B2.2 - Universal Sensor Interface for High Performance Signal Processing Based on FPGA Technology

Highly connected systems which are used in the scope of future manufacturing systems create huge challenges concerning their sensor interfaces and algorithms. The increasing complexity and growing data rates make it even more difficult to implement feature extractions close to the sensor. In order to fulfill these demands a powerful solution with the ability to react flexible to changing environmental conditions is needed. These characteristics are decisive features for a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). FPGAs offer a highly flexible and powerful architecture to implement true parallel signal processing at high data rates in realtime. The present paper describes an approach to implement a modular and universal sensor interface using an FPGA to fulfill the various requirements of different sensor interfaces, algorithms and system connectivity. Besides the hardware and system description, this paper will demonstrate the use of different higher communication protocols in combination with software packages like LabVIEW. This extends the application of the sensor interface to algorithm evaluation e.g. in research and preliminary investigation.