Asynchronous Conversion Circuitry for Token-Based Synchronous Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ASIC devices often rely on synchronous circuits due to the complexity and resource-intensive nature of asynchronous designs, limiting the adoption of asynchronous circuits despite their performance and power benefits.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating synchronous circuitry into asynchronous systems by using asynchronous-to-synchronous and synchronous-to-asynchronous conversion circuitry to interface synchronous core circuitry, allowing it to operate as an asynchronous block, thereby enabling the use of synchronous core memory circuitry within asynchronous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If synchronous circuits are used in existing ASIC devices, then design complexity and resource requirements are reduced, but performance and power consumption benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conversion circuitry as an intermediary component between synchronous core circuitry and asynchronous interfaces. The asynchronous-to-synchronous conversion circuitry receives asynchronous input signals and converts them to synchronous signals that the core circuitry can process, while synchronous-to-asynchronous conversion circuitry converts processed outputs back to asynchronous signals. This mediator approach allows the system to enjoy both the simplicity of synchronous design and the power/performance benefits of asynchronous operation.
2Productivity
If asynchronous circuit designs are implemented, then performance and power benefits are achieved, but additional time, experience, and dedicated design tools are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion circuitry acts as a buffer that isolates the synchronous core design from asynchronous design complexities. Designers can use familiar synchronous design methodologies for the core logic while the conversion circuitry handles the asynchronous protocol translation, reducing the need for specialized asynchronous design expertise and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: asynchronous input interfaces, asynchronous-to-synchronous conversion circuitry, synchronous core circuitry, synchronous-to-asynchronous conversion circuitry, and asynchronous output interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and optimized independently, with the conversion circuitry serving as a standardized interface layer.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If synchronous core circuitry is integrated into asynchronous systems, then power consumption is reduced, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dedicated conversion circuitry blocks as intermediaries at the interfaces between synchronous and asynchronous domains. The asynchronous-to-synchronous conversion circuitry manages the complexity of translating asynchronous handshaking protocols into synchronous clocked signals, while synchronous-to-asynchronous conversion circuitry performs the reverse translation. This concentrates the interface complexity into standardized, reusable blocks rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods operate to receive a sufficient number of asynchronous input tokens at the inputs of an asynchronous apparatus to conduct a specified processing operation, some of the tokens decoded to determine an operation type associated with the specified processing operation; to receive an indication that outputs of the asynchronous apparatus are ready to conduct the specified processing operation; to signal a synchronous circuit to process data included in the tokens according to the specified processing operation; and to convert synchronous outputs from the synchronous circuit into asynchronous output tokens to be provided to outputs of the asynchronous apparatus when the synchronous outputs result from the specified processing operation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.