Asynchronous Digital Design
Asynchronous digital design represents a fundamentally different approach to building digital circuits, one that operates without the global clock signal that synchronizes traditional synchronous systems. Instead of marching in lockstep to a master timing reference, asynchronous circuits use local handshaking protocols to coordinate data transfer and computation. This clockless paradigm offers compelling advantages in power consumption, electromagnetic emissions, modularity, and average-case performance.
The field of asynchronous design encompasses a rich variety of circuit styles and methodologies, each with distinct characteristics suited to different applications. From micropipelines that provide elegant elastic data flow to NULL Convention Logic that achieves complete delay insensitivity, these techniques enable designers to build systems that naturally adapt to varying operating conditions. Understanding asynchronous design opens new possibilities for creating robust, efficient, and modular digital systems.