Montek Singh

Montek Singh serves as an Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on high-performance and energy-efficient digital systems with particular emphasis on asynchronous and mixed-timing circuit design.

Dr. Singh received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2002 and his B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi, India, in 1993.

His primary research interests span high-performance and low-power digital systems, with specialization in asynchronous or clockless and mixed-timing integrated chip design. His work encompasses circuit design methodologies, CAD tools for automated synthesis, analysis and optimization techniques. He has also explored applications in energy-efficient mobile graphics hardware, secure chip design for computer security, and design challenges in emerging computing technologies. His research has practical applications in industry, with work transferred to companies including IBM, Boeing, and Handshake Solutions.

Analysis of Dr. Singh's publications reveals a strong focus on asynchronous circuit design spanning two decades. His work covers fundamental pipeline architectures (MOUSETRAP), high-speed asynchronous systems, latency-insensitive design methodologies, and practical applications in graphics hardware and mobile devices. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in making asynchronous design more practical for real-world implementation while addressing performance, power efficiency, and testing challenges.

His notable scientific achievements include:

• Best Paper Award at the 6th IEEE Intl. Symp. on Adv. Res. in Async. Circ. and Syst. (ASYNC-2000)
• Best Paper Finalist at the 8th IEEE Intl. Symp. on Async. Circ. and Syst. (ASYNC-02)

Dr. Singh has secured significant research funding including participation in the DARPA CLASS Program (led by Boeing) in 2005, where he collaborated with Philips/Handshake Solutions to develop an industrial-strength automated synthesis flow for high-speed asynchronous systems. His research has strong industry connections and practical applications, with technology transferred to major companies including IBM and Boeing. He has also organized major academic events such as the International Symposium on Asynchronous Circuits and Systems 2009 (ASYNC 2009) at UNC Chapel Hill.

Dr. Singh leads research in asynchronous systems design with connections to industry partners and practical applications. His work has been featured in prominent media outlets including The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, and Technology Review Magazine, highlighting the significance of clockless design approaches as traditional synchronous design approaches face limitations.