An Optimized FPGA Implementation of the Modified Space Vector Modulation Algorithm for AC Drives Control

This paper presents an optimized FPGA implementation of the 5 step modified space vector modulation algorithm. The algorithm is modeled in Matlab Simulink using System Generator software from Xilinx. After validation through simulation, the algorithm is translated into a synchronous hardware automaton and then implemented in a low cost Spartan-3E FPGA device. Design performance in terms of occupied area and achieved speed is presented and compared to other existing implementations. The algorithm is used in AC drives control, and is especially useful due to minimized switching losses and short execution time. Also, its feature of using only one of the zero space vectors proves advantageous when using a low cost current measurement scheme based on voltage drop over low side shunt resistors. Experimental results verify the correct system functioning and validate the design method.