Multi-valued simulation of digital circuits

This paper presents a new method for multi-valued simulation of digital circuits based on calculation of Boolean derivatives on structural binary decision diagrams (SBDD) (or structural alternative graphs). A procedure for calculation of the maximum of Boolean derivative on SBDDs as the basis for multi-valued simulation is described. The method is applicable for component level representations of digital circuits where as components arbitrary subcircuits (macros) instead of gates are considered. No dedicated model library for representing multi-valued behaviour of components is needed. Instead of dedicated multi-valued models, generic ones in the form of SBDDs are used. Experimental data to demonstrate the advantages of the new approach are provided.