M.N. Cirstea

FPGA fuzzy logic controller for variable speed generators

The research work carried out in the area of design, simulation and implementation of a fuzzy logic controller for a diesel-driven stand alone synchronous generator system is presented. The controller was developed using Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and is implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The advantages of the proposed system, consisting of diesel engine, synchronous generator, power converter and fuzzy controller, are underlined. The experimental results proved the correct operation of the system.

A VHDL success story: electric drive system using neural controller

This article describes the successful VHDL design of a digital current control architecture for three phase electric drive systems, based on hardware implemented neural networks. The controller comprises an on-line inductance estimator and a PWM switching pattern generator based on a state space observer. Reconfigurable neural networks implemented with logic gates are involved in both. The complete development of the system has been achieved using VHDL and implemented into a single FPGA chip. The VHDL description of the neural networks has been automatically generated by C++ programs. The VHDL model of the motor controller allows the control over the hardware implementation complexity and therefore it can be readily adapted to the available hardware resources.

Induction motor drive system modelled in VHDL

The paper presents a new approach to the modelling, simulation and controller design of a complete induction motor electric drive system. The novel technique uses a hardware description language (VHDL) as a unique EDA environment for the system modelling, evaluation and controller design. Simulation results are presented, proving the validity of the model for the vector controlled induction motor system. The advantages of the VHDL approach for a complete drive modelling and control strategy implementation are underlined.

A new power systems modelling method

The paper is concerned with the research work carried out in the area of holistic modelling of electric drives and power systems. The novel method deals with the functional modelling of complete power systems using the behavioural features of Hardware Description Languages. Three examples of using VHDL for power electronic system modelling, simulation, controller design and implementation are given. The control systems, based on neural networks, fuzzy logic and vector control, are implemented using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). There are major advantages of the new approach, such as: a unique modelling and evaluation environment for complete power systems, the same environment (VHDL) is used for the FPGA rapid prototyping of the digital controller, fast design development, short time to market, a CAD platform independent model, reusability of the model/design, generation of valuable IP, Concurrent Engineering basic rules (unique EDA environment and common design database) are fulfilled. The new modelling approach is validated experimentally.

Virtual prototyping of a digital neural current controller

The paper describes a significant case study of virtual prototyping in modern digital electronics. It outlines the design process of a neural predictive current controller for VSI-PWM inverters. MATLAB simulations of power system behaviour were initially performed to check the viability of the principles underlying the operation of the new controller. The controller was designed and tested using Viewlogic/Xilinx software for FPGA design/implementation. The intensive use of C++ programming to generate the required VHDL model of the neural networks considerably accelerated the design process.