Course Description:
Asynchronous Circuits are known for their high-speed, low-power, low-EMI, and robustness. Which makes them attractive for secure HW applications. On the other hand, design, analysis and optimization of asynchronous circuits are not simple tasks using the commercially-available tools. This course provides deep understanding of the theory of self-timed systems, asynchronous circuit design, and their advantages in HW security. Throughout the course, trainees will learn how to build complex asynchronous systems using the commercially-available tools.
Topics to be covered:
Part I: Theory of Self-Timed Systems:
- Architecture of Asynchronous circuits
- Data-Flow Control and Handshaking Protocols
- Delay-Insensitive Circuits and Hazard-Free Logic
- Synchronous-Asynchronous Interfacing and Metastability
Part II: Asynchronous Circuit Design:
- Modeling of Asynchronous Circuit using HDL
- Synthesis of Asynchronous Circuits using Commercial Flows
- Timing/Power Analysis and Optimization
- Case Study-I: Design of iCrypt (QDI AES Cryptoprocessor)
- Case Study-II: Design of LCrypt(QDI Lightweight Cryptoprocessor)