Towards understanding architectural tradeoffs in MEMS closed-loop feedback control

ABSTRACT

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) combine lithographically formed mechanical structures with electrical elements to create physical systems that operate on the scale of microns. However, the physical scale of MEMS devices can make controlling them computationally challenging because the time constants involved are often several orders of magnitude faster than macro-scale devices and because they often require very low power operation. In this paper we begin an examination of the suitability of two different digital signal processors to the high-speed closed loop control problems faced by this new and growing domain. Working with domain experts in the area we characterize the classic tight feedback control loops required by these next generation MEMS devices, we explore the sources of overhead when using existing programmable systems, and we compare these approaches to an application-specific approach of our own design. In the end we demonstrate that this nature of this problem, both in terms of the required performance and the nature of the working datasize, results in a significant gap that could perhaps be filled by more programmable designs carefully crafted to this domain.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.0 GENERAL

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.3 SPECIAL-PURPOSE AND APPLICATION-BASED SYSTEMS

General Terms:
Design, Performance

Keywords:
MEMS control, embedded architecture