Deterministic micro-controller selection method for complex control algorithms

Abstract

This dissertation presents a method for selecting a micro-controller unit (MCU). The driving force behind this method is to determine whether or not a MCU will have enough processing power for a complex control algorithm to execute within its available control period. The first iteration of the method can be used to rede fine the criteria that the MCU must adhere to. The method has been implemented, and a MCU was evaluated. The evaluation of the MCU gave enough information to estimate additional parameters for the criteria. From this updated criteria list a second MCU was chosen that adhered to all the items of criteria except the operating frequency. This was intentionally disobeyed to show that the evaluation part of the selection method would conclude that this MCU will not be able to execute the complex control algorithm within the available control period. The first MCU that was evaluated was then used to implement the control algorithm for the intended application. The selection of a MCU and the timing estimations serves as veri fication of the selection method. The successful control of the plant and the time the control algorithm took to execute which converged with the estimated timings serves as validation of the selection method.