprocessors continue to grow, one major critical path is the access to the on-die cache memory that includes a tag comparator, a tag SRAM and a data SRAM. To improve the delay of the tag comparator, a diode-partitioned (DP) domino circuit is proposed. DP domino reduces the parasitic capacitance and enables a smaller keeper in high fan-in gates. The diode circuit is also improved by an enhanced diode that boosts up the gate voltage of the nMOS diode. Delay of a 40-bit tag comparator using the proposed scheme is 33% faster than an optimized complex domino circuit in 1.8-V 180-mn CMOS technology.