PAL behavior Programmable Array Logic (PAL) devices are primarily optimized to implement which canonical Boolean form in their fixed OR structure?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: SOP

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Classic PALs and GALs are foundational programmable logic devices used to realize control logic, decoders, and glue logic. Their internal structure shapes which Boolean form is most natural and resource-efficient to implement.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • PALs typically have a programmable AND array and a fixed OR array (with optional output macrocells).
  • The canonical “sum-of-products” (SOP) form maps efficiently through programmable product terms into the fixed OR gates.
  • Alternate canonical forms (product-of-sums) can be transformed but may be less direct.


Concept / Approach:
In SOP, each product term (AND of literals) represents a minterm or implicant. PALs allow selecting input polarities and combining them through the programmable AND plane to create these terms. The fixed OR plane sums selected products to produce each output. Therefore, equations naturally expressed as SOP best exploit PAL topology and minimize resource consumption and timing complexity.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Express target functions in SOP form by deriving product terms from the truth table.Program the AND array to realize required products.Use the fixed OR array to sum products into outputs, optionally feeding macrocells for registered or combinational outputs.Verify with timing analysis that product-term fan-in meets device limits.


Verification / Alternative check:
Device datasheets show product-term limits per output and programming fuses in the AND plane, confirming the SOP-centric design.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • SAP / SPD: Not standard Boolean forms.
  • PLA: Refers to a device class (Programmable Logic Array), not a Boolean form; PLAs have both programmable AND and OR planes.


Common Pitfalls:
Attempting POS implementations directly in a PAL without first transforming to SOP may waste terms or exceed device limits.


Final Answer:
SOP

More Questions from Programmable Logic Device

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion