A Delay-Aware Switching Framework for Binary Actuator Systems Under Sensing Delay and Measurement Noise

Area of Science:

• Automation and Control Systems
• Robotics and Intelligent Systems
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Binary actuator systems are crucial for industrial and agricultural automation due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
• Sensing delays and measurement noise in these systems can lead to undesirable repeated triggering, compromising performance.
• Existing control strategies often struggle with uncertainty introduced by delayed feedback signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel delay-aware switching framework for binary actuator systems operating under sensing uncertainty.
• To mitigate issues of repeated triggering and oscillation caused by delayed and noisy sensor measurements.
• To ensure reliable and efficient operation of binary actuators in uncertain environments.

Main Methods:

• A control cycle structured into sequential actuation, protected waiting, and idle phases.
• Temporary suspension of switching-condition evaluation during the protected waiting phase to avoid redundant commands.
• An adaptive supervisory mechanism for updating actuation duration and waiting intervals using performance indicators without plant-model identification.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework effectively eliminates repeated triggering of binary actuators under delayed and noisy conditions.
• Simulation results show a significant reduction in oscillation amplitude.
• Experimental validation on a Raspberry Pi-based thermal chamber confirmed bounded and regular switching behavior.

Conclusions:

• The developed delay-aware framework enhances the robustness and reliability of binary actuator systems.
• The protected waiting phase and adaptive mechanism successfully address challenges posed by sensing uncertainty.
• The approach offers a practical solution for improving automation performance in industrial and agricultural applications.