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Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Circuits

The document compares synchronous and asynchronous circuits. Synchronous circuits use a clock signal to change states at discrete times, while asynchronous circuits do not use a clock and rely on handshaking protocols and signal events. The main applications of synchronous circuits are those that need precise timing, while asynchronous circuits are used in signal processing and fast arithmetic units. Synchronous circuits are simpler but more sensitive to variations, while asynchronous circuits have advantages of lower power and better performance but require more overhead. Optimization techniques for synchronous circuits include pipelining, clock gating, and retiming.

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63 views14 pages

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Circuits

The document compares synchronous and asynchronous circuits. Synchronous circuits use a clock signal to change states at discrete times, while asynchronous circuits do not use a clock and rely on handshaking protocols and signal events. The main applications of synchronous circuits are those that need precise timing, while asynchronous circuits are used in signal processing and fast arithmetic units. Synchronous circuits are simpler but more sensitive to variations, while asynchronous circuits have advantages of lower power and better performance but require more overhead. Optimization techniques for synchronous circuits include pipelining, clock gating, and retiming.

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Justice
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Synchronous and

Asynchronous
Circuits
David Chen
Kevin Yu
Overview
• Introduction

• Applications

• Advantages/Disadvantages

• Optimization
What is a synchronous circuit?

• Digital circuit synchronized by a clock


Clock Signal

• Circuits change their states and output values at discrete


instants of time, which are specified by the rising and falling
edge of a free-running clock signal
What is an asynchronous circuit?

• A self timed circuit


• A digital circuit not governed by a clock
• Uses signals
Handshaking Protocol
• A series of signal events
• i.e Acknowledge and Request signal
Applications – Synchronous

• Predominates asynchronous circuits

• Typically used to perform activities that need to happen at


precise times
Applications – Asynchronous
• Signal processing

• Fast arithmetic unit

• Simple microprocessors

• Memory(static,RAM,FIFOs)

• ILLIAC
Advantages – Synchronous
• Simplicity

• Widely taught and understood

• Available components

• Simple way to deal with noise and hazard


Disadvantages – Synchronous
• Sensitive to variations in physical parameters

• Not modular

• Power consumption

• Clock distribution is difficult due to clock skew

• The maximum possible clock rate is determined by the slowest


logic path in the circuit, otherwise known as the critical path
Advantages – Asynchronous
• High performance

• Low power dissipation

• Low noise and EM emission

• Good match with heterogeneous system timing


Disadvantages – Asynchronous
• Substantial circuit level overhead

• Lack of CAD tools

• Delay
Optimization – Synchronous
• Pipelining
• Improves performance

• Clock Gating
• Reduces dynamic power dissipation

• Retiming
• Improve its performance, area, and/or power characteristics
Sources
• J. Rabaey, [Link], and B. Nikolic. Digital Integrated Circuits: A
Design Perspective. Prentice-Hall, second edition, 2003.
• Berkel, Van. "Scanning the Technology." [Link]. N.p.. Web. 10 Nov
2013.
<[Link]
.
• "[Link]." Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous Design. N.p.. Web. 10 Nov 2013.
[Link]
• "Synchronous and Asynchronous Operation." . N.p.. Web. 10 Nov 2013.
<[Link]

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