Dynamically reconfigurable devices used to implement a self-tuning, high performance PID controller

The implementation of an autotuning proportional-integral-differential (PID) digital controller using devices called logic cell arrays (LCAs) is described. The most significant difference with respect to conventional gate arrays is the fact that LCAs in the functions of the logic networks are defined by a configuration pattern stored in a RAM internal to the device itself. Thus, logic cell arrays require no custom factory fabrication; each device is identical until configured by the user. The PID autotuning method implemented in this system is briefly described and a detailed description of the PID prototype is given. The resulting prototype shows the possibility of implementing a low-cost control system where time-critical operations are performed by these reconfigurable devices, while supervising tasks are accomplished by traditional programmable logic