Operation of multivariable function generators

Abstract

The multivariable function generator (MVFG) is a multiport device which, given a set of continuous bounded analog inputs at time t, produces estimates for a set of bounded outputs after a processing time delay Δt u. The transfer characteristics of the MVFG can be both arbitrary and nonlinear and are specified by defining the output variables at a finite number of coordinate points. The operation of the device described in this paper is based on first-order interpolation techniques and combines the flexibility of digital processing with the continuity and speed of analog processing. The speed and accuracy of the device result from its distributed-processor archi tecture in which several independent operations proceed concurrently. Sources of errors and tech niques for minimizing their effects are discussed.