Method and apparatus for asynchronously controlling domino logic gates

A domino logic circuit that operates asynchronously, comprising:

• a number of stages containing domino logic, including a present stage that receives one or more inputs from a prior stage and generates one or more outputs for a next stage;
• and
• a control circuit for the present stage that is configured to ensure that the present stage enters a precharging state before entering a subsequent evaluation state in which one or more inputs of the present stage are used to generate one or more outputs;
• wherein the control circuit receives a prior control signal from the prior stage and sends a present control signal to the next stage;
• wherein the prior control signal indicates that the prior stage is in an evaluation state in which the prior stage generates at least one output for the present stage;
• and
• wherein upon receiving the prior control signal, the control circuit for the present stage is configured to,
• set the present control signal so that domino logic within the present stage enters the evaluation state, causing domino logic within the present stage to evaluate at least one input received from the prior stage to produce at least one output for the next stage, and to
• reset the prior control signal, so that domino logic within the prior stage returns to a precharging state, whereby domino logic within the prior stage precharges before entering a subsequent evaluation state.

A computer system including domino logic circuitry that operates asynchronously, comprising:

• a processor;
• a main memory;
• a number of stages containing domino logic, including a present stage that receives one or more inputs from a prior stage and generates one or more outputs for a next stage;
• and
• a control circuit for the present stage that is configured to ensure that the present stage enters a precharging state before entering a subsequent evaluation state in which one or more inputs of the present stage are used to generate one or more outputs;
• wherein the control circuit receives a prior control signal from the prior stage and sends a present control signal to the next stage.

A method for asynchronously controlling a number of stages of domino logic gates, comprising:

• receiving a prior control signal from a prior stage indicating that the prior stage is in an evaluation state in which the prior stage generates at least one output for a present stage;
• and
• in response to the prior control signal, causing the present stage to enter the evaluation state by,
• setting a present control signal so that domino logic within the present stage enters the evaluation state, causing domino logic within the present stage to evaluate at least one input received from the prior stage to produce at least one output for a next stage, and
• resetting the prior control signal, so that domino logic within the prior stage returns to a precharging state, whereby the domino logic within the prior stage precharges before entering a subsequent evaluation state.