FPGA Generic Solver for Real-Time System Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional simulation methods, particularly in real-time applications, face challenges in efficiently modeling and testing systems due to the complexity of text-based programming environments and the need for extensive reconfiguration of simulation logic when switching between different system models.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA, configured with a generic solver and modular system models, allowing for rapid reconfiguration and execution of simulations without requiring changes to the simulation logic, enabling fast and efficient simulation of various systems by updating matrix coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional text-based programming environments are used for system simulation, then programming flexibility is maintained, but programming complexity and user skill requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces text-based programming with a graphical programming environment where system simulations are constructed by visually arranging and connecting graphical elements representing mathematical operations and system components. This substitution eliminates the need for text coding while maintaining full programming flexibility, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and programming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical programming environment as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying mathematical computation system. This intermediary allows users to interact with complex simulation systems through intuitive graphical interfaces rather than directly coding, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing computational power
2Reliability
If simulation logic is reconfigured to test different measurement/control logic prototypes, then testing accuracy is improved, but reconfiguration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the graphical programming environment allows rapid modification of simulation parameters, system models, and measurement/control logic configurations without requiring full system reconfiguration. This dynamic approach enables quick switching between different prototypes while maintaining testing accuracy, resolving the time-loss contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the simulation system into modular components including separate system models, measurement logic modules, and control logic modules that can be independently configured and tested. This segmentation allows specific portions of the simulation to be reconfigured for different testing scenarios without affecting the entire system, thereby reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining testing rigor
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive reconfiguration of simulation logic is performed when switching between system models, then simulation versatility is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal graphical programming environment that can simulate diverse systems including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid systems using a common set of graphical elements and mathematical operations. This universal approach eliminates the need for extensive reconfiguration when switching between different system types, thereby maintaining simulation versatility while improving productivity through consistent interface and methodology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration templates and pre-built graphical elements for common system types and operations. These pre-configured components can be quickly adapted to specific simulation needs, reducing the time and effort required for reconfiguration when switching between different system models, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for performing a simulation of a system. The system includes an FPGA that is configured to implement simulation logic, such as a generic solver. For example, the FPGA device may implement a generic time domain solver or a generic frequency domain solver. The FPGA device is also configured with information representing a system model of the system under simulation. The system also includes input hardware for providing input signals for the simulation to the FPGA device and output hardware for receiving output signals computed by the simulation from the FPGA device. The system may be reconfigured to simulate different systems by changing the system model, without requiring the simulation logic (e.g., the generic solver) to be changed.