US 5,596,331 AGranted

Real-time control sequencer with state matrix logic

AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation

InventorsAndrew M. Bonaffini, Kathleen F. Bonaffini, Michael J. Buehler, Hubert A. Miller, Galen Plunkett, Jr., Sidney F. Rudolph, Michael A. Sweeney, Donald E. Wallis

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Abstract

A high performance, real-time control sequencer is disclosed which incorporates a unique state matrix logic. This real-time control sequencer performs rapid resolution of control processed state transitions and the required control actions as a function of detected external events and the current control process state. The control sequencer's micro-instructions present event and current state data as inputs to a state matrix logic and initiate state matrix operations. The state matrix, in turn, outputs data defining and initiating the next control process state, required process control actions to be performed by the control sequencer microcode, process status, and event response or control output data. The real-time, event-driven data processor invention provides greater flexibility for reconfiguring event patterns to be detected and responses desired. It provides for a faster resolution of control process state transitions and the required control actions, and it accomplishes this with a larger repertoire of event patterns and responses stored in a smaller memory area, than has been required in the prior art.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A real-time, event-driven data processor having an input connected to a source of event signals and a control output connected to elements to be controlled, comprising:

a state matrix memory having a first input connected to said event input and a second input connected to receive a next state indication and having an output, for storing a plurality of state matrices, each said state matrix selected by a value of the next state indication on said second input corresponding to a control state, and organized into rows and columns with each row corresponding to an event to be detected and each row being divided into members of a first column for the next state, and a second column for the action;
a control sequencer having an input connected to the output of said state matrix memory, for receiving row data from a selected matrix in said matrix memory, in response to said state matrix memory, having received event and next state information on the first and second inputs thereof, said control sequencer in response thereto accessing a sequence of executable instructions;
an arithmetic/logic unit having an input connected to an output of said control sequencer, for receiving said sequence of executable instructions for execution therein, said instructions including a new value for the next state of the system which is output to said second input of said state matrix memory, thereby enabling said state matrix memory to respond to the occurrence of a next event.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.