Kinetic Inductors Enable Reversible Logic

Abstract

Reversible logic has long promised substantial reductions in energy dissipation, yet prior demonstrations have not scaled to commercially relevant systems. This work presents a quantitative framework for evaluating reversible logic through a process termed CMOS conversion, in which a conventional CMOS design is transformed into a functionally equivalent reversible implementation and compared using common performance metrics. The framework combines planning equations, kinetic-inductor energy-storage models, a four-phase 4LC energy-recycling power supply, and RLC-based simulation methods that account for data-dependent loading effects. The analysis identifies inductor loss as a fundamental limitation of conventional approaches and shows that high-energy-density kinetic inductors provide essential design margin for scaling reversible systems. Using representative device parameters, the framework suggests that selected cryogenic CMOS qubit controller circuits could be converted to reversible logic using available or near-term technologies. Rather than claiming commercialization of reversible logic in general, the paper provides a methodology for assessing its feasibility and potential benefits across future applications.