On improving MUS extraction algorithms

Abstract

Minimally Unsatisfiable Subformulas (MUS) find a wide range of practical applications, including product configuration, knowledge-based validation, and hardware and software design and verification. MUSes also find application in recent Maximum Satisfiability algorithms and in CNF formula redundancy removal. Besides direct applications in Propositional Logic, algorithms for MUS extraction have been applied to more expressive logics. This paper proposes two algorithms for MUS extraction. The first algorithm is optimal in its class, meaning that it requires the smallest number of calls to a SAT solver. The second algorithm extends earlier work, but implements a number of new techniques. The resulting algorithms achieve significant performance gains with respect to state of the art MUS extraction algorithms. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.