Lecture-1

Boolean Algebra

Introduction:
George Boole, a nineteenth-century English Mathematician,
developed a system of logical algebra by which reasoning can be expressed
mathematically. In 1854, Boole published a classic book, “An Investigation
of the Laws of thought” on which he founded the Mathematical theories of
Logic and Probabilities,
Boole‟s system of logical algebra, now called Boolean algebra, was
investigated as a tool for analyzing and designing relay switching circuits
by Claude E. Shannon at the Massachusetts institute of Technology in 1938.
Shannon, a research assistant in the Electrical Engineering Department,
wrote a thesis entitled “A” symbolic Analysis of Relay and Switching
Circuits. As a result of his work, Boolean algebra is now, used extensively
in the analysis and design of logical circuits. Today Boolean algebra is the
backbone of computer circuit analysis.
Two Valued Logical Symbol:
Aristotle made use of a two valued logical system in devising a
method for getting to the truth, given a set of true assumptions. The symbols
that are used to represent the two levels of a two valued logical system are
1 and 0. The symbol 1 may represent a closed switch, a true statement, an
“on” lamp, a correct action, a high voltage, or many other things. The
symbol “O” may represent on open switch, a false statement, an “off” lamp,
an incorrect action, a low voltage, or many other things.
For the electronics circuits and signals a logic 1 will represent
closed switch, a high voltage, or an “on” lamp, and a logic 0 will represent
an open switch, low voltage, or an “off” lamp. These describe the only two
states that exist in digital logic systems and will be used to represent the in
and out conditions of logic gates.
Fundamental Concepts of Boolean Algebra:
Boolean algebra is a logical algebra in which symbols are used to
represent logic levels. Any symbol can be used, however, letters of the
alphabet are generally used. Since the logic levels are generally associated
with the symbols 1 and 0, whatever letters are used as variables that can
take the values of 1 or 0.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Boolean algebra has only two mathematical operations, addition
and multiplication. These operations are associated with the OR gate and
the AND gate, respectively.
Logical Addition:
When the + (the logical addition) symbol is placed between two
variables, say X and Y, since both X and Y can take only the role 0 and 1,
we can define the + Symbol by listing, all possible combinations for X and
Y and the resulting value of X + Y.
The possible input and out put combinations may arranged as
follows:
0+0 =0
0 + 1 =1
1+0 =1
1+1 =1
This table represents a standard binary addition, except for the
last entry. When both' X and Y represents 1‟s, the value of X + Y is 1. The
symbol + therefore does not has the “Normal” meaning, but is a Logical
addition symbol. The plus symbol (+) read as "OR", therefore X +Y is read
as X or Y.
This concept may be extended to any number of variables for
example A + B + C +D = E Even if A, B, C and D all had the values 1, the
sum of the values i.e. is 1.
Logical Multiplication:
We can define the "." (logical multiplication) symbol or AND
operator by listing all possible combinations for (input) variables X and Y
and the resulting (output) value of X. Y as,
0 .0= 0
0 .1 = 0
1 .0 = 0
1 .1 = 1
Note :Three of the basic laws of Boolean algebra are the same as in ordinary
algebra; the commutative law, the associative law and the distributive law.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 The commutative law for addition and multiplication of two
variables is written as,
A+B=B+A
And A.B=B.A
The associative law for addition and multiplication of three
variables is written as,
(A + B) + C = A + (B + C)

And (A .B) . C = A. (B. C)

The distributive law for three variables involves, both addition and
multiplication and is written as,
A (B+ C) = A B + AC
Note that while either '+' and „.‟ s can be used freely. The two cannot
be mixed without ambiguity in the absence of further rules.
For example does A . B + C means (A . B) + C or A . (B+ C)? These
two form different values for A = O, B = 1 and C = 1, because we have

(A . B) + C = (0.1) + 1 = 1

and A . (B + C) = 0 . (1 + 1) = 0
which are different. The rule which is used is that „.‟ is always performed
before '+'. Thus X . Y + Z is (X.Y) + Z.
Basic Duality in Boolean Algebra:
We state the duality theorem without proof. Starting with a
Boolean relation, we can derive another Boolean relation by
1. Changing each OR (+) sign to an AND (.) sign
2. Changing each AND (.) sign to an OR (+) sign.
3. Complementary each 0 and 1
For instance
A+0=A
The dual relation is A . 1 = A
Also since A (B + C) = AB + AC by distributive law. Its dual
relation is A + B C = (A + B) (A + C)
Fundamental Laws and Theorems of Boolean Algebra:
4. X+0=X
5. X+1=1 OR operations
6. X+X=X

