Distributed architectures integrated with high-temperature electronics for engine monitoring and control

In this paper we give an overview of the distributed engine control system integrated with high temperature electronics (HTE). The challenges that control designers will en- counter for a distributed engine control design process is threefold. The first one is the modeling and formulation of uncertainties and deficiencies of electronics systems and equip- ments in high temperature conditions. The second one is a proper communication means designed to handle all or part of these deficiencies. The last one is a proper control structure designed to be integrated with the distributed communication system and HTE function- ing as smart nodes (e.g. sensors, actuators and control processors) in this communication system. The tools that are needed to design a distributed engine control system include control theory (feedback systems), information theory (communication bus and network structure) and HTE technology. We believe, the algorithm/architecture co-design (AAC) process is a necessary and efficient approach for designing reliable and robust distributed control systems using high temperature electronics. AAC can combine control theory, communication theory and high temperature electronics technology to propose an optimal solution to the problem. © 2011 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.