Karnaugh maps
Visual method for simplifying Boolean expressions by grouping adjacent 1s in truth table grids. Karnaugh maps provide efficient minimization for circuits with up to ~6 variables. Grouping identifies redundant terms enabling simpler expressions.
Real World
Dyson engineers use Karnaugh maps to minimise the control logic in motor driver circuits, reducing the number of gates on a chip and lowering power consumption in their cordless vacuums.
Exam Focus
Groups must be powers of 2 and can wrap around edges — missing wraparound groups is the most common lost-mark error.
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