The size and depth of layered Boolean circuits

We consider the relationship between size and depth for layered Boolean circuits and synchronous circuits. We show that every layered Boolean circuit of size s   can be simulated by a layered Boolean circuit of depth O(slogs). For synchronous circuits of size s  , we obtain simulations of depth O(s). The best known result so far was by Paterson and Valiant (1976) [17], and Dymond and Tompa (1985) [6], which holds for general Boolean circuits and states that D(f)=O(C(f)/logC(f)), where C(f)C(f) and D(f)D(f) are the minimum size and depth, respectively, of Boolean circuits computing f. The proof of our main result uses an adaptive strategy based on the two-person pebble game introduced by Dymond and Tompa (1985) [6]. Improving any of our results by polylog factors would immediately improve the bounds for general circuits.

Research highlights► We consider the size versus depth problem for special Boolean circuits. ► Results for layered circuits and synchronous circuits are presented. ► Layered circuits of size s   can be simulated in depth O(slogs). ► Synchronous circuits of size s   can be simulated in depth O(s).