Heterogeneous SOM Control for Unmanned Vehicle Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional control systems for unmanned vehicles, such as backplane architectures, are cumbersome, limited in processing capability, and prone to mechanical and electrical failures due to environmental stresses, while also requiring significant space and weight, which is unsuitable for high-stress applications like UAVs.
Innovation Solution
A system-on-module (SOM) control system comprising a first processing system with a volatile programmable logic array and a second processing system with a non-volatile programmable logic array, which work in tandem to provide robust and reliable control of unmanned vehicles by executing and monitoring processes, enabling backup functions and fail-point implementations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional backplane architectures are used for control systems, then processing capability is limited and mechanical/electrical failures occur, but device complexity and space requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing systems (first processing system with volatile programmable logic array and second processing system with non-volatile programmable logic array) into a single integrated control system. This merging eliminates the need for separate backplane architectures and multiple discrete components, reducing device complexity while improving reliability through heterogeneous processing and mutual backup capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functional processing units that can execute different types of processes (first process and second process) and provide mutual backup. The first processing system can monitor the second, and the second can monitor the first, creating a universal system that handles both primary control and backup functions within a single architecture, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional control systems are used, then space and weight requirements are significant, but processing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both processing systems into a single control module, the patent reduces the overall space and weight compared to traditional distributed backplane architectures. The heterogeneous processing systems share common resources and infrastructure, eliminating redundant components and reducing total system mass while maintaining dual-system reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If heterogeneous processing systems are integrated, then compact and lightweight control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different specialized functions to different processing units: the first processing system with volatile programmable logic array handles time-critical control tasks requiring fast execution, while the second processing system with non-volatile programmable logic array handles monitoring and backup functions. This local specialization allows compact integration while managing complexity through functional differentiation rather than uniform design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements mutual monitoring where the first processing system monitors the execution of the second process and the second processing system monitors the first process. This feedback mechanism automates fault detection and failover, reducing the operational complexity burden on operators and simplifying the control architecture despite the heterogeneous nature of the processing systems.
4Speed
If volatile programmable logic array is used, then processing speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to data loss on power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volatile and non-volatile programmable logic arrays in a heterogeneous architecture where each compensates for the other's weaknesses. The volatile array provides fast processing for active control, while the non-volatile array provides data retention reliability. They work together as an integrated system, sharing resources and providing mutual backup, achieving both speed and reliability in a compact form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A system-on-module (SOM) for controlling an unmanned vehicle (UV) is provided. The SOM comprises a circuit board, a first processing system in operative communication with the circuit board, and a second processing system in operative communication with the circuit board. The first processing system includes one or more first processing units and a volatile programmable logic array. The first processing system is configured to execute a first process for the UV. The second processing system includes one or more second processing units and a non-volatile programmable logic array. The second processing system is configured to monitor execution of the first process by the first processing system.