Projects

List of projects completed
http://www.controltrix.com/docs/Projectlist.pdf

Services provided by controltrix

Services
Our services can be classified into following categories
1. Algorithm design and simulation
2. Implementing control algorithms in fixed point processors and dsps
3. Evaluation,feasibility study and implementation of technology, patents, research papers
4. Real time problem solving and remote support
Algorithm design and system simulation
The design of control system can be trivial and mathematically complex at the same time. At the very basic, trial and error approaches are sometimes used. Trial and error approaches are good as first approximation and help to get a feel of the system. However, meeting ever tightening specs with these methods is challenging. For better and/or optimal performance intensive mathematical analysis, simulation and expertise across multiple domains is required. We provide complete control algorithm design solution for both analog and digital motor control and power electronic systems. Simulation allows to predict the system behavior and identify pitfalls even before any hardware need to be made. The deliverables may include one or more of the following.
1. Physical system modeling and simulation to predict system behavior
2. Design of control system
3. Time domain simulation and waveforms under specified test conditions
4. Frequency domain simulation and bode plots
5. Modeling and mitigating adverse effects of second order nonlinear behavior such as inductor saturation, dead time etc.
6. Recommendations and potential pitfalls
Digital and analog implementation
For digital / DSC/ DSP based systems the control system needs to be converted into a program that will run on digital signal controller, microcontroller or dsp which has floating or fixed point capabilities. We provide conversion of the design from the conceptual and simulation stage to actual implementation on a digital platform. For analog systems we help design the feedback R-C network and the gains set by the resistors.
1. Code for pre – controller signal conditioning
2. Proper scaling of gains and parameters(conversion from the simulation level to implementation level)
3. C code for floating or fixed point machines (DSP,DSC,MCU etc) starting from ADC feedback till drive (duty or peak current reference) generation
4. Optimization of C code at algorithmic level for improving speed and memory usage
5. Handling various corner cases such as saturation and wind up
6. Recommendations and pitfalls
7. For analog sytems, we can help you design the circuit/feedback network by choosing component values
Technology review and research
Do you want to understand, evaluate and implement some technical paper, idea or patent and don’t know how to go about it? We provide expert evaluation services for the same
1. Technical Evaluation of patent, idea, research paper etc
2. Analysis and technical feasibility studies
3. Understanding technology and presenting it in black and white
4. Possible modifications, intellectual property work arounds, add ons etc to make technology more usable and valuable
5. Researching technologies
6. Pros and cons of certain methods and implementation
Need based support services
Stuck while implementing or having some strange issues and unexplainable phenomenon with control that you would like to understand or fix ? We can work with you in real time remotely using web based services and get your project completed quickly.
1. Providing real time remote guidance using tools such for remote desktop sharing
2. Suggesting tests
3. Analyzing results

Salient features of trixbox

Overview
Trixbox is a software tool that allows users to do their end to end control system design for digital power conversion for power electronics applications. Control system can be trivial and extremely complex at the same time. It can be trivial when trial and error methods are used. It can be extremely complex when proper analysis and systematic approach is required. Trial and error is quick and dirty but may not always meet the specs and handle various corner cases. A systematic approach is complex and mathematically involved and requires considerable skill and expertise. Trixbox uses systematic analytical methods to get your design started quickly.
Salient Features
-- Automatic generation of control coefficients
-- C Code implementation of digital control system for fixed point DSC/DSP. Directly use the code with control coefficients in your application
-- 9 topologies derived from buck converter, current and voltage source converters. (more being added)
-- Discontinuous and continuous conduction mode operation
-- Voltage mode, Current mode and Peak Current mode operation
-- Simulate and plot time and frequency domain results
-- Digital system quirks like Zero order hold, quantization, computation delays handled during simulation
-- Dynamic triggering (user programmable)
-- Fast simulation of most key parameters. Better and more accurate than averaged models. Faster than most popular simulation tools.
-- Easy to use web app. Download file, modify parameters and upload. No installations, upgrades and maintenance.
-- Write your own custom code and perform the system simulation. Supports modes like variable period, duty ,on time, off time, valley current period reset, dynamic triggering of ADC for measurement.

why use a simpler control design tool

Why Trixbox

Sure, there are plenty of circuit simulation tools available in the market. These are very accurate and will simulate to the last nano second. These are GUI driven where you can actually draw the circuit or a control block diagram and look at the output at almost any point in the circuit and manipulate and visualize any signal in an infinite number of ways. Trixbox doesn’t do any of these things. ! and yet it can prove to be more valuable in your design process. Here are some good reasons !

Getting Bricks vs Getting House

Simulation softwares provide hundreds of building blocks which can be connected in any imaginable way.The user still need to pick the correct ones up and join them correctly. This needs considerable skill and expertize. Trixbox lets you specify the parameters and generates a reasonably workable solution without prior expertize. The solution also accounts for various second order effects besides topology specific Trixbox provides you the entire building end to end starting from hardware values, uncertainties to code generation without the user ever worrying about the mathematical analysis.

Numerical solution vs analytical solution

Bode plots are provided to the user using analytical solutions. The user does not have to worry about mile long z transforms or laplace transforms. Some simulation software also produce bode plots by doing actual circuit simulation and using complex numerical techniques to perform sine wave sweep. However Numerical techniques under certain conditions may become unstable. So in most cases it is advantageous to use closed form analytical formula such as a = b*c/d etc.

Accuracy vs getting the job done good enough

Trixbox time domain simulation is performed using proprietary algorithms. These are faster than the bogacki shampine or runge kutta methods traditionally used in simulation softwares, but more accurate than average system simulation. The simulation results also incorporate the fixed point C code . So instead of using arcane z transform, the simulation is performed in a lock step manner with the code actually running.

Manual vs automated calculations

Trixbox automatically scales the coefficients properly so the final code is almost ready to be used. Just needs to be called in correct interrupt. Compare this to the case where the coefficients have to be scaled manually using a calculator or a spread sheet to achieve the same.

Reinventing the wheel vs Using the wheel

Trixbox also suggests modulation code that has to be incorporated into the final C code based on the topology. The modulation code is required to convert the output of the control system to a duty value.

Heavy duty upfront investment vs pay as you go

Most good simulation softwares are expensive and require considerable investment. With Trixbox the upfront investment is not required. The payment model will be subscription based service or pay as you go. Trixbox can allow you to get to the solution at a fraction of the cost in most cases. Where you require special services or want to accomplish something special, we also provide consulting.

Heavy duty software Installation /Upgradation/Maintainenance vs No Hassles

Installing heavy duty simulation software on local systems require constant upgradation as more and more features keep getting added and newer versions are released. Also local systems can often crash requiring in house IT services to maintain the software. With Trixbox there is no install /upgrade or maintainenace on your system.Just register and use

What about data security ? Sharing of IP?

In any web app/cloud computing/SAAS system, there is considerable apprehension about data security. The very fact that data gets uploaded is very unnerving, especially as the design may have to do with IP.Trixbox doesnt perform circuit simulation !!.
All the circuits and topologies supported in Trixbox are standard and well known and the implicit circuit cannot be changed. Hence any ciruit level IP is not compromised. Trixbox doesnt store any data beyond what is necessary.
Once logout/erase button all data is erased. Some circuit parameter information is indeed uploaded but it is so pretty standard that its hard to relate to anything IP.
However if you feel that uploading data will lead to compromise on your secrets and IP, please contact us and we can work out a workable solution.

controltrix launched

controltrix is launched
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www.controltrix.com


your one stop for control solutions in motor control and power electronics domain