Design of a multi-processor control systems

Abstract

The aim of the research undertaken is to investigate the aspects of multi-processor systems concerned with their performance, control and architectural design. Various architectural designs are studied in terms of the tasks which can be performed in accordance with the objectives and goals of the system user, the resulting needs of the system and the types and characteristics of the microprocessors. The system eventually selected appeared to be architecturally feasible, essentially practical in its uses and takes advantage of the capabilities and flexibilities of the microprocessors in use, This design uses five INTEL 8008 microprocessors, which exécute tasks independently or in co-operation, exchanging data and information through common access to a shared memory. The shared memory feature is an essential part of the performance of the system and is the main design characteristic of it. ‘The system was tested and operated in isolation and subsequently operated in conjunction with a 9900/4 Texas Instruments microprocessor system which formed an external communication system. Observations, conclusions and recammendations for improvement are given. The thesis aims to record cbservations of the operations of a multi-processor system in order to derive an assessment of its potential uses, particularly for automatic localised control of systems.