7. X + X =1

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 8. X . 0 =0

9. X . 1 =X AND operations

10. X.X=X

11. X. X =0
==
12. X =X Double complement

13. X+Y=Y+X Commutative laws

14. XY = YX
15. (X + Y ) +Z = X +(Y + Z) Associative laws
16. (X . Y). Z =X. (Y. Z)
17. X (Y + Z) = XY + XZ Distribution Law
18. X + Y .Z = (X + Y) . (X + Z) Dual of Distributive Law

19. X + XZ = X Laws of absorption

20. X (X + Z) = X

21. X+ X Y =X+Y Identity Theorems

22. X ( X +Y) =X.Y

23. X+Y = X . Y De Morgan's Theorems

24. X.Y = X + Y

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Lecture-2
Proof of Boolean Algebra Rules:
Every rule can be proved by the application of rules and by perfect
Induction.
Rule 15:
(i) This rule does not apply to normal algebra We follow:
(X + Y) (X + Z) = XX + XZ +YX + YZ
=X+ XZ +YX + YZ, X.X=X

= X (1 + Z) + YX + YZ
= X + YX + YZ, 1+Z=1
–
= X (1 + Y) + Y Z
= X + YZ 1+Y=1
(ii) Proof by Perfect induction Method:
Truth Table-8 for the R.H.S. (X + Y) (X+ Z)
and for L.H.S. X + YZ

X Y Z X+Y X+Z YZ (X+Y)(X+Z) X+YZ

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1

1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1

1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1

1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

R.H.S. = L.H.S.
Rule .16 X +XZ =X
L.H.S. =X + XZ = X(1 + Z) = X. 1 = X, I+Z=1
= R.H.S.
Rule 17: X(X +Z) =X
L.H.S. = X (X + Z)
=X X +XZ By distributive law
=X +XZ, as X.X = X
=X (1 +Z), As 1 +Z =1
=X.1

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 =X
L.H.S. = R.H.S.

Rule 18: (i) X+ X Y =X + Y

L.H.S. = X + X Y = (X + X ) . (X +Y) By rule 15 dual

Of distributive law.

= 1 . (X + Y) as X + X = 1
=X+Y
L.H.S. = R.H.S.
(ii) Proof by perfect Induction Method:

Truth Table 9 for L.H.S. X + X Y and for R.H.S. X + Y

X Y X XY X +X Y X+Y
0 0 1 0 0 0
0 1 1 1 1 1
1 0 0 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 1 1
L.H.S. =R.H.S.
Rule 19:

(i) X.( X +Y) = X . Y

L.H.S. = X ( X + Y) =X X +X Y By distributive law

= 0 +XY as X . X =0
=X Y
L.H.S. = R.H.S.
(ii) Proof by Perfect Induction Method:

Truth Table 10 for L.H.S. X. ( X +Y) and for R.H.S. X.Y.

X Y X.Y
X X +Y X ( X + Y)
0 0 1 1 0 0
0 1 1 1 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 1 1 1
L.H.S. = R.H.S.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Lecture-3
De Morgan’s Theorems:

(i) X+Y = X .Y

(ii) X.Y = X +Y
Proof: (i) By Perfect induction

(i) Truth Table 11 for L.H.S. X + Y and for R.H.S. X . Y

X Y X Y X +Y X+Y X .Y
0 0 1 1 0 1 1
0 1 1 0 1 0 0
1 0 0 1 1 0 0
1 1 0 0 1 0 0
L.H.S. =R.H.S.

(ii) Truth Table 12 for L.H.S. X . Y and for R.H.S. X + Y

X Y X Y X .Y X.Y X +Y
0 0 1 1 0 1 1
0 1 1 0 0 1 1
1 0 0 1 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 1 0 0
L.H.S. = R.H.S.
Rules:
3rd and 7th called idempotent. These shows that Boolean algebra is
idempotent.
i.e. A+A=A and A. A = A
Proof:
The variable A can have only the value 0 or 1.
(3) If A =0, then 0+0=0
If A = 1, then 1+1=1
(7) If A = 0, then 0.0. = 0
If A =1, then 1 . 1 =1
Rule 2: X +1 =1
If X = 0 then 0+1=1
If X = 1, then 1 + 1 =1

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Rule 5: X.0=0
If X = 0, Then 0.0 = 1
If X= 1, Then 1 .0 = 1
=
Rule 9: X = X, i.e., the Boolean algebra is involuted.

