Multi-group scanning of ultrasonic phased arrays (UPAs) is a research field in distributed sensor technology. Interpolation filters intended for fine delay modules can provide high-accuracy time delays during the multi-group scanning of large-number-array elements in UPA instruments. However, increasing focus precision requires a large increase in the number of fine delay modules. In this paper, an architecture with fine delay modules for time division scheduling is explained in detail. An improved bound fit (IBF) algorithm is proposed, and an analysis of its mathematical model and time complexity is provided. The IBF algorithm was verified by experiment, wherein the performances of list, longest processing time, bound fit, and IBF algorithms were compared in terms of frame data scheduling in the multi-group scan. The experimental results prove that the scheduling algorithm decreased the makespan by 8.76⁻21.48%, and achieved the frame rate at 78 fps. The architecture reduced resource consumption by 30⁻40%. Therefore, the proposed architecture, model, and algorithm can reduce makespan, improve real-time performance, and decrease resource consumption.
Keywords: FPGA; multi-group sensors; scheduling algorithm; ultrasonic phased array.