On the size of PLAs required to realize binary and multiple-valued functions

Upper and lower bounds are shown for the average number of product terms required in the minimal realization, as a function of the number of nonzero output values. The variance, in addition to the bounds, allows conclusions to be drawn about how PLA size determines the set of realizable functions. Although the bounds are most accurate when there are few nonzero values, they are adequate for analyzing commercially available PLAs. The analysis shows that, for all but one commercially available PLA, the number of nonzero values is a statistically meaningful criterion for determining whether or not a given function is likely to be realized