Performance evaluation of Fuzzy logic speed controller for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor drives on a SoC platform

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) have found widespread acceptance industrially. Vector control of PMSM allows for torque-speed decoupling, which is an important requirement in variable speed drives. This paper attempts to enhance the dynamic characteristics of a PMSM drive by replacing its speed PI controller. PI controllers usually satisfy most industrial requirements, but they are susceptible to variations in plant parameters. A fuzzy speed controller is identified as an alternative and is designed and implemented to replace the PI Speed controller. An improvement is observed in the dynamic characteristics, stability, and robustness. These tests have been performed on the Microsemi SmartFusion^® platform using a reference design that uses a PI controller, which is available from its website. Currently, efforts are on to evaluate the effect of using a Fuzzy logic-based current controller in the PMSM drive.