Detecting faults in heterogeneous and dynamic systems using DSP and an agent-based architecture

This paper demonstrates the use of multi-agent systems (MAS), firstly as a modelling technique for dynamic physical systems and secondly as the basis for a generic and powerful diagnostic system, which can support heterogeneous distributed systems. First an overview of the diagnostic techniques including those offered by the two communities fault detection and isolation (FDI ) and DX (based on intelligent techniques) is given. The use of digital signal processing (DSP) as a significant technique for improved fault diagnosis is illustrated. A rule-based engine is used to control the behaviours of the agents and also as a tool for diagnosis. Finally, the integration of DSP agents and the rule-based engine into MAS is demonstrated using a real-life application, a class-AB amplifier (a power electronic circuit). It is shown that the integration of DSP agents and rules into MAS provides a powerful tool for prognosis and for detection of abrupt (short and open circuit) and incipient faults.