6 January 2023

NMOS Vs CMOS | Difference | Comparison

NMOS and CMOS are two types of transistors used in integrated circuits(ICs). NMOS stands for n-channel metal oxide semiconductor and CMOS stands for complementary metal oxide semiconductor. The key difference between NMOS and CMOS is that NMOS transistors are simpler, faster, and more power efficient than CMOS transistors. So let's debate the NMOS Vs CMOS to understand more about it.

What is NMOS?

By creating an inversion layer inside a p-type transistor, NMOS logic operates using n-type MOSFETs. This layer, which conducts electrons between n-type terminals like source drain, is referred to as the n-channel layer. By adding voltage to the third terminal, also known as the gate terminal, this channel may be made. Similar to other fields effect transistors made of metal oxide semiconductors, NMOS, transistors have operating modes, including cutoff, triode, saturation, and velocity saturation.   


What is CMOS?

Integrated circuits(ICs) are built using complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS) technology, which is also utilized in digital logic circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and static RAM. Several analog circuits, including data converters, image sensors, and highly integrated transceivers also employ CMOS technology. The two major characteristics of CMOS technology are low static power consumption and strong noise immunity.

NMOS Vs CMOS | Difference between NMOS and CMOS:

  • NMOS stands for N-type metal oxide semiconductor. While CMOS called for complementary metal oxide semiconductors.
  • NMOS technology is used to make logic gates as well as digital circuits. While CMOS is a technology used to make ICs that are used in different applications like batteries, electronic components, image sensors, and digital cameras. 
  • The operating of an NMOS transistor can be done by making an inversion layer within a p-type transistor body. CMOS employs symmetrical as well as complementary pairs of MOSFETs like P-type and n-type MOSFETs for the operation of logic functions.
  • NMOS has four modes of operations that simulate other types of MOSFETs like a cut-off, triode, saturation & velocity saturation. The modes of operation of CMOS are accumulation-like depletion and inversion. 
  • The NMOS transistor's properties state that when the top electrode's voltage rises, there will be an attraction of electrons toward the surface. At a specific voltage range, which we will shortly describe as the threshold voltage, where the density of electrons at the outside will exceed the density of holes. Low static power consumption and strong noise immunity are two features of CMOS.
  • Logic gates and digital circuits are both implemented using NMOS. CMOS is used in digital logic circuits, microprocessors, SRAM & microcontrollers. 
  • The NMOS logic level mainly depends on the beta ratio as well as poor noise margins. The CMOS logic level is 0/5V.
  • The transmission time of NMOS is t1>tf. While the transmission time of CMOS is t1=tf.
  • The layout of NMOS is irregular. The layout of CMOS is more regular.
  • The load or drive ratio of NMOS is 4:1. Load drive ratio of CMOS is 1:1/2:1.
  • Packing density is denser in NMOS, N+1 device for N-inputs. While the packing density is less in CMOS, 2N device for N inputs. 
  • The power supply is fixed based on VDD in NMOS. While in CMOS the power supply may change from 1.5 to 15V VIH/VIL, a fixed fraction of VDD. 
Thank you for reading this article. Still, if you have any questions or queries in your mind on the NMOS Vs CMOS then please ask us in the comment section below. 

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