CHAPTER III

DESIGN METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research methodology and procedures to be
undertaken by the researchers for the development of the prototype design. The aim of
this study is to develop a Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbon Gas Characterization for
Automobile Emission using Fuzzy Logic and FPGA.
Shown below is the block diagram of the methods and procedures to be taken in
the entire study.
PRE-DESIGN STAGE
Data gathering
Evaluation of similar studies.
Design parameters.
System design conceptualization

DESIGN STAGE
Selection of materials
Design layout and specification.

ASSEMBLY STAGE
Mechanical System
Programming Process

TESTING STAGE
System testing
Result analysis
Troubleshooting

Figure 3.1. Research Methodology Block Diagram

The proposed research methodology is composed of four different stages

namely; pre-design stage, design stage, assembly stage and the testing stage. This
chapter will deal with the processes to be done in developing the system as well as
testing and troubleshooting the system.

3.1 Pre - Design Stage

Pre-design stage is the foundation of the design proper and the key for the
development of the project. This includes data gathering through extensive research
from libraries, journals, newsletters, forums and electronic resources; evaluation of
similar

studies,

determination

of

the

design

parameters/standards

and

the

conceptualization of the design for the next stage.

A design project always start from data gathering and collection of relevant facts
from general to specific information. This is attained by thorough research, reading and
evaluating existing similar projects that gives the proponents the basic ideas about the
chosen topic. The school library is a good source of information as well as electronic
resources. Topics, manuals and newsletters regarding harmful gases, gas/odor
classification system, fuzzy inference system, FPGAs, system on programmable chip
and gas sensor were carefully studied and analyze by the researchers. Forums from
official websites are also considered. Furthermore, interviews and assistance from
expert technicians of LTO registered emission center, fuzzy logic experts and
professionals was very important in determining data parameters to be considered
especially the established standards.

Similar studies about gas classification using fuzzy inference systems were
helpful in the conceptualization of the whole system and identification of the design
parameters that will furthermore justify the feasibility and effectiveness of the project.
Comparisons were done by the researchers in terms of components, circuit diagrams
and the techniques that was used in each studies. Latest developments in the same
study were considered also by the researchers.
A well-designed, compact and reliable Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbon Gas
Characterization for Automobile Emission using Fuzzy Logic and FPGA is the goal of
the researchers for the accomplishment of this study.

3.2 Design Stage

The collected data were carefully investigated and interpreted for the formation of
concrete and organized plan. Materials were carefully selected based on their
functionality and suitability to the project. Also, its availability and cost were taken into
consideration.
Gathering the selected materials is important in the design stage as well as the
implementation of the design circuit schematic. Proper and correct function of the
design will depend on the selection of materials.

a. System Design
The design circuitry will involve a gas sensor that will serve as the primary input
to the system with their corresponding conditioning circuits, an ADC chip for the
conversion of analog voltage output of the sensor to digital, keypad, FPGA board for

data processing and LCD. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is utilized for the display of gas
type and its corresponding concentration that will indicate whether the vehicle that is
being tested PASSED or FAILED the set reference values. The details regarding the
vehicle to be tested are keyed in through the keypad. These details include the date of
the test,the plate number, the type of engine, and the year model of the car.

b. Software Development
This involves the development of fuzzy inference system specifically Mamdani
inference system in the FPGA board. Fuzzy inference system approached is convenient
in the design using the If-then mechanism. The program is composed of three different
stages for fuzzy logic and they are fuzzifier, rule evaluator and deffuzifier. The FPGA
board is programmed to interface the gas sensor with ADC, keypad and LCD display
that will read and process the data using NIOS II softcore processor. Fuzzy toolbox in
MatLab is also used for the simulation of the design fuzzy inference system.

3.3 Assembly Stage

As the design stage was completed, the development stage followed. The overall
design of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbon Gas Characterization for Automobile
Emission using Fuzzy Logic and FPGA that was discoursed in the previous stages is
now integrated and fabricated. The development stage is divided into the mechanical
setup and programming process.

After the collection of materials in the previous stage is the integration of the
system into a whole. The components were located in their places. Gas sensors and
LCD display is interfaced with the FPGA board.

3.4 Testing
To determine that the design system is operational, testing should be undertaken.
This involves system testing, result analysis and troubleshooting for system adjustment.
Individual components and the whole system should be checked to ensure that
the device is working properly and will yield the desired results. Also, its performance
and efficiency is being tested to prove the reliability of the device. Performance testing
will include whether the device can detect the two gases and measure its concentration
for the evaluation whether the vehicle passed or failed the LTO standards. The
measured readings of the device will be compared to the readings of the device that is
used in LTO registered emission testing center.
Part of the testing is troubleshooting. This is usually done in making system
adjustments. A series of test should be done to ensure the efficiency of the device.