Embedded Solutions for Flexible and Low Latency Power Control Unit
(2025) EITM02 20241Department of Electrical and Information Technology
- Abstract
- The existing Power Supply Unit (PSU) at Axis Communication contains a fully discrete solution that lacks flexibility for future updates. This research aims to address critical challenges by exploring methods to enhance speed, reduce PCB area, and introduce flexibility to the existing hardware solution. The approach involves replacing hardware functionalities within the control unit with software-controlled microcontroller units (MCU), specifically STM32 chips.
Theoretical analysis suggests that using STM32 microcontrollers could potentially increase speed by factors of thousands, with the primary advantage being the reprogrammable nature of the microcontroller. A key benefit is the ability to easily manipulate PI regulator coefficients... (More) - The existing Power Supply Unit (PSU) at Axis Communication contains a fully discrete solution that lacks flexibility for future updates. This research aims to address critical challenges by exploring methods to enhance speed, reduce PCB area, and introduce flexibility to the existing hardware solution. The approach involves replacing hardware functionalities within the control unit with software-controlled microcontroller units (MCU), specifically STM32 chips.
Theoretical analysis suggests that using STM32 microcontrollers could potentially increase speed by factors of thousands, with the primary advantage being the reprogrammable nature of the microcontroller. A key benefit is the ability to easily manipulate PI regulator coefficients directly in the code, providing unprecedented control flexibility. While the selected chip did not achieve area reduction, the research demonstrated that trading speed could enable selection of smaller MCUs to meet design goals.
The study conclusively proves that replacing hardware components with microcontroller units offers minimal trade-offs while significantly improving system complexity and adaptability. This approach represents a promising pathway for developing more flexible and efficient power control units in embedded systems. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- Engineering began with simple electrical components that performed basic functions, but over the years, technological advancements enabled these components to "think" and make decisions autonomously. This leap was made possible through the integration of software, which introduced unprecedented flexibility. Unlike hardware, which requires significant effort and resources to modify, software can be easily updated and adjusted to meet new requirements. The challenge explored in this paper mirrors this progression: replacing the static, "dumb" elements of a meticulously designed board with smarter, programmable alternatives—microcontrollers. This transition holds the promise of improving the board’s flexibility, security, spatial efficiency,... (More)
- Engineering began with simple electrical components that performed basic functions, but over the years, technological advancements enabled these components to "think" and make decisions autonomously. This leap was made possible through the integration of software, which introduced unprecedented flexibility. Unlike hardware, which requires significant effort and resources to modify, software can be easily updated and adjusted to meet new requirements. The challenge explored in this paper mirrors this progression: replacing the static, "dumb" elements of a meticulously designed board with smarter, programmable alternatives—microcontrollers. This transition holds the promise of improving the board’s flexibility, security, spatial efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Although this board has been a cornerstone of Axis Communications’ operations for many years, its complexity has presented formidable obstacles, thwarting earlier efforts to update or enhance its design.
Initial theoretical analysis demonstrated that replacing fixed hardware components with micro-controllers could effectively achieve the desired improvements. Speed and space efficiency, in particular, were areas where significant gains could be made. Flexibility, too, was a notable advantage: by transferring control of regulator coefficients from fixed electrical components to software-defined values, engineers gained the ability to modify and recalibrate systems with minimal effort. This shift to software not only streamlined the process of making adjustments but also opened the door to more sophisticated control algorithms. Furthermore, by carefully selecting the appropriate micro-controller series, additional space savings were predicted, further reducing the overall footprint of the circuitry.
Experimental results validated these theoretical predictions, showcasing the transformation potential of micro-controllers. Not only did they fulfill their intended roles, but they also demonstrated the ability to take on even more responsibilities, replacing an increasing number of traditional electrical components within the existing system. This transition underscores the broader trend in engineering toward more intelligent and adaptable systems, paving the way for continued innovation and enhanced performance in complex circuitry designs. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9186546
- author
- Zeynalli, Miradil LU and Sheikh Ali, Yasmin LU
- supervisor
-
- Liang Liu LU
- organization
- course
- EITM02 20241
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- MCU, PSU, PI Regulators, Embedded, Control Unit, STM, PWM, PCB, PoE
- report number
- LU/LTH-EIT 2025-1036
- language
- English
- id
- 9186546
- date added to LUP
- 2025-06-09 10:02:03
- date last changed
- 2025-06-09 10:02:03
@misc{9186546, abstract = {{The existing Power Supply Unit (PSU) at Axis Communication contains a fully discrete solution that lacks flexibility for future updates. This research aims to address critical challenges by exploring methods to enhance speed, reduce PCB area, and introduce flexibility to the existing hardware solution. The approach involves replacing hardware functionalities within the control unit with software-controlled microcontroller units (MCU), specifically STM32 chips. Theoretical analysis suggests that using STM32 microcontrollers could potentially increase speed by factors of thousands, with the primary advantage being the reprogrammable nature of the microcontroller. A key benefit is the ability to easily manipulate PI regulator coefficients directly in the code, providing unprecedented control flexibility. While the selected chip did not achieve area reduction, the research demonstrated that trading speed could enable selection of smaller MCUs to meet design goals. The study conclusively proves that replacing hardware components with microcontroller units offers minimal trade-offs while significantly improving system complexity and adaptability. This approach represents a promising pathway for developing more flexible and efficient power control units in embedded systems.}}, author = {{Zeynalli, Miradil and Sheikh Ali, Yasmin}}, language = {{eng}}, note = {{Student Paper}}, title = {{Embedded Solutions for Flexible and Low Latency Power Control Unit}}, year = {{2025}}, }