Detailed Project Report · Custom CMOS · Arithmetic · 2025–2026

16-bit Carry-Lookahead Adder: Custom CMOS Implementation

Qinyan Zeng
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Southern California · qyzeng.work@gmail.com

Abstract

This design uses generate/propagate structure to organize carry computation in a 16-bit custom-CMOS adder. It completes a three-architecture study in which RCA, carry-skip, and carry-lookahead adders share a common physical implementation and verification flow.

Keywords—Cadence Virtuoso, CMOS, DRC, LVS, PEX.

I. Project summary

Word length16 bit
ArchitectureCarry-lookahead
AnalysisPost-layout critical path

II. Scope and contribution

  • Implemented the generate/propagate carry network.
  • Built the transistor-level schematic and layout.
  • Analyzed the extracted critical path.

III. Methodology

  1. Generate/propagate logic
  2. Transistor sizing
  3. Hierarchical schematic
  4. Custom layout
  5. Extracted simulation

IV. Verification

  • Functional schematic simulation.
  • DRC and LVS.
  • PEX-based post-layout analysis.

V. Reported results

  • Completed a physically verified 16-bit CLA.
  • Completed the three-architecture custom-adder implementation set.

VI. Artifacts and data availability

The résumé establishes the following artifact classes. Public-safe figures and report excerpts will be attached after review:

  • Carry-network schematic
  • Layout
  • Critical-path waveform
  • DRC/LVS/PEX summary