Abstract: With the rapid development of semiconductor process, synchronous processor designers have to deal with severe problems related to the clock distribution, power-consumption, design complexity, etc. Asynchronous are paid more and more attentions. On the basis of analyzing asynchronous handshaking protocol and controllers, this paper summarized the design methodologies of asynchronous processors, the hot spots including synthesis of asynchronous controller, asynchronous design methodology based on conventional synchronous tools and de-synchronizing technique are discussed and presented in detail. Finally, typical asynchronous processors are introduced.

Key words: asynchronous circuit, microprocessor, clock network, handshaking protocol

摘要： 随着半导体工艺的发展，同步微处理器面临的时钟分布、功耗、设计复杂性等问题日益突出，异步微处理器得到广泛的研究和关注。在分析异步握手协议与控制部件的基础上，总结了异步微处理器设计的主要方法，详细阐述了异步控制器综合、基于传统同步设计工具的异步设计方法、去同步技术等热点问题，并介绍了典型的异步微处理器。

关键词: 异步电路, 微处理器, 时钟网络, 握手协议