FIR filter circuit design method using approximate computing

A finite impulse response (FIR) filter circuit design method using approximate computing, the FIR filter circuit design method comprising:

• replacing adders of a FIR filter with approximate adders;
• and
• performing a synthesis work according to a set approximate synthesis flow when the replacing of the adders of the FIR filter are replaced with the approximate adders is performed,
• wherein, in the set approximate synthesis flow, the approximate adders are divided into an accurate part and an inaccurate part, and the inaccurate part is approximated,
• wherein the synthesis work according to the set approximate synthesis flow comprises:
• classifying adders;
• initializing a number of approximate bits of the classified adders;
• synthesizing the adders to calculate sensitivity and accuracy;
• comparing designs of the FIR filter to one another through calculation of sensitivity and accuracy, and designating iteration of a design having largest sensitivity as a seed of a next iteration;
• and
• comparing the sensitivity with a set value and determining an updated sensitivity.