What are the current trends and research topics in synchronous and asynchronous circuit design?

1 Synchronous circuits

Synchronous circuits are based on a global clock signal that synchronizes the operations of all the components. They are widely used in digital systems, such as microprocessors, memory, and communication devices. Some of the advantages of synchronous circuits are their predictability, reliability, and ease of verification. However, they also face some limitations, such as power consumption, clock skew, and scalability. Some of the current research topics in synchronous circuit design include low-power techniques, clockless logic, and self-timed circuits.

3 Mixed-timing circuits

Mixed-timing circuits are circuits that combine both synchronous and asynchronous elements, with the aim of exploiting the best of both worlds. They can offer more design freedom, trade-offs, and optimization opportunities than pure synchronous or asynchronous circuits. However, they also introduce more complexity and interfacing issues. Some of the current research topics in mixed-timing circuit design include dual-rail logic, mesochronous systems, and elastic pipelines.

4 Applications and technologies

Synchronous and asynchronous circuit design are both relevant for a variety of applications and technologies, such as embedded systems, internet of things, neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, and nanoelectronics. Each of these domains has its own requirements, constraints, and challenges, that may favor one type of circuit design over the other, or demand a hybrid approach. Some of the current research topics in applications and technologies include fault-tolerance, security, adaptability, and scalability.

5 Tools and methods

Synchronous and asynchronous circuit design also require different tools and methods for their implementation and verification. Synchronous circuits have more established and standardized tools and methods, such as hardware description languages, synthesis tools, and simulation tools. Asynchronous circuits have more diverse and evolving tools and methods, such as signal transition graphs, petri nets, and formal methods. Some of the current research topics in tools and methods include automated synthesis, verification, and testing of asynchronous circuits.

6 Resources and learning

If you are interested in learning more about synchronous and asynchronous circuit design, there are many resources available online and offline. You can find books, journals, conferences, courses, tutorials, and blogs that cover the theory, practice, and research of both types of circuit design. You can also find online communities, forums, and platforms that offer support, feedback, and collaboration for circuit designers. Some of the resources and learning opportunities include IEEE Transactions on VLSI Systems, Async Symposium, Coursera courses, and Asynchronous Circuits and Systems Group.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?