Asynchronous CPUs: The Future of Clockless Processor Technology

The world of computing has seen immense advances over the last few decades. While much of this progress has been driven by the continual evolution of clocked processors, the idea of asynchronous CPUs (also known as clockless processors) has been gaining traction as a potentially transformative innovation. In this article, we will explore what asynchronous CPUs are, their advantages, challenges, and the companies and research labs that have successfully developed them.

Asynchronous CPUs do not rely on a central clock signal to coordinate the timing of operations within the processor. Instead, they utilize self-timed circuits that function independently of a clock, allowing for more efficient processing in certain applications. This article delves into the history, technology, and potential future of asynchronous CPUs, as well as the key players in this field.

What is an Asynchronous CPU?

At the core of an asynchronous CPU is a design that does not require a global clock to control the flow of data. Traditional clocked processors rely on a central clock signal to synchronize operations across all components, but in an asynchronous processor, the components are able to communicate and process data independently. This is achieved through self-timed circuits, which ensure…