Minimization Method of Finite State Machines for Low Power Design

A new method for the minimization of finite state machines (FSMs) is proposed. In this method, such optimization criteria as the power consumption and possibility of merging other states are taken into account already at the stage of minimizing internal states. The method is based on sequential merging of two internal states. For this purpose, the set of all pairs of states that can be merged is found, and the pair that best satisfies the optimization criteria is chosen for merging. Algorithms for the estimation of optimization criteria values are described. Experimental results show, that the minimal number of states does not correspond to minimal dissipated power.