Automatic abstraction without counterexamples

Abstract

A method of automatic abstraction is presented that uses proofs of unsatisfiability derived from SAT-based bounded model checking as a guide to choosing an abstraction for unbounded model checking. Unlike earlier methods, this approach is not based on analysis of abstract counterexamples. The performance of this approach on benchmarks derived from microprocessor verification indicates that SAT solvers are quite effective in eliminating logic that is not relevant to a given property. Moreover, benchmark results suggest that when bounded model checking successfully terminates, and the problem is unsatisfiable, the number of state variables in the proof of unsatisfiability tends to be small. In almost all cases tested, when bounded model checking succeeded, unbounded model checking of the resulting abstraction also succeeded. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.