Optically-Clocked Instruction Set Extensions for High Efficiency Embedded Processors

摘要

We propose a technique to localize computation in Instruction Set Extensions (ISEs) that are clocked at very high speed with respect to the processor. In order to save power, data to and from Custom Instruction Units (CIUs) is synchronized via an optical signal that is detected through a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) capable of timing uncertainties as low as 50 ps.