Computer Dictionary of Information Technology

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

(CMOS) A semiconductor fabrication technology using a combination of n- and p-doped semiconductor material to achieve low power dissipation. Any path through a gate through which current can flow includes both n and p type transistors. Only one type is turned on in any stable state so there is no static power dissipation and current only flows when a gate switches in order to charge the parasitic capacitance.