Jitter reduction in a real-time message transmission system using genetic algorithms

The wide use of fieldbus based distributed systems in embedded control applications triggered the research on the problem of transmission network induced jitter in control variables. In this paper we introduce a variant of the classical Genetic Algorithm, which we call Progressive Genetic Algorithm, and show how it can be used to reduce jitter suffered by periodic messages. The approach can be applied either in centrally controlled fieldbuses or in synchronized ones. The algorithm was tested with two well-known and widely used benchmarks: the PSA, coming from automotive industries and the SAE from Automatic Guided Vehicles. It is shown that it is possible to eliminate completely jitter if the adequate transmission rate is available and, if not, a satisfactory reduced jitter can be obtained.