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Embedded Algorithms within an FPGA-based Design ...

...to Classify Types of Nonlinear SDOF SystemsSpeakers: Jonathan D. Jones & Jin-Song Pei, University of OklahomaAbstract:
This study investigates the use of a Field-Programmable Gate Array (an FPGA) as a primary processing core for complex nonlinear system identification within a wireless structural health monitoring system. Compared with traditional microprocessor-based systems, FPGA technology offers a more powerful, efficient, and flexible embedded platform. Depending on the application, a more robust and optimized processing core can be created when an FPGA and a microprocessor are used together. This situation requires careful consideration of the algorithms to be embedded and the environments in which they are implemented to yield optimal systems for wireless structural health monitoring where capable yet low-cost products are often preferred.
A series of efforts are made to embed a pattern classifier for three basic types of single-degree-of-freedom systems, i.e., linear, hardening and softening. The classification is achieved by embedding two algorithms – empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and backbone curve technique – within an FPGA and microprocessor platform. An off-the-shelf high-level abstraction tool along with the MATLAB/Simulink environment is utilized to manage the overall design. Numerous design considerations to embed the EMD and backbone curve technique are presented. In particular, the implementation of cubic spline fitting and the encountered challenges using both FPGA hardware and software environments are discussed. Additionally, the backbone curve technique and its complete realization within the FPGA hardware to extract instantaneous characteristics from the uniformly distributed data sets produced by the EMD algorithm are presented.
Given the limited computational resources within a practical embedded system, we strive for a balance between the maximization of computational efficiency and minimization of resource utilization. The beauty of this study lies far beyond merely programming existing algorithms to hardware and software. Among others, extensive and intensive judgment is exercised involving experiences and insights with these algorithms, which renders processed instantaneous characteristics of the signals that are well-suited for wireless transmission.BIOSKETCHES OF SPEAKERS:Mr. Jonathan D. Jones received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, in 2005 and 2009, respectively. He is employed by the United States Air Force at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, OK, as a civilian Electronics Engineer. His research interests include field-programmable gate array (FPGA) programming, embedded systems, phased-array radar applications, and nonlinear dynamical systems. Dr. Jin-Song Pei received her B.Eng. and M.Eng. degrees in Structural Engineering from Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, respectively, and a Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, New York, NY. She is an Associate Professor at the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and a graduate faculty member at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering both at the University of Oklahoma. She was an assistant engineer at the Real Estate Division of Construction & Development Corporation, Xiaman, China, worked as an engineer at Indeco Consultants, Singapore and also practiced at Weidlinger Associates, Inc., Cambridge, MA before joining the faculty at the University of Oklahoma in 2002. Her main research interests are system identification, simulation and control of nonlinear dynamical systems.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes