graph theory

Part of the TechTarget Network of Enterprise IT Web Sites
Home Look It Up ITKnowledge Exchange Fast References Products White Papers Blogs

Search our IT-specific encyclopedia for:
 
OR Jump to a topic:
 
Advanced Search
Browse alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
All Categories Hardware

graph theory

Graph theory is the study of points and lines. In particular, it involves the ways in which sets of points, called vertices, can be connected by lines or arcs, called edges. Graphs in this context differ from the more familiar coordinate plots that portray mathematical relations and functions.

Graphs are classified according to their complexity, the number of edges allowed between any two vertices, and whether or not directions (for example, up or down) are assigned to edges. Various sets of rules result in specific properties that can be stated as theorems.

Graph theory has proven useful in the design of integrated circuits ( IC s) for computers and other electronic devices. These components, more often called chip s, contain complex, layered microcircuits that can be represented as sets of points interconnected by lines or arcs. Using graph theory, engineers develop chips with maximum component density and minimum total interconnecting conductor length. This is important for optimizing processing speed and electrical efficiency.





Last updated on: Sep 21, 2005

>  Enterprise Software related Research & News
>  White Papers for the Retail Industry

Are you a Know-IT-All?
What do you call incorrect or incomplete data?
Answer

Get the Word of the Day
Follow us on Twitter

WORD OF THE DAY...
continuous data protection
LEARN MORE ABOUT...
data backup tools
USA Contributors
Worldwide Contributors
Awards and Recognition
Our 60+ tech-specific sites
WhatIs.com RSS Feeds
Home Look It Up ITKnowledge Exchange Fast References Products White Papers Blogs
About Us   |   Contact Us   |   For Advertisers   |   For Business Partners   |   Reprints   |   RSS   |   Awards
TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of technology-specific Web sites, events and magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Reprints  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2008, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts