异步电路的逻辑是循序逻辑的普遍本质，但是由于它的弹性关系，他也是设计上困难度最高的。最基本的保存组件是锁存器。锁存器可以在任何时间改变它的状态，依照其他的锁存器信号的变动，他们新的状态就会被产生出来。异步电路的复杂度随着逻辑门的增加，而复杂性也快速的增加，因此他们大部分仅仅使用在小的应用。然而，电脑辅助设计工具渐渐的可以简化这些工作，允许更复杂的设计。

也可能建造出混合的电路，包含有同步的触发器和异步的锁存器（它们都是双稳态组件）。

An asynchronous circuit, or self-timed circuit, is a sequential digital logic circuit which is not governed by a clock circuit or global clock signal. Instead they often use signals that indicate completion of instructions and operations, specified by simple data transfer protocols. This type is contrasted with a synchronous circuit in which changes to the signal values in the circuit are triggered by repetitive pulses called a clock signal. Most digital devices today use synchronous circuits. However asynchronous circuits have the potential to be faster, and may also have advantages in lower power consumption, lower electromagnetic interference, and better modularity in large systems. Asynchronous circuits are an active area of research in digital logic design.