Self-timed precharge latch

Abstract

The use of a self-timed precharge latch (STPL) is proposed for the design of self-timed systems based on the four-cycle and two-cycle handshaking protocols. The techniques allow different data to be stored and computed in consecutive pipeline stages simultaneously without using a conventional data register. The techniques allow the propagation of data across the pipeline stage in a fast domino manner, parallel with the handshaking signals. The variable-length FIFOs designed using these techniques result in a significant reduction in silicon area and fall-through delay compared with those designed based on other techniques.