U.S. Philips Corporation

Arie A Van Der Poel

Roberto Woudsma

Lambertus Spaanenburg

Peter B Duin

A very large scale integrated circuit comprises a number of function blocks which are synchronized by relevant clock signals. Each function block forms an isochronous region so that the delay times of the signals within the relevant function block can be negligibly small with respect to the gate delay times. Each function block is paired with at least one other function block in that the pair is connected by an information connection and by at least two synchronization handshake lines for transporting synchronization signals dispatched by each function block of the pair to the other function block of the pair so that an asynchronous information transport is obtained. One or more of the function blocks comprises an information connection to the environment. As a result of this set-up, the circuit can also be tested and designed per function block.

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Enschede, Netherlands

Arie A Van Der Poel