Title: Multiple-valued programmable logic array minimization by simulated annealing
Description: We propose a solution to the minimization problem of multiple-valued programmable logic      arrays (PLA) that uses simulated annealing. The algorithm accepts a sum-of-products      expression, divides and recombines the product terms, gradually progressing toward a      minimal solution. The input expression can be user-specified or one produced by another      heuristic. The process is termed simulated annealing because it has an analog in the statistical      mechanical model of annealing in solids. That is, the slow cooling of certain solids results in a      state of low energy, a crystalline state rather than an amorphous state that results from fast      cooling. In a PLA, the crystalline state is analogous to a realization with a small number of      product terms. Unlike recently studied minimization techniques (which are classified as direct      cover methods), our technique manipulates product terms directly, breaking them up and      joining them in different was while reducing the total number of product terms. Computer-      aided design tool, multiple-valued logic, programmable logic array, heuristic minimization      technique VLSI design tool.
Subjects: ANNEALING, COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN, COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION, LOGIC CIRCUITS, COMPUTER PROGRAMS