Examples of image processing to benefit from an asynchronous implementation

Abstract

This paper describes how asynchronous techniques make easier timing in an image processing computer. It outlines an original machine architecture, and explains why it is asynchronous: the router circuit supports the asynchronism by itself. Its structure and behavior are sketched. Our method for self-timed design, its salient features and contributions to the typical asynchronous circuit design flow are introduced. The VLSI implementation and the cell set design, including full-custom self-timed asynchronous cells, are detailed. Measured circuit's performances are presented, as well as global processing and communication performances for different image processing algorithms. The gain from asynchronism is exhibited.