On-chip synchronous communication between clock domains with quotient frequencies

Abstract

Data transfer between arbitrary asynchronous clock domains is complicated, and practical solutions can be subject to synchronisation failure. But many practical systems use quotient frequencies and the direct conversion method (DCM) exploits this to achieve reliable data transfer without any handshaking. DCM minimises throughput, even between distant cores, is provably correct and has been assessed through transistor-level simulations. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2007.