If X =0, Then O = 1 and 1 =0

=
So O = 1 =0
_ _
If X=1, Then 1 = 0 and O =1
= _
So 1 =O=1
Similarly we can prove the remaining rules by setting the values of
variables as 0 and 1 or by perfect induction

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Lecture-4
Example: Express the Boolean function

XY + YZ + Y Z = XY + Z
Solution:

L.H.S. = XY + YZ + Y Z

= XY+Z(Y + Y )
= XY + Z.1
= XY + Z
L.H.S = R.H.S.
Example 3: Find the complement of the expression: X + YZ and
verified the result by perfect induction.
Solution:

X+ YZ = X . YZ

= X .( Y + Z ) by DeMorgan‟s Law
This relation can be verified by perfect induction.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Truth Table 13 for L.H.S. X+YZ and for R.H.S. X . ( Y + Z )

X Y Z
X Y Z
YZ X+YZ
Y +Z
_ X+YZ X (Y + Z )

0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1
0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1
0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1
0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0
1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

L.H.S. = R.H.S.

Example 4: Find the complement of A B + C D , (b) AB +CD = 0

Solution:

(a) A B +C D = (A B ) . ( C D )
= =
= (A + B ) . ( C + D )

(A+ B ) . ( C + D)
(b) AB +CD= 0
Taking complement on both sides.

= AB + CD =O

= AB . CD =1

(A + B ) . (C +D ) = 1
Example 5: Simplify the Boolean expressions:

(i) (X +Y) ( X+ Y ) ( X +Z)

(ii) XYZ + X Y Z + XY Z

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Solution:

(i) First simplify (X + Y ) ( X + Y )

(X + Y) (X + Y ) = XX + X Y + YX + Y Y

= X + X Y + YX +O, as XX =X

as Y Y = 0

= X + X( Y + Y), as Y + Y =1
= X + X . 1, as X .1 = X
=X+X
=X

Now (X + Y) (X + Y ) ( X +Z)

=X( X + Z)

=X X +XZ, by distributive law

= 0 + XZ
= XZ

(ii) XYZ + X Y Z + XY Z

=XZ (Y + Y ) + XY Z

=XZ + XY Z , as Y + Y =1

=X (Z +Y Z )

= X[(Z +Y). (Z + Z )], (By Rule 15 dual of distributive

= X [(Z + Y). 1] = X (Z + Y)

=X (Y + Z), by commutative law.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Example 6: Minimize the following expression by use of Boolean
rules.

(a) X=ABC+ A B+AB C

(b) X = A B C + A B C +A B C + A B C

(c) AB + A C + B C = AB + A C

(d) (A + B) ( A + C) (B + C) =(A + B) ( A + C)
Solution:

(a) X =ABC + A B + AB C

= ABC + AB C + A B

= AB (C + C ) + A B

=AB + A B as C+ C =1

= (A + A ) B.
= 1. B
=B

(b) X = A BC + A B C + A B C + A B C

=A B C + A B C +A B C as A + A = A

= A B C +(A + A ) B C

=A B C + 1 . B C

= (A B + B ) C

= [( A + B ) . ( B + B )] C by the dual of
distribution, rules 15

= ( A + B ) . 1] C
= (A + B ) C

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 (c) L.H.S. = AB + A C + BC

= AB + A C + BC

= AB + A C + 1.BC as 1=A+ A

= AB + A C + (A + A ) BC

= AB + A C +ABC + A BC , by distributive law

=AB +ABC + A C + A BC, by commutative law

= AB (1 + C) + A C (1 + B), AS 1 + X = 1

=AB + A C
L.H.S. =R.H.S.

(d) L.H.S. = (A +B) ( A + C)( B + C)

=(A A + AC + B A + BC) ( B + C)

=(0 + AC +B A + BC) ( B +C)

=(AC + B A + BC ) (B + C)

=[AC + B( A + C)] (B + C)

=ABC + ACC + BB ( A + C) + BC ( A + C)

=ABC + AC + B ( A + C) + BC ( A + C)

= AC (B + 1) +B ( A + C) (1 + C)

= AC + B( A + C)

= A A + AC + B ( A + C) as AA = 0

= A( A + C) + B( A + C) or by rule 19.

= (A + B) ( A + C)
L.H.S. = R.H.S.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Lecture-5
SOP AND POS REPRESENTATION OF LOGICAL
EXPRESSIONS
 Any logic expression can be expressed in the following two standard
forms:

i) Sum-Of-Products (SOP) form ii) Product of Sums (POS) form

Sum-Of-Products (SOP) form:

Y = AB + BC + AC

• The above expression is a Sum of three Product terms i.e.,

• A.B, B.C and A.C.
• Therefore such expressions are called expressions in Sum-Of-
Products (SOP) form.
• In a SOP sums are logical OR functions while products are logical
AND functions.
• In above expression A, B and C are literals or inputs while Y is
output of a combinational circuit.
• Some more examples of SOP are as follows:
• Y=ABC+A.B.D+B.D+A.B.C

• X=PQ+P.Q.R+P.R
 Thus in an SOP in each product term there can be one or more than
literals ANDed together and then these product terms are logically
ORed.

