TRANSIENT ANALYSIS AND HAZARD-FREE DESIGN OF EXCLUSIVE-OR SWITCHING-NETWORKS

Transient analysis for exclusive-OR switching networks is studied. Bas ed on the theorems proved for logic hazards, three methods are develop ed for hazard detection. The first is a graphical method that applies to functions of no more than six variables. The second method, which i s an extension of the graphical method, can be applied to networks wit h any number of inputs. The third method is based on the compatibility of the product terms of a modulo-2 sum. Both the second and third met hods can be implemented on computers. Three methods for synthesising h azard-free exclusive-OR switching networks are also presented. The fir st method applies to functions that are hazard-free realisable. In cas e a hazard-free network is not attainable, a simple disjoint decomposi tion of the function as hazard-free subnetworks is recommended. In the third method, hazards are suppressed by a secondary network. This met hod is used only when the first two methods fail. All three methods fo r hazard-free design can also be implemented on computers.