Synchronization in Asynchronously Communicating Digital Systems

Two digital systems working in different clock domains require a protocol to communicate with each other in order to ensure validity of the data being shared between the two systems. Such systems are said to be asynchronous, and the protocol used for communication is said to synchronize the two systems. Asynchronous design techniques are not as widely used as synchronous design techniques are. This report points out the merits and demerits of asynchronous design techniques over synchronous techniques. It presents some of the commonly used asynchronous handshake protocols, and their implementation. Some common mistakes made in asynchronous design are also discussed.