Product-of-Sums (POS) form:

Y = (A+B), (B+C), (A+C)

• The above expression is a Product of three Sum terms i.e., (A+B),

(B+C) and (A+C).
• Therefore such expressions are called expressions in Product-Of-
Sum (POS) form.
• In a POS sums are logical OR functions while products are logical
AND functions.
• In above expression A, B and C are literals or inputs while Y is
Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh
 output of a combinational circuit.
• Some more examples of POS are as follows

• 
X= A+B+C.(A+C+D). A+B+C 
• M= X+Y.(X+Y+Z).X+Y


• Thus in a POS in each sum term there can be one or more than
literals ORed together and then these Sum terms are logically ANDed

 Standard SOP and POS forms:

In a standard SOP or POS each term may contain one, two or any
number of literals. It is not necessary that each term should contain all
the literals.

 Canonical SOP and POS forms:

In a canonical SOP or POS each term contains all the literals in their
complimented or uncomplemented forms.

Sr. No. Expressions Types

1. Y = A.B+ A.B.C A.B.C Standard SOP
2. Y = A.B+ A.B A.B Canonical SO
3.
 
Y =  A  C . A  B  C . A+ B C  Standard POS

Y =  A  B  C . A+ B  C  A  B  C .
4. Canonical POS

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

  The following table shows the minterms and maxterms for a three
variable logic function Y=F (A, B, C). Let Y be the output and A,
B, C be the inputs.
 The number of minterms and maxterms is 23 = 8 In general for ‘n’
number of variables the number of minterms or maxterms will be 2n.
 Each minterm is represented by mi and each maxterm is represented
by Mi where i 0, 1,… ,2n – 1.

In this case i 0, 1, …, 7

Variables Minterms Maxterms

A B C mi Mi
0 0 0 A.B.C = m0 A+B+C = M0
0 0 1 A.B.C = m1 A+B+C = M1
0 1 0 A.B.C = m2 A+B+C = M2
0 1 1 A.B.C = m3 A+B+C = M3
1 0 0 A.B.C = m4 A+B+C = M4
1 0 1 A.B.C = m5 A+B+C = M5
1 1 0 A.B.C = m6 A+B+C = M6
1 1 1 A.B.C = m7 A+B+C = M0

As we can see, minterm is product of given variables where logic

0is represented by complemented variable, while logic 1 is represented by
uncomplemented variable. Whereas maxterm is sum of given variables

where logic 1 is represented by complemented variable, while logic 0 is

represented by uncomplemented variable.
11.2 Fundamental Products:
The products that produce a high (1) output are called
Fundamental products. For example, for the two input variables A and B.

We have four possible combination‟s, which are shown in the table below
and the fundamental product‟s corresponding to each:

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Truth Table 14 Two Variables
Table 14
A B Fundamental Output Z
Product
0 0 A B 1
0 1 AB 1
1 0 AB 1
1 1 AB 1

For three input variables or signals a similar idea is applied.

Whenever the input variable is 0, the same variable is complemented in the
fundamental product.
Truth Table 15. Three variables
A B C Output Fundamental Output for Sum terms Output for
Z Product product Sum
A+B+C
0 0 0 0 1 0
A B C
0 0 1 0 1 0
A B C A+B+ C
0 1 0 1 1 0
A BC A+ B +C
0 1 1 1 1 0
A BC A+ B + C
1 0 0 0 1 0
AB C A +B+C
1 0 1 0 1 0
AB C A +B+ C

1 1 0 1 1 0
AB C A + B +C
ABC
1 1 1 0 1 0
A +B +C

Sum of product(SOP) = A B C +A B C + A B C

Product of sum(POS) = (A + B + C) (A + B + C ) ( A + B + C)

(A + B + C ) (A + B + C )
Note: See remarks for sum of product and product of sums.

product of these sum is the desired Boolean equation.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Example 7: Find the sum-of-products and product of sums
equations from the given truth Table - 16.
Table 16
A B C Output Functional Values
0 0 0 0
0 0 1 1
0 1 0 1
0 1 1 0
1 0 0 1
1 0 1 0
1 1 0 1
1 1 1 0
Sum-of-Product Equation

X = A B C + A B C + A B C + AB C
Product-of-Sums Equation:

Y = (A + B + C)(A + B + C )( A + B + C )( A + B + C )
NOTE:The Boolean expression from the truth table is the sum of product
(minterms)terms for which the output is i.e.,

X = A B C + A B C + A B C + AB C

Example 8: Write the Boolean expression that describes

mathematically the behavior of logic circuit shown in
fig.10. Use a truth table to determine what input
conditions produce a logic 1 output.

