Switching theory and logic design provide mathematical foundations and
tools for digital system design that is an essential part in the
research and development in almost all areas of modern technology. The
vast complexity of modern digital systems implies that they can only be
handled by computer aided design tools that are built on sophisticated
mathematical models. Fundamentals of Switching Theory and Logic
Design is aimed at providing an accessible introduction to these
mathematical techniques that underlie the design tools and that are
necessary for understanding their capabilities and limitations.
As is typical to many disciplines a high level of abstraction enables a
unified treatment of many methodologies and techniques as well as
provides a deep understanding of the subject in general. The drawback is
that without a hands-on touch on the details it is difficult to develop
an intuitive understanding of the techniques. We try to combine these
views by providing hands-on examples on the techniques while binding
these to the more general theory that is developed in parallel. For
instance, the use of vector spaces and group theory unifies the spectral
(Fourier-like) interpretation of polynomial, and graphic (decision
diagrams) representations of logic functions, as well as provides new
methods for optimization of logic functions.
Consequently, Fundamentals of Switching Theory and Logic Design
discusses the fundamentals of switching theory and logic design from a
slightly alternative point of view and also presents links between
switching theory and related areas of signal processing and system
theory. It also covers the core topics recommended in IEEE/ACM curricula
for teaching and study in this area. Further, it contains several
elective sections discussing topics for further research work in this
area
