On Krohn-Rhodes theory for semiautomata

Abstract

Krohn-Rhodes theory encompasses the techniques for the study of finite automata and their decomposition into elementary automata. The famous result of Krohn and Rhodes roughly states that each finite automaton can be decomposed into elementary components which correspond to permutation and reset automata connected by a cascade product. However, this outcome is not easy to access for the working computer scientist. This paper provides a short introduction into Krohn-Rhodes theory based on the valuable work of Ginzburg.