Embedded Real-Time Model Predictive Control On-A-Chip (Technology #: 012006-01)

Lehigh University Office of Technology Transfer
posted on 01/14/2008

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A methodology was developed for the hardware implementation of an optimization-based control algorithm. A combination of simulations and emulations is used in series of parametric tests to determine parameters of the design. The proposed hardware architecture encompasses a general purpose microprocessor, an iterative matrix coprocessor, and a Logarithmic Number System that gives advantages in terms of size and power consumption in small word lengths. The developed control chip is suitable for constrained applications characterized by fast sampling time and small size.

 

APPLICATIONS

• Diabeties control
• Prosthetics
• Rotational Antennas
• Avionics
• Automotive Controllers

STATUS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

A US Utility patent application has been filed

   

Mayuresh Kothare's Lehigh Page

The proposed approach provides the first reported implementation of real-time model predictive (MPC) control on-a-chip. Current software implementations of MPC are not suitable for demanding applications due to their relatively slow performance and high power consumption. We proposed a custom made co-processor that acts as an accelerator to a general purpose microprocessor, both operating at reduced precision. The co-processor utilizes the logarithmic number system to perform the arithmetic operations which is proven to consume less power and performs faster than alternatives at reduced precision (such as the standard fixed-point and floatingpoint arithmetic).