A
B
X
C
Fig.10
Solution:
A
A A. B

B AB +C X = AB +C

C
Fig.11

Fig.11 Circuit showing solution for example 9 8

Solution:

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Truth Table 18 for the Circuit in Fig.11

A B C A AB A B +C
A B+C
0 0 0 1 0 0 1
0 0 1 1 1 1 0
0 1 0 1 1 1 0
0 1 1 1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0 0 0 1
1 0 1 0 1 1 0
1 1 0 0 0 0 1
1 1 1 0 1 1 0
Thus the input conditions those produce a logic 1 output are : 0 0 0 , 100, 110

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Example 9: Given the Boolean expression

X = AB + ABC + A B C + A C
(a) Draw the logic diagram for the expression.
(b) Minimize the expression.
(c) Draw the logic diagram for the reduced expression.
Solution: (a)The logic diagram is shown in the Fig. 12.

(b) X = AB + ABC + A B C + A C

= AB (1 +C) + A C ( B + 1)

= AB. 1 + A C .1 = AB + A C

= A(B + C )

(c)
A

B
C X=A(B + C )
Fig.13 Minimize diagram for example 9.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Lecture-6
Karnaugh Maps:
Many engineers and technicians prefer to use Karnaugh Maps to
minimize the Boolean expressions instead of Boolean Algebra. This section
tells you how to construct. Here we use the Karnaugh maps to minimize
expressions containing up to four Variables.
A Karnaugh map is a graphical form of a truth table and consists of
a square or rectangular array of adjacent cells or blocks. The number of cells
in a particular map depends on the number of variables in the Boolean
expression to be minimized. The number of cells for a particular map is
determined from expression.
N = 2n
Where N = number of cells required for the Karnaugh map.
n = number of variables in the Boolean expression.
The configuration of the Karnaugh map for two, three and four variable
expression is shown in Fig. In the Karnaugh map, each variable and its
complement are assigned half of the cells in the map. The assigned cells
consists of adjacent rows or columns.

(a)Two-variables (b) Three (c) Four Variables map

map variables map
The sides of the map are labeled to show cell assignment as shown
for the two variables map in Fig. 16. The two left hand cell beneath

A are assigned to A and the two right hand cells or assigned to A .

Moving horizontally, the top two cells are assigned to variable B and the

bottom two cells are assigned to B . Each cell assigned a unique address,
which is specified by the row column in which the cell resides. Fig. 17
shows which variable share each cell in fig. 16.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 A A
B
B AB
A B

B B A A B
Fig. 16 Fig. 17
The maps showing cell assignments for three and four variables
expression are shown in Fig.18. The sides of the maps may be labeled in
only convenient way. Two cells of a map are considered to be adjacent as
long as their respective addressed differed by no more than one variable.

For example, ABCD and ABC D are addresses of adjacent cells.

Diagonal cells are not adjacent, even though they shore a common corner,
because their addresses differe by more than one variable.
A
B A B A B AB AB

B C C D

B C C D

BC CD

C D
B C
(a) (b)
Fig. 18
After learning how to draw a Karnaugh map, the next step is to
plot the given expression. The given expression must be in the sum-of-

products form. The expression A B C +ABC is the sum of two products, or,
two minterms, and is therefore in the correct form; however, the expression
(A+C) (B+C) is not in the correct form and cannot be plotted in this form.
To plot an expression, we identify with a 1 each cell addressed by a
minterm (product term). After placing a l in cells addressed by each
minterm, adjacent cells containing all are enclosed either singularly, in
pairs, or in groups of 4, 8 or 16 (integral power of 2). We enclose the largest
number of adjacent cells containing a „l‟ as possible – as long as the
enclosed „l‟s equal 2 raised to an integral power. The enclosed, „l‟s are
collectively called a group or an implicant.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 The desired minimized Boolean expression is obtained from the
Karnaugh map by applying the following two steps:
1. All 1‟s must be included in at least one group. It is permissible,
and desirable, to enclosed a l more than once if it facilitates
enlarging another enclosure.
2. Each group represents a minterm. The sum of the minterms that
represent these groups is the minimized Boolean expression in
sum-of-products form corresponding to the given logic function.
The use of these rules is illustrated in the following example:-

Example 10: Plot the Boolean express X = AB + A B + BC

and minimize expression from the Map.
Solution:
Since the expression contains three variables, we need a Karnaugh
map containing cells equal to A A
N = 23 = 8 1
BC

