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

16-bit Carry-Skip Adder: Custom CMOS Implementation

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

Abstract

This project introduces carry-skip logic into a 16-bit custom adder to reduce the dependence on a fully serial carry path. The implementation follows the same schematic-to-layout methodology used for the ripple-carry and carry-lookahead designs.

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

I. Project summary

Word length16 bit
ArchitectureCarry-skip
AnalysisPost-layout critical path

II. Scope and contribution

  • Implemented carry-propagate and skip behavior.
  • Completed the transistor-level schematic and layout.
  • Performed post-layout critical-path evaluation.

III. Methodology

  1. Carry-skip organization
  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 carry-skip adder.
  • Produced extracted evidence suitable for architecture comparison.

VI. Artifacts and data availability

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

  • Schematic
  • Layout
  • Skip-path waveform
  • DRC/LVS/PEX summary