Interlock schemes for micropipelines: application to a self-timed rebound sorter

Event controlled pipelines (micropipelines) have several advantages over clocked pipelines as they offer modularity and speed independence. The concept of micropipelines can be easily applied to any linear pipeline. In practice, most pipelines include feedback loops and, therefore, are not as easy to control as linear pipelines. A novel interlocking scheme to solve the control flow problem is proposed. As an application, the design of a self-timed rebound sorter is considered where interlocking schemes are required to ensure proper operation of the pipeline. Similar interlocking schemes can be used for other pipelines with feedback.< >