Transient analysis and hazard-free design of exclusive-OR switching networks

Transient analysis for exclusive-OR switching networks is studied. Based on the theorems proved for logic hazards, three methods are developed for hazard detection. The first is a graphical method that applies to functions of no more than six variables. The second method, which is an extension of the graphical method, can be applied to networks with 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 methods can be implemented on computers. Three methods for synthesising hazard-free exclusive-OR switching networks are also presented. The first method applies to functions that are hazard-free realisable. In case a hazard-free network is not attainable, a simple disjoint decomposition of the function as hazard-free subnetworks is recommended. In the third method, hazards are suppressed by a secondary network. This method is used only when the first two methods fail. All three methods for hazard-free design can also be implemented on computers