Bit-stream based model predictive controller for a magnetic levitation system

Bit-stream is a novel method of implementing control algorithms in digital logic chips such as FPGA and is an alternative to the traditional digital controller implementation and offers several advantages due to its inherent parallel nature. The present paper proposes a state space based model predictive controller (MPC) for the unstable magnetic levitation system and is the first bit stream based MPC reported in the literature. The proposed controller is implemented by interconnecting several bit-stream connecting blocks. The performance of the bit-stream based MPC is illustrated via simulations using Mentor Graphics ModelSim and compared to the results from an ideal MPC implemented using Matlab/Simulink. Results of the simulation demonstrate that the performance of the bit-stream based MPC matches well with the Simulink based controller and can therefore be a better alternative to classical digital controller implementation.