A Survey and Assessment of Progress in Switching Theory and Logical Design in the Soviet Union

A comprehensive technical survey of Soviet switching theory and its applications to the logical design of digital systems reveals that, despite considerable activity (763 papers and books), the average state of the art in the U.S.S.R. is somewhat behind that in the U.S. However, there are a large number of noteworthy contributions, particularly in those aspects of the field dealing with complexity estimates of switching networks, synthesis of multiterminal circuits, the selection of logical primitives (building blocks), and certain minimization problems. This paper evaluates the Soviet position through June, 1964, compares it with that in the West, and summarizes the significant Soviet technical contributions. Recommendations are offered for initiating research in the United States in several special problem areas in switching theory.