Embedded Software Design for Mechatronic Systems

This research project is motivated by the fact that nowadays it is impossible to separate control engineering from software engineering. Besides that both of them can be found in definitions of mechatronics, this project deals with exploitation and improvement of their strong natural interdependency. In all modern reactive systems, what all mechatronics systems are, one will always find one or more embedded computers. The functionality of these computers, and in turn controlled systems, is powered by embedded software [1]

Multimode waveguides of Photodefinable epoxy for optical backplane applications

We developed photodefined, multimode-fiber compatible waveguides based on epoxies. These waveguides will be embedded in backplane PCB’s for optical interconnect applications using 850 nm VCSELs as light sources. Apart from very low loss, the material selection took into account, PCB compatibility and low yellowing due to high temperature processing (for PCB lamination and soldering). The waveguides showed losses < 0.06 dB/cm at 832 nm and 633 nm. Their loss increase after aging (1 hr at 185 °C) was limited to 0.04 dB/cm at 850 nm. Waveguides realized on FR-4 (epoxyfiberglass)PCB material are demonstrated

Software for Embedded Control Systems

The research of our team deals with the realization of control schemes on digital computers. As such the emphasis is on embedded control software implementation. Applications are in the field of mechatronic devices, using a mechatronic design approach (the integrated and optimal design of a mechanical system and its embedded control system). The ultimate goal is to support the application developer (i.e. mechatronic design engineer) such that implementing control software according to ðo it the first time right¿ becomes business as usual

Integrated Design Tools for Embedded Control Systems

Currently, computer-based control systems are still being implemented using the same techniques as 10 years ago. The purpose of this project is the development of a design framework, consisting of tools and libraries, which allows the designer to build high reliable heterogeneous real-time embedded systems in a very short time at a fraction of the present day costs. The ultimate focus of current research is on transformation control laws to efficient concurrent algorithms, with concerns about important non-functional real-time control systems demands, such as fault-tolerance, safety,\ud reliability, etc.\ud The approach is based on software implementation of CSP process algebra, in a modern way (pure objectoriented design in Java). Furthermore, it is intended that the tool will support the desirable system-engineering stepwise refinement design approach, relying on past research achievements ¿ the mechatronics design trajectory based on the building-blocks approach, covering all complex (mechatronics) engineering phases: physical system modeling, control law design, embedded control system implementation and real-life realization. Therefore, we expect that this project will result in an\ud adequate tool, with results applicable in a wide range of target hardware platforms, based on common (off-theshelf) distributed heterogeneous (cheap) processing units

Reduction of hydrogen induced losses in PECVD-SiOxNy optical waveguides in the near infrared

The hydrogen in PECVD-SiOxNy was studied with IR spectroscopy and ERD analysis as a function of the O/N ratio and the annealing treatment up to 1150°C. The results were compared with measured spectral waveguide losse

Granular YBaCuO films prepared by metalorganic chemical aerosol deposition technology

Fine-grain thin superconducting films can be prepared by metalorganic Chemical Aerosol Deposition Technology (CADT). In this paper, we present the preparation and properties of YBa2Cu3O7-x films on the different substrates, Si and SrTiO3 (100). It is shown that the zero-resistance temperature (Tc,0) of the films on SrTiO3 substrates is about 90 K, and the critical current density (Jc) at 77 K is above 104 A/cm2. In addition, these films exhibit significant grain-boundary weak link behaviour, which is very promising for applications in electronic devices

Bends in polymeric multimode waveguides

We developed photodefined, multimode-fiber compatible waveguides based on epoxies. The waveguides showed losses <0.06 dB/cm at 832 nm and 633 nm. Propagation and bending losses are calculated and experimentally verified. The minimum allow-able radius that can be connected to a straight waveguides are modeled and experimentally verified

Conceptual design for controller software of mechatronic systems

The method and software tool presented here, aims at supporting the development of control software for mechatronic systems. Heterogeneous distributed embedded processors are considered as target hardware. Principles of the method are that the implementation process is a stepwise refinement from control laws to efficient computer code and that all phases are verified by simulation. Simulation is also used as verification tool during physical-system modelling and control law development. Data flow diagrams are used as description language for controller implementations, whereas the physical-system models are expressed in bond graphs. Future work comprises the building of the complete tool, although individual parts are ready