A Survey of the Graphic Alternate Method for Boolean Functions Simplification

One of the most important steps on traditional difital cicuit design is the reduction of the Boolean expression that describes the particular circuit design. An important tool to achieve the above is the Karnaugh-Vieth maps method. This method has been used for the electronic engineering students. It gives a simple graphic layout that leads to a drastic reduction (although not exhaustive) for the final expression of moderate designs. One of the most important drawbacks of this method appears when there are more than 5 Boolean design variables. Here, the designed map becomes complex and susceptible to design errors. the present paper describes two simple and powerful methods for Boolean functions simplification 5 or more variables the variable entered maps (VEM) and the mimiterms ring map of McCalla (RMM). A comparison between two mapping methods is also presented. Finally, the importance of use VEM and RMM in the Electronics Engineering programs as a tool for a previous step for learning, before ranking or teaching advanced courses, where complex systems can be simplified.