BC 1
BC 1 1

BC 1

Fig.19
To plot the expression, we start by identifying all cells that are
common to AB by placing 1 in these cells. If we repeat this procedure for

the terms A B and B C and placing a l in cells common to the minterms,

we have plotted the function as shown in Fig. 19.
To minimized Boolean expression, all 1,s must be enclosed at least
once. Greatest minimization is achieved by enclosing the largest number of
adjacent l‟s possible, even if same have already enclosed.
In Fig. 19, the 1‟s making up the larger group are common only to A,
and the 1‟s making up the smaller group are common to B and C; therefore,
the minimized expression is

X = A + BC

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Algebraic Proof:
The sum-of-products equation corresponding to larger group is

Y = A B C + A B C +AB C + ABC

= A ( B C + B C + B C + BC)

= A{ B ( C + C) + B ( C + C)

= A( B + B)
=A

The sum-of-products equation corresponding to the smaller group is

Z = A BC + ABC

=( A + A) BC = BC
Example 11: Minimize the following Boolean expression by use of the
Karnaugh map.

X = B C + B D + AB + AD + AC + C D
Solution:
The number of cells are N = 24 = 16
To plot the expression, place 1 in the cells common to each term in
the expression: Fig: 20

A B AB AB AB

CD 1 1

CD 1 1 1

CD 1 1

CD 1 1 1 1

Fig.20

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 The minimized expressions is:

X = B C + AD + C D
NOTE: On four-variable maps, l‟s is cells on opposite sides of the map
may be enclosed since the map is continuous, like a cylinder, in both
the horizontal and vertical planes
Example 12: Minimize the following Boolean expression by use of
the Karnaugh map:-

X = A C D + A B C D + A B D+ A B CD
Solution:
A B AB AB A B
Fig.21 shows the Karnaugh map
for the expression. CD
The minimized expression is
CD 1
1
X =B D + C D
CD 1 1 1 1

CD 1 1 1

Fig.21
Non-Unique Group:

Occasionally, we find a Karnaugh map for which more than one set
of groups exists. This situation is illustrated in Fig.19. One can readily see
that both maps yield Boolean expression with three two-variable minterms.
These equivalent expressions, described the same function; however, they
differ in the way in which variables are combined. Boolean functions that
can be described by two or more equivalent minimized Boolean expressions
are referred to as non-unique. On the other hand, functions that described
by a single minimized Boolean expressions are referred as unique.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 26
Math 123 Boolean Algebra

When a non-unique Boolean function is to be implemented with logic

gates, it generally does not matter which of the possible minimized
expressions is implemented. However, occasionally one expression may be
preferred because certain variables or minterms are more accessible or may
be available from an existing circuit.
A A A A

1 1
BC BC

B C 1 1 B C 1 1
BC BC 1
1

BC 1 1 BC 1 1
(a) (b)

Fig. 19: Boolean expressions from non-unique groups.

(a) X1 =AB + A C + B C , (b) X2 =A C + BC + A B

Example 12: Read out some of the possible Boolean expressions for
the Karnaugh map shown in Fig. 20.
A B AB AB A B

CD 1 1

CD 1 1

CD 1 1 1

CD 1 1 1

Fig.20

Solution: Fig.20 shows several possible combinations of enclosure

and the resulting Boolean expression.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 A B AB AB AB
A B AB AB A B A B AB AB A B
D 1 1
CD 1 1 CD 1 1
D 1 1
1 1 CD 1 1
CD

D 1 1 1 1
CD 1 1
CD 1 1 1

D 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 CD
CD
(b) (c)

(a)

Fig.21 Various combinations of enclosures.

(a) X = B C + A C + B C + C D

(b) X = B C + B C + A B + C D
(c) X = B C + A C + B C + B D

Redundant Groups:
After you finish encircling groups, there is one more thing to do
before writing the simplified Boolean equation: eliminate any group whose
l‟s are completely over lapped by other groups. (A group whose 1‟s are all
overlapped by other groups is called redundant group).
Dont’ Care States:
Using the truth table, we, can list each combination of input
variables that should cause a high output to exist. For some Boolean
functions, the output corresponding to certain combinations of input
variables does not matter. This usually occurs because certain combinations
of input variables cannot exist. Also, there are times that we do not really
care what value a function may take on. In both instances we call such a
term a don't care state. Don‟t-care states, means, that we do not care whether
the entry in a karnaugh map corresponding to a certain combination of
variables is a 1 or a 0. We shall use the symbol X for don‟t care states.
Don‟t-care states can be very important in the minimization
process. Since we can assign either a 1 or 0 to a don‟t-care condition, we
can choose which ever value will provide a larger enclosure and therefore
a simpler, more economical circuit.

