CLP(R) and Some Electrical Engineering Problems

Nevin Heintze, Spiro Michaylov, Peter J. Stuckey

Abstract: The Constraint Logic Programming Scheme defines a class of languages designed for programming with constraints using a logic programming approach. These languages are soundly based on a unified framework of formal semantics. In particular, as an instance of this scheme with real arithmetic constraints, the CLP(ℜ) language facilitates and encourages a concise and declarative style of programming for problems involving a mix of numeric and non-numeric computation.In this paper we illustrate the practical applicability of CLP(ℜ) with examples of programs to solve electrical engineering problems. This field is particularly rich in problems that are complex and largely numeric, enabling us to demonstrate a number of the unique features of CLP(ℜ). A detailed look at some of the more important programming techniques highlights the ability of CLP(ℜ) to support well-known, powerful techniques from constraint programming. Our thesis is that CLP(ℜ) is an embodiment of these techniques in a language that is more general, elegant and versatile than the earlier languages, and yet is practical.