Automatic Compilation of Data-Driven Circuits
S. Taylor, D. Edwards and L.A. Plana
Abstract
This paper describes a method of synthesising asynchronous circuits based on the Ha ndshake Circuit paradigm but employing a data-driven, rather than the control-drive n, style. This approach attempts to combine the performance advantages of data-driv en asynchronous design styles with the handshake circuit style of construction. The integration into the existing Balsa design flow of a compiler for descriptions wri tten in a new data-driven language is described. The method is demonstrated using a significant design example - a 32 bit microprocessor. This example shows that the data-driven circuit style provides better performance than conventional control-dri ven Balsa circuits.