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Example 13: A logic circuit is to be constructed that will implement
the Boolean expression:

X = A B C + A B C+ A B C
Plot this expression on a Karnaugh map and reduce the expression
A A A A
if the term A B C is a don't care.
Solution: BC BC

BC BC

BC BC

BC BC

(a) (b)
Fig.22 (a) Karnaugh map for given (b) Karnaugh map, illustrating
expression the use of don‟t care states.
The expression corresponding to the map in Fig. 22 (b) is :

X= A B + A C+ C

Therefore, assigning a value of 1 to the don‟t care State allowed us to

reduce the original expression significantly.
11.3 For the given truth table minimize the Boolean
expression using Karnaugh map.
Consider the truth table. The Fundamental products for these 1 out

put are A B C , AB C and ABC. Enter these 1‟s on the Karnaugh map.
A B C Output
A A
Y
0 0 0 0 BC 1
0 0 1 0
Karanaugh map
0 1 0 1 BC for the
0 1 1 0 TruthTable
1 0 0 0 BC 1
1 0 1 0
1 1 0 1 BC 1 1
1 1 1 1
Fig.23

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 The sum-of-product form for the Boolean expression from the
truth table is

X = A B C + AB C + ABC
To minimize this Boolean expression from the Karnaugh map, we
find that

X=B C +AB

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh

 Lecture-7

QUINE-Mc CLUSKEY MINIMIZATIONTECHNIQUE

Modem digital systems are designed using complex programmable

logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and
other very large scale integrated circuits that can be configured by the end
user. These devices are highly complex and therefore, the techniques
required for designing digital systems using these devices have to be
computer driven rather than manual. A logic minimization technique
which has the following characteristics is therefore, required:
1. It should have the capability of handling large number of variables.

2. It should not depend on the ability of a human user for

recognisingprime-implicants.
3. It should ensure minimized expression.
4. It should be suitable for computer solution.

The Quine-McCluskey minimization technique satisfies the above

requirements and hence can be effectively used for the design of logic
circuits. The K-map technique is not suitable for handling the design of
complex digital systems because of the following disadvantages:
1. Minimization of logic functions involving more than six variables is
unwieldy.
2. Recognition of prime-implicants that may form part of the
simplifiedfunction relies on the ability of the human user making it
difficult to be sure whether the best selection has been made.

The Quine-McCluskey method consists of two parts:

1. To find by an exhaustive search all the prime-implicants that may
form part of the simplified function.
2. To identify essential prime-implicants obtained from part 1 and
choose among the remaining prime-implicants those that give an
expression with the least number of literals

The method can be best understood with the help of examples. This
method is also known as Tabular method.

Example 1: Simplify the logic function

Y(A,B,C,D)=∑ m 0,1, 3, 7,8, 9,11,15 the Quine-McCluskey minimization
technique

Step 1: The logic function to be minimized here is in the minterm form,

therefore, we go to step 2.

Step 2: Arrange all the minterms of the function in binary representation

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh
 form in a Table according to the number of ones contained and form the
groups containing no ones, one 1, two 1s, three 1s and so on. The groups
are separated by horizontal lines.

Below Table shows the arrangement of groups, minterms, and the

variables. Here group 0 contains no 1s {0}; group 1 contains minterms
having a single 1 {1, 8}; group 2 contains minterms with two 1s {3,
9};
group 3 contains minterms with three 1s {7, 11}; and group 4 contains
minterms with four 1s {15}.

Group Minterm Variables Setup3

A B C D √
0 0 0 0 0 0 √
1 1 0 0 0 1 √
8 1 0 0 0 √
2 3 0 0 1 1 √
9 1 0 0 1 √
3 7 0 1 1 1 √
11 1 0 1 1 √
4 17 1 1 1 1 √

Step 3 : The Boolean algebraic theorem A+Ā = 1 (Tneorem 1.7) is

appliedto pairs of minterms in which only one variable is different and all
the other variables are same. This kind of relationship will be applicable
only to the minterms belonging to adjacent groups of minterms. For this
search,compare each minterm in group (n+1) with each minterm in group
and identify the matched pairs. Put a check (√ ) on each matched pair as
shownin Table 5.15.

