Applications of asynchronous circuits

A comparison with synchronous circuits suggests four opportunities for the application of asynchronous circuits: high performance, low power, improved noise and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) properties, and a natural ma tch with heterogeneous system timing. In this overview article each opportu nity is reviewed in some detail, illustrated by examples, compared with syn chronous alternatives, and accompanied by numerous pointers to the literatu re. Conditions for applying asynchronous circuit technology, such as the ex istence and availability of computer-aided design (CAD) tools, circuit libr aries, and effective test approaches, are discussed briefly. Asynchronous c ircuits do offer advantages for many applications and their design methods and tools are now starting to become mature.