Polysynchronous Clocking

In the paradigm of Stochastic Computing, arithmetic functions are computed on randomized bit streams. The method naturally and effectively tolerates very high clock skew. Exploiting this advantage, this paper introduces polysynchronous clocking, a design strategy in which clock domains are split at a very fine level. Each domain is synchronized by an inexpensive local clock. Alternatively, the skew requirements for a global clock distribution network can be relaxed. This allows for a higher working frequency and so lower latency. The benefits of both approaches are quantified. Polysynchronous clocking results in significant latency, area, and energy savings for wide variety of applications.

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NAJAFI, M. Hassan, LILJA, David J., RIEDEL, Marc D. and BAZARGAN, Kia, 2017. Polysynchronous clocking: Exploiting the skew tolerance of stochastic circuits. IEEE Transactions on Computers. 2017. Vol. 66, no. 10, p. 1734–1746. page [Accessed 23 February 2024]. pdf