A building block approach to unlocked systems

Basic principles for constructing asynchronous computers are outlined. The design of basic control modules implementing such control functions as IF, UNTIL, and 2-step is discussed, as well as the design of storage elements, shift registers, and counters. These designs can be accomplished efficiently and safely using well understood methods based on Huffman-type flow tables. The avoidance of problems due to hazards is discussed. Most of the work is based on four-phase handshakes, but the same methods are adaptable to two-phase handshakes. Pipelining is also treated briefly.<<ETX>>