Benefits of an FPGA based SRM controller

This paper proposes that a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) controller has greater flexibility and potential performance benefits than a typical Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or Microprocessor based system. The benefits stem from the architecture of an FPGA which allows designers to make a completely customisable controller. The architecture also allows enhanced sampling of the phase current and voltages which allows for higher quality data capture which can improve drive performance. A basic overview of the operation of an FPGA is given to provide context of the system architecture. Comparisons between an FPGA and a DSP based system are made within the context of an SRM controller, which further highlight the potential benefits. Lastly a basic concept design of an FPGA SRM based controller is shown and its enhanced phase current capture design methodology explained.