Asynchronous finite state machine circuit, corresponding method of operation and integrated circuit

A method of operating an asynchronous finite state machine (AFSM) circuit, the method comprising:

• outputting, from a first state register, a first state acknowledgment signal in response to the AFSM circuit transitioning to the first state;
• outputting, from a second state register, a second state acknowledgment signal in response to the AFSM circuit transitioning to the second state;
• configuring a first acknowledgement branch to convey the second state acknowledgment signal from the second state register to the first state register;
• configuring a second acknowledgement branch to convey the first state acknowledgment signal from the first state register to the second state register;
• and
• interrupting the first acknowledgement branch in response to a first transition signal that indicates a transition of the AFSM circuit from the first state to the second state;
• and
• interrupting the second acknowledgement branch in response to a second transition signal that indicates a transition of the AFSM circuit from the second state to the first state.

An integrated circuit implementing an asynchronous finite state machine (AFSM), the circuity comprising:

• a first state register configured to output a first state acknowledgment signal in response to the AFSM circuit transitioning to a first state;
• a second state register configured to output a second state acknowledgment signal in response to the AFSM circuit transitioning to a second state;
• a first acknowledgement branch configured to convey the second state acknowledgment signal from the second state register to the first state register;
• a second acknowledgement branch configured to convey the first state acknowledgment signal from the first state register to the second state register;
• and
• transition logic circuitry configured to:
• interrupt the first acknowledgement branch in response to a first transition signal indicating a transition, of the AFSM circuit, from the first state to the second state;
• and
• interrupt the second acknowledgement branch in response to a second transition signal indicating a transition, of the AFSM circuit, from the second state to the first state.