Optimized FPGA-based Extended Kalman Filter application to an AC drive sensorless speed controller

This paper presents a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based sensorless speed controller for a Synchronous Machine (SM). The implemented algorithm uses an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to estimate the rotor position and speed. Due to the intensive EKF treatment, the optimization of the algorithm complexity and the FPGA consumed resources has been achieved and the adopted optimization procedures have been discussed. Experimental results are provided in order to prop up the efficiency and the interest of using FPGAs in such application.