Mixed analog-digital fuzzy logic controller with continuous-amplitude fuzzy inferences and defuzzification

A fuzzy logic controller has been realized using mixed analog-digital CMOS very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits for application in cases where the input and output variables are in analog form. It employs a new architecture where time sweeping of variables allows continuous-amplitude evaluation of fuzzy inferences and defuzzification during each evaluation cycle without having to discretize input and output variables. Direct processing of the analog input signal is used to obtain the corresponding crisp value; the digital portion is used only for programmability. No A/D and D/A converters are needed. The controller can handle three inputs, one output, and 25 programmable fuzzy rules. The test IC chips were fabricated using 0.7-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. A control problem of stabilizing a ping-pong ball in a tube with a controllable air flow has been successfully demonstrated.