Implementation of genetic algorithm in an embedded microcontroller-based polarization control system

Implementation of genetic algorithm in a PIC32MX microcontroller-based polarization control system is proposed and demonstrated. The controller measures the signal intensity that is used to estimate the genetic value. This process is controlled by the genetic algorithm rather than referring to the Look-Up-Table as implemented in existing solutions. To reach optimum performance, the code is optimized by using the best genetic parameters so that the fastest execution time can be achieved. An ability of genetic algorithm to work efficiently in polarization control system possesses many advantages including easy code construction, low memory consumption and fast control speed. Genetic algorithm is intelligent enough to be used for endless polarization stabilization and in the worst case, able to stabilize the polarization changes in 300 μs. In the best case the response time can reach 17 μs.