DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/YYPZ-9375
Defense Date
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Engineering
First Advisor
Robert Klenke
Abstract
This work is part of ongoing research conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University relating to unmanned aerial vehicles. The primary objective of this thesis was to develop a flexible, high-performance autopilot platform in order to facilitate research on advanced flight control algorithms. A dual FPGA-based system architecture utilizing a stacked, multi-board design was created to meet this goal. Processing tasks were split between the two FPGA devices, allowing for improved system timing and increased throughput. A combination of analog and digital filtering techniques were employed in the new system, resulting in enhanced sensor accuracy and precision compared to the previous generation autopilot system. Several important improvements to the safety and reliability of the overall system were also achieved.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
December 2010