Guest Editors' Introduction: Asynchronous Design Is Here to Stay (and Is More Mainstream Than You Thought)

Abstract

Asynchronous or clockless design is poised to play a key role in alleviating fundamental challenges of current and future microelectronic circuits and systems. Asynchronous design abandons clocking in favor of handshaking, thereby enhancing design modularity, reducing unnecessary switching activity, and accommodating delay variation. This special issue of IEEE Design & Test presents seven articles that highlight recent advances in the field of asynchronous design, its impact on current industrial practice, and potential for use in future technologies.