Asynchronous reset synchronization and distribution - challenges and solutions

Rostislav (Reuven) Dobkin, vSync Circuits LTD
embedded.com (July 28, 2017)

Lack of coordination between asynchronous resets and synchronous logic clocks leads to intermittent failures on power up. In this series of articles, we discuss the requirements and challenges of asynchronous reset and explore advanced solutions for ASIC vs FPGA designs.

Asynchronous resets are traditionally employed in VLSI designs for bringing synchronous circuitry to a known state after power up. Asynchronous reset release operation must be coordinated with the synchronous logic clock signal to eliminate synchronization failures due to possible contention between the reset and the clock. A lack of such coordination leads to intermittent failures on power up. The problem exacerbates when large, multiple-clock domain designs are considered. In addition to the synchronization issues, the distribution of an asynchronous reset to millions of flip-flops is challenging, calling for techniques similar to CTS (Clock Tree Synthesis) and requiring similar area and routing resources.

The requirements and challenges of asynchronous reset are reviewed, focusing on synchronization and distribution issues. The drawbacks of classic solutions for reset synchronization (reset tree source synchronization) and distribution (reset tree synthesis) are discussed. Advanced solutions for faster and simpler timing convergence and more reliable reset synchronization and distribution are presented. Different approaches for ASIC versus FPGA designs are detailed.

Part 1 describes the issues surrounding asynchronous resets and outlines approaches for resolving those issues. Part 2 discusses additional solutions for correct asynchronous reset in ASIC and FPGA. Some useful special cases are discussed in Part 3.

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