The DDA integrator as the iterative module of a variable structure process control computer

✍ Scribed by J. Hatvany

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1969
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 975 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0005-1098
• DOI: 10.1016/0005-1098(69)90054-5

✦ Synopsis

Trends in computer organization, control technology and large-scale integration point towards highly reliable process control computers with a fixed GP part and a variable structure part composed of an array of DDA integrators.

(Although this paper does not emphasize automatic control or computer control, it has been included in this automatic control journal because it discusses the organization and control of computers and their use in control systems, particularly in process control. Furthermore, it includes an interesting survey of the subject, and, as indicated in the previous article by B. Gaines and R. Shemer, this subject constituted a significant role in the IFAC Budapest Symposium where it was presented.---editor) Summary--The present trends in computer organization, control technology and large-scale integration are evaluated to deduce the features of a new computer for process control purposes, and to propose an actual design.

The proposed computer will have a variable structure organization, with a fixed part, a GP computer, and a variable part composed of an array of DDA integrators, acting as processor elements. The latter can well be implemented as LSI circuits, to form iterative modules. The topology of the computer is of the partially interconnectible, decentralized type.

The machine lends itself particularly well to the application of advanced reliability strategies. The problem domain which can be solved is relatively broad, and although the proposed organization does not comply strictly with the criteria of Shannon or Holland, its practical facilities for control applications are not impaired, while implementation and programming are rendered easier. An appropriate autocode for programming the computer is based on the differential calculus, and it would be particularly suitable for the application of Newell's problem-solving techniques.