Virtual Prototyping for Dynamically Reconfigurable Architectures using Dynamic Generic Mapping

This paper presents a virtual prototyping methodology for Dynamically Reconfigurable (DR) FPGAs. The methodology is based around a library of VHDL image processing components and allows the rapid prototyping and algorithmic development of low-level image processing systems. For the effective modelling of dynamically reconfigurable designs a new technique named, Dynamic Generic Mapping is introduced. This method allows efficient representation of dynamic reconfiguration without needing any additional components to model the reconfiguration process. This gives the designer more flexibility in modelling dynamic configurations than other methodologies. Models created using this technique can then be simulated and targeted to a specific technology using the same code. This technique is demonstrated through the realisation of modules for a motion tracking system targeted to a DR environment, RIFLE-62

Adaptive multichannel control of time-varying broadband noise and vibrations

This paper presents results obtained from a number of applications in which a recent adaptive algorithm for broadband multichannel active noise control is used. The core of the algorithm uses the inverse of the minimum-phase part of the secondary path for improvement of the speed of convergence. A further improvement of the speed of convergence is obtained by using double control filters for elimination of adaptation loop delay. Regularization was found to be necessary for robust operation. The regularization technique which is used preserves the structure to eliminate the adaptation loop delay. Depending on the application at hand, a number of extensions are used for this algorithm. For an application with rapidly changing disturbance spectra, the core algorithm was extended with an iterative affine projection scheme, leading to improved convergence rates as compared to the standard nomalized lms update rules. In another application, in which the influence of the parametric uncertainties was critical, the core algorithm was extended with low authority control loops operating at high sample rates. In addition, results of other applications are given, such as control of acoustic energy density and control of time-varying periodic and non-periodic vibrations

Five-Axis Machine Tool Condition Monitoring Using dSPACE Real-Time System

This paper presents the design, development and SIMULINK implementation of the lumped parameter model of C-axis drive from GEISS five-axis CNC machine tool. The simulated results compare well with the experimental data measured from the actual machine. Also the paper describes the steps for data acquisition using ControlDesk and hardware-in-the-loop implementation of the drive models in dSPACE real-time system. The main components of the HIL system are: the drive model simulation and input – output (I/O) modules for receiving the real controller outputs. The paper explains how the experimental data obtained from the data acquisition process using dSPACE real-time system can be used for the development of machine tool diagnosis and prognosis systems that facilitate the improvement of maintenance activities

FPGA Implementation of Spectral Subtraction for In-Car Speech Enhancement and Recognition

The use of speech recognition in noisy environments requires the use of speech enhancement algorithms in order to improve recognition performance. Deploying these enhancement techniques requires significant engineering to ensure algorithms are realisable in electronic hardware. This paper describes the design decisions and process to port the popular spectral subtraction algorithm to a Virtex-4 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device. Resource analysis shows the final design uses only 13% of the total available FPGA resources. Waveforms and spectrograms presented support the validity of the proposed FPGA design

An Adaptive Design Methodology for Reduction of Product Development Risk

Embedded systems interaction with environment inherently complicates understanding of requirements and their correct implementation. However, product uncertainty is highest during early stages of development. Design verification is an essential step in the development of any system, especially for Embedded System. This paper introduces a novel adaptive design methodology, which incorporates step-wise prototyping and verification. With each adaptive step product-realization level is enhanced while decreasing the level of product uncertainty, thereby reducing the overall costs. The back-bone of this frame-work is the development of Domain Specific Operational (DOP) Model and the associated Verification Instrumentation for Test and Evaluation, developed based on the DOP model. Together they generate functionally valid test-sequence for carrying out prototype evaluation. With the help of a case study 'Multimode Detection Subsystem' the application of this method is sketched. The design methodologies can be compared by defining and computing a generic performance criterion like Average design-cycle Risk. For the case study, by computing Average design-cycle Risk, it is shown that the adaptive method reduces the product development risk for a small increase in the total design cycle time.Comment: 21 pages, 9 figure

Control design toolbox for large scale variable speed pitch regulated wind turbines

The trend towards large multi-MW wind turbineshas given new impetus to the development of wind turbine controllers.Additional objectives are being placed on the controllermaking the specification of the control system more complex. A new toolbox, which assists with most of the control design cycle,has been developed. Its purpose is to assist and guide the control system designer through the design cycle, thereby enabling faster design. With the choice of control strategy unrestricted,the toolbox is sufficiently flexible to support the design processfor the aforementioned more complex specifications

Flexible data input layer architecture (FDILA) for quick-response decision making tools in volatile manufacturing systems

This paper proposes the foundation for a flexible data input management system as a vital part of a generic solution for quick-response decision making. Lack of a comprehensive data input layer between data acquisition and processing systems has been realized and thought of. The proposed FDILA is applicable to a wide variety of volatile manufacturing environments. It provides a generic platform that enables systems designers to define any number of data entry points and types regardless of their make and specifications in a standard fashion. This is achieved by providing a variable definition layer immediately on top of the data acquisition layer and before data pre-processing layer. For proof of concept, National Instruments’ Labview data acquisition software is used to simulate a typical shop floor data acquisition system. The extracted data can then be fed into a data mining module that builds cost modeling functions involving the plant’s Key Performance Factors