Implementation of FPGA based model predictive control for MIMO systems

In conventional ways of fast responding and high performing model predictive control using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), the approaches developed are applicable only to Single Input Single Output System (SISO). Many real time systems are Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems and loop interaction is a major concern and has to be reduced in control of MIMO systems. Also, direct digital control with ability to solve the Quadratic Programming (QP) problem online, which can be applied to complex systems with fast response time and/or embedded applications and with limited computational resource for supervisory control approach, is required in many complex industrial MIMO systems. A novel direct digital control of Model predictive controller with FPGA for a MIMO system which considers and reduces loop interaction and which can also be implemented with very less investment is proposed here. The system was modeled from first principles and then simulated in Labview environment for MIMO system. Implementation of the system and response was verified for a stirred tank system. The proposed system has good performance in terms of reduction in loop interaction which is a major concern in implementation of controller for MIMO systems. Also, direct digital control of MIMO system instead of supervisory control was accomplished.