TUTORIAL SESSION

Developing Real-time and Embedded Control Applications

Prof. M Moallem
Simon Fraser University, Canada
mmoallem@sfu.ca

Abstract

Control systems are one of the main application domains for embedded computing. With the complexity of applications growing rapidly, it is very important that engineers designing control systems be educated so that they are aware of the design procedures and challenges in embedded computing technology. Embedded computing is an enabling technology dealing with the engineering of computer systems used in such areas as command and control, communications and multimedia, and information systems. Emerging technologies, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), wireless ad-hoc networks, smart homes and workspaces, intelligent highways, and medical mechatronic devices, would require use of even more embedded computers. The opportunities seem to be endless and limited only by creative designs and novel technologies.
This tutorial focuses on the implementation and design techniques for embedded systems with a focus on control applications. The tutorial will provide a basic understanding of how to design, build, and integrate hardware and software for real-time embedded control applications. The material discussed in this tutorial will consist of the following topics: Embedded systems design process; procedure for modular design, review of mechanisms for input/output; basic hardware and software platforms for embedded computing; multi-tasking operating systems for embedded applications; developing embedded software for various types of systems from simple to complex applications, priority based kernels for real-time systems; practical issues related to computer based control systems including PID tuning, anti-aliasing filters, integrator saturation and windup, selection of sampling rates, and system design techniques. Case studies will be presented that highlight design process for various control systems including supervisory and feedback control.

Objectives

The tutorial will provide necessary material for attendees to understand fundamental concepts and definitions in real-time systems such as concurrency, multitasking, inter-task communication, preemption, handling deadlines, etc. Another objective is to familiarize the control system engineer with the embedded system design process and how to integrate a control design with available hardware and software real-time technologies.

Timeline

Three hours would be needed to cover the topics in this tutorial. Presentation material will be provided to attendees.

Target Audience

General background in Control Engineering with some background in programming using high level languages such as C is required but not essential. The tutorial would be suitable for control system engineering students, practicing engineers, and other researchers who want to deploy their control applications on embedded computers.

Qualifications of the Instructor(s)

Professor Moallem has more than 15 years of teaching and research experience in the area of Real-time Control Systems and has published extensively in this areas. He obtained the Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Concordia University, Montreal, Qc., in 1997 and has held postdoctoral and research positions at Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada, and Duke University, Durham, NC. He has been a faculty member with the School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University since 2007. From 1999 to 2007 he was with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, where he developed two courses on real-time systems and embedded computer control. His research interests include real-time and embedded computer control systems, flexure control, and algorithm and software development for mechatronic applications. Dr. Moallem is a registered Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario, Canada.