This paper introduces    ${m}$   -inductiveness over a set of nodes    ${S}$    in sequential circuits. The    ${m}$   -inductive property can be used for equivalence-checking or improved sequential optimization. It allows the behavior of many next state functions (not in    ${S}$   ) to be changed while maintaining correctness at the primary outputs of a circuit. As such, it creates flexibility that can be used for sequential optimization. It is shown that the number of nodes in    ${S}$    is reduced as  m , the parameter for the inductiveness, increases. We provide an algorithm for finding a minimal set    ${S}$   , as well as one for using    ${m}$   -inductiveness in optimization. We give examples of such optimized circuits and show that    ${m}$   -inductive-based optimization can result in significant area reduction when applied to industrial designs.
['Hamid Savoj', 'Alan Mishchenko', 'Robert K. Brayton']
${m}$ -Inductive Property of Sequential Circuits