What is digital datapath?

A datapath is a collection of functional units, such as arithmetic logic units or multipliers, that perform data processing operations.

Datapath elements include adders, multipliers, shifters, BFUs, etc.

• The speed of these elements often dominates the overall system performance so optimization techniques are important.

 

• However, as we will see, the task is non-trivial since there are multiple equivalent logic and circuit topologies to choose from, each with adv./disadv. in terms of speed, power and area.

 

• Also, optimizations focused at one design level, e.g., sizing transistors, leads to inferior designs.