Receiver circuits using nanotube based switches and logic. Preferably, the circuits are dual-rail (differential). A receiver circuit includes a differential input having a first and second input link, and a differential output having a first and second output link. First, second, third and fourth switching elements each have an input node, an output node, a nanotube channel element, and a control structure disposed in relation to the nanotube channel element to controllably form and unform an electrically conductive channel between said input node and said output node. The receiver circuit can sense small voltage inputs and convert them to larger voltage swings.