The minimal test set for multioutput threshold circuits implemented as sorting networks
S.J. Piestrak · IEEE Transactions on Computers · 1993
It is shown that an n-input sorting network (SN) can be used to implement an n-variable symmetric threshold functions using the least amount of hardware. An algorithm to derive Boolean functions implemented on any line of any n-input threshold circuit T/sup n/ implemented as a SN is given. A heuristic procedure for generating the minimal test set for any threshold circuit T/sup n/ implemented as a Batcher's SN or any other SN is presented. The number of tests required to detect all stuck-at faults in an n-input SN is determined. A highly regular structure using only one type of simple cell and a suitability for low-level pipelining are other advantages of the circuit T/sup n/. The circuit T/sup n/ can be used as a basic building block of various circuitry supporting the use of all known unidirectional error detecting codes.>