Asynchronous Token Network for IC Clock Skew Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synchronous communication in integrated circuits requires clock signals, leading to issues like clock skew and the need for additional circuits, while conventional asynchronous protocols struggle to implement deterministic systems for real-time systems with unpredictable data arrival and ordering.
Innovation Solution
An asynchronous communication network in integrated circuits that uses a plurality of circuit elements with a routing network and control circuit to transmit tokens, enabling asynchronous communication without clock signals, and allowing for non-deterministic control decisions with minimal overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous communication is used in integrated circuits, then data can be communicated reliably with clock synchronization, but clock skew and additional clock circuit networks are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the clock signal from the communication system entirely. By using asynchronous communication protocols that rely on handshaking signals and event-driven data transfer, the system eliminates the need for clock distribution networks, clock skew compensation circuits, and related synchronization infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces handshaking signals and control protocols as intermediaries between communicating circuit elements. These intermediary signals coordinate data transfer without requiring a shared clock, allowing reliable communication through request-acknowledge sequences that adapt to varying propagation delays without needing complex clock synchronization circuits
2Device complexity
If conventional asynchronous protocols are used, then clock signals are eliminated reducing device complexity, but deterministic control becomes difficult for real-time systems with unpredictable data arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms that adapt to unpredictable data arrival patterns in real-time systems. The asynchronous protocol dynamically adjusts handshaking sequences and control signals based on actual data flow conditions, enabling deterministic behavior through flexible, event-driven coordination rather than rigid clock synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through handshaking protocols where receiving elements send acknowledgment signals back to transmitting elements. This feedback loop enables deterministic control by allowing the system to track and coordinate data flow dynamically, ensuring proper sequencing and synchronization without requiring a shared clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
An asynchronous communication network in an integrated circuit is described. The asynchronous communication network comprises a plurality of circuit elements enabling the transmission of tokens, each circuit element having a component interface comprising: a routing network coupled to a first adjacent circuit element of the plurality of circuit elements; and a control circuit coupled to the routing network, the control circuit having a first input coupled to receive a first command requesting a detection of a token received at a second input of the control circuit, and a first acknowledgement output coupling a first acknowledgement signal indicating whether the first command is received at the first input. Methods of enabling asynchronous communication in an integrated circuit are also disclosed.