Optimal control of asynchronous sequential machines
Jacob M. Hammer · International Journal of Control · 2025
A framework for the design of optimal state-feedback controllers for asynchronous sequential machines (clockless digital systems) is developed. Optimisation is with respect to cost functions that may represent a variety of optimisation criteria, including maximal operating speed, minimal switching, minimal energy expenditures, minimal communication expenditures in distributed machines, as well as other optimisation criteria. The optimisation framework is applied in the paper to the design of optimal state-feedback controllers that guide a controlled machine to match a specified model. Yet this optimisation framework can also be utilised to derive optimal controllers for other objectives in the control of asynchronous sequential machines. All controllers derived in the paper uphold fundamental mode operation of the closed-loop machine, thus assuring reliable and deterministic outcomes.