Asynchronous Circuit Applications

Unlike conventional synchronous circuits, asynchronous circuits are not coordinated by a clocking signal, but instead use handshaking protocols to control circuit behaviour. Asynchronous circuits have been found to offer several advantages, including high energy efficiency, flexible timing requirements, high modularity, low noise/EMI, and robustness to PVT variations. At the same time, growing pressures on the electronics industry for ever smaller, more efficient ICs are pushing the limits of conventional circuit technologies. These factors are spurring growing interest in asynchronous circuits amongst both the academic research and commercial R&D communities.

This book introduces a wide range of existing and potential applications for asynchronous circuits, each accompanied with the corresponding circuit design theory, sample circuit implementations, results, and analysis. It serves as an essential guide for academic researchers and students looking to broaden their thinking in advancing asynchronous applications and design methodologies, and provides practical advice to industrial engineers when considering the incorporation of asynchronous circuits in their own applications.

Jia Di is a professor and the 21st Century Research Leadership Chair of the Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas, USA. His research is mainly focused on asynchronous integrated circuit design for different applications and hardware security. Professor Di has published one book and over 100 papers on technical journals and conferences. He also holds 5 U.S. patents.

Scott C. Smith is Department Chair and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M University Kingsville. His areas of expertise include Asynchronous Logic, NULL Convention Logic, and CAD Tools for Digital Design. Professor Smith has published over 100 refereed technical journal/conference/book chapter articles, and also holds 8 U.S. patents.