LQG controller design using GUI: application to antennas and radio-telescopes

Area of Science:

• Control Engineering
• Robotics
• Signal Processing

Background:

• The Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) algorithm enhances tracking precision for systems like JPL's 70-m antennas, especially in windy conditions.
• Designing LQG controllers traditionally requires significant control engineering expertise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for designing LQG controllers for antennas and radiotelescopes.
• To simplify the LQG controller design process for users with limited control engineering backgrounds.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Matlab-based GUI integrating basic LQG controller design.
• Implementation of a constrained optimization algorithm for fine-tuning LQG controller designs within the GUI.
• User interaction via sliders and radio buttons to observe antenna performance.

Main Results:

• The GUI successfully simplifies the LQG controller design process.
• The developed GUI facilitates user-friendly design and tuning of controllers.
• The tool enables individuals with limited control engineering knowledge to design effective LQG controllers.

Conclusions:

• The GUI significantly lowers the barrier to entry for designing LQG controllers for antenna and radiotelescope applications.
• The tool promotes wider adoption of advanced control algorithms in practical engineering scenarios.
• The GUI enhances the usability of LQG control for improving tracking precision in disturbed environments.