The detailed procedure for comparison and matched pairs for Table 5.16
isgiven below and another Table 5.17 is prepared,
(i) The minterm 0 from group 0 is compared with the minterm 1 in the
adjacent group 1. The three variables A, B, C are same in both with
value 0 and the variable D is 0 in minterm 0 and 1 in minterm 1.
Check (√ ) marks are placed on both the terms in Table 5.16 and a
new term is generated as a result of the matching of these two terms
which will contain A = 0, 8 = 0. C = 0 and a dash (-) mark is placed
in D. Since the variable D differs and hence it gets eliminated and
the resulting combination of these two terms is ABC.
(ii) Next the minterm 0 is compared with the minterm 8. The minterms
match and their combination results in a term BCD. Check mark is
placed on minterm 8 in Table 5.16, check mark on minterm 0 has
already been placed. A - is placed under variable A.
(iii) Similarly, comparison of minterm 1 with 3 results in A = 0, B = 0, C
= -, and D = 1 The minterm 3 is checked in Table 5.16.
(iv) Comparison of minterm 1 with minterm 9 yields A = -, B = 0, C =
0,and D = 1 and the minterm 9 is checked
Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh
 (v) Now compare 8 with 3 and 9. The minterms 8 and 3 do not match.
The comparison of minterms 8 and 9 results in A = 1, B = 0, C = 0,
and D = -
(vi) Next compare the minterms 3 and 7, it results in A = 0, B = -, C =
1, and D = 1 and the minterm 7 is checked in Table 5.16.
(vii) Comparison of the minterms 3 and 11 results in A = -, B = 0, C = 1,
and D = 1 and the minterm 11 is checked in Table 5.16

(viii) The minterms 9 and 7 do not match.

(ix) Comparison of the minterms 9 and 11 results in A = 1, B = 0, C = -
, and D = 1
(x) Next compare the minterms 7 and 15, the result is A = -, B = 1, C =
1, and D = 1 and the minterm 15 is checked in Table 5.16
(xi) Comparison of the minterms 11 and 15 results in A = 1, S = -, C =
1,and D = 1
(xi) Table 5.17 lists the results of all the above matchings and all of the
minterms in each group have been compared to those in the next
higher group.
Table: Combination of minterm groups of two
Group Minterm Variables Setup3
A B C D √
0 0,1 0 0 0 - √
0,8 - 0 0 0 √
1 1,3 0 0 - 1 √
1,9 - 0 0 - √
8,9 1 0 0 1 √
2 3,7 0 - 1 1 √
3,11 - 0 1 1 √
9,11 1 0 - 1 √
3 7,15 - 1 1 1 √
11,15 1 - 1 1 √

Step 4 : Next all the minterms in the adjacent groups in Table 5.17 are
compared to see if groups of four can be made by matching. For this the
dashes must be in the same bit position in the groups of two and only one
variable must differ (0 in one group and 1 in the other). The matched pairs
of minterms are checked in Table 5.17 and a new Table 5-18 is created.

In Table 5.18 we observe that in each group the two terms are same, therefore, only one is to
be taken in each group.
Table: Combination of minterm groups of four
Group Minterm Variables
A B C D
0 0,1,8,9 - 0 0 -
0,8,1,9 - 0 0 -
1 1,3,9,11 - 0 - 1
Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh
 1,9,3,11 - 0 - 1
2 3,7,11,15 - - 1 1
3,11,7,15 - - 1 1

Step 5: Repeat the Process of Grouping of 8 miniterms. In this case both

dashes must be in the same bit position and only one other variable must
be different for matching. Since, there is no matching possible here,
therefore, the process is complete. In general, this same process is
repeateduntil no further combinations of minterm groups is possible.

Step 6: All nonchecked minterm groups in Tables 5.16, 5.17, and 5.18 are
the prime-implicants of the function. The function can now be written as
Y A,B,C,D  BC+BD  CD .........(5.52)

Step 7: Next a prime-implicant table is prepared listing each of the

minterms contained in the original function, PI terms, and the decimal
numbers of minterms that make up the PL Put cross (x) marks in the table
in each row under the minterms contained in that PI. Table 5.19 is the PI
table for the logic equation Eq. (5.21). Find the minterms that contain only
one x in its column. These x's are encircled and (he corresponding PI
terms are checked ( )
Table 5.19 : PI table
PL Decimal No Minterms
Terms
0 1 3 7 8 9 11 15
BC 0,1,8,9  ×  ×
BD 1,3,9,11 × × × ×
BD 3,7,11,15 ×  × 

The minterms 0 and 8 are contained in only one PI BC the minterms 7

and 15 are contained in only PI CD. Therefore, the prime-implicants BC
and CD are essential prime-implicants. Now observe the other mfnterms
and see whether these are contained in EPIs or not. Here, the minterms
1
and 9 are contained in BC and 7 and 11 are contained in CD. Therefore,
all the minterms of the original function are included in the two EPIs and
the minimized expression will be

Y=(A,B,C,D)= BC + CD …..5.53

Notes by Dr. Prem Pal Singh