Parts of this article (those related to computer science) need to be updated. The reason given is: Some information are outdated and referred to the past years.(March 2024) |
Asynchronous circuit (clockless or self-timed circuit)[1]: Lecture 12 [note 1][2]: 157–186 is a sequential digital logic circuit that does not use a global clock circuit or signal generator to synchronize its components.[1][3]: 3–5 Instead, the components are driven by a handshaking circuit which indicates a completion of a set of instructions. Handshaking works by simple data transfer protocols.[3]: 115 Many synchronous circuits were developed in early 1950s as part of bigger asynchronous systems (e.g. ORDVAC). Asynchronous circuits and theory surrounding is a part of several steps in integrated circuit design, a field of digital electronics engineering.
Asynchronous circuits are contrasted with synchronous circuits, in which changes to the signal values in the circuit are triggered by repetitive pulses called a clock signal. Most digital devices today use synchronous circuits. However asynchronous circuits have a potential to be much faster, have a lower level of power consumption, electromagnetic interference, and better modularity in large systems. Asynchronous circuits are an active area of research in digital logic design.[4][5]
It was not until the 1990s when viability of the asynchronous circuits was shown by real-life commercial products.[3]: 4
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