High performance hybrid micro-computer
First Claim
1. An electronic control apparatus called for convenience a Field Programmable Instrument Controller (FPIC) for controlling the processes of a process system, said control apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of processing elements each especially adapted to perform special tasks, each said processing elements is a process represented by software programs, or algorithms or by specific hardware elements, namely programmed or firmware-controlled State-Machines and Sequencers or combinatorial asynchronous or sequential Boolean logic circuits, or programmed arrays of gates whereby each said processing element being activated “
on the fly”
is able to communicate with every other then active processing element;
a means wherein said process elements operate in parallel or serial manner in plurality of computing architectures instantiated “
on the fly”
in at least one Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA);
said computing architectures being of bit size and functionality as defined in a program definition algorithm stored in electronic memory of the said electronic control apparatus for the purpose of embodiment of the architecture in a portion of said FPGA;
at least one said processing element contained in said control apparatus which has the capability of interfacing to another FPIC or other processor selected from but not limited to members of the group of processors, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or computers; and
said processing elements which all or severally assume roles needed to create required process control functionality, whereby at least one processing element represents the specific functionality of FPIC memory allocation storage and retrieval, at least one processing element covers all FPIC processing related with interconnected real-time processing and hardware interfaces, at least one processing element exercises all human interfaces, at least one processing element covers FPIC specific functionalities related to controlling processes, and at least one processing element functions as an access point connecting to FPIC external extension units selected from members of the group consisting of but not limited to FPIC, microcontrollers, microprocessors, macroprocessors, FLASH memory, PCMIA, data busses, networks, and communication devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The Field Programmable Instrument Controller (FPIC) is a stand-alone low to high performance, clocked or unclocked multi-processor that operates as a microcontroller with versatile interface and operating options. The FPIC can also be used as a concurrent processor for a microcontroller or other processor. A tightly coupled Multiple Chip Module design incorporates non-volatile memories, a large field programmable gate array (FPGA), field programmable high precision analog to digital converters, field programmable digital to analog signal generators, and multiple ports of external mass data storage and control processors. The FPIC has an inherently open architecture with in-situ reprogrammability and state preservation capability for discontinuous operations. It is designed to operate in multiple roles, including but not limited to, a high speed parallel digital signal processing; co-processor for precision control feedback during analog or hybrid computing; high speed monitoring for condition based maintenance; and distributed real time process control. The FPIC is characterized by low power with small size and weight.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An electronic control apparatus called for convenience a Field Programmable Instrument Controller (FPIC) for controlling the processes of a process system, said control apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of processing elements each especially adapted to perform special tasks, each said processing elements is a process represented by software programs, or algorithms or by specific hardware elements, namely programmed or firmware-controlled State-Machines and Sequencers or combinatorial asynchronous or sequential Boolean logic circuits, or programmed arrays of gates whereby each said processing element being activated “
on the fly”
is able to communicate with every other then active processing element;
a means wherein said process elements operate in parallel or serial manner in plurality of computing architectures instantiated “
on the fly”
in at least one Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA);
said computing architectures being of bit size and functionality as defined in a program definition algorithm stored in electronic memory of the said electronic control apparatus for the purpose of embodiment of the architecture in a portion of said FPGA;
at least one said processing element contained in said control apparatus which has the capability of interfacing to another FPIC or other processor selected from but not limited to members of the group of processors, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or computers; and
said processing elements which all or severally assume roles needed to create required process control functionality, whereby at least one processing element represents the specific functionality of FPIC memory allocation storage and retrieval, at least one processing element covers all FPIC processing related with interconnected real-time processing and hardware interfaces, at least one processing element exercises all human interfaces, at least one processing element covers FPIC specific functionalities related to controlling processes, and at least one processing element functions as an access point connecting to FPIC external extension units selected from members of the group consisting of but not limited to FPIC, microcontrollers, microprocessors, macroprocessors, FLASH memory, PCMIA, data busses, networks, and communication devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An electronic control system for controlling the process of a processing system comprising:
a least one of said control apparatus in communication with a plurality of other electronic processors each of which performs a predetermined function and each of which is able to communicate with remaining ones of said control elements. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification