FPGA-based Controllers for Power Electronics Applications

In this lecture, an overview is given of the use of FPGAs in power converter digital control systems. The generic architecture of FPGAs is firstly presented along with an overview of the Computer Aid Design (CAD) environment used to define FPGA functionality. The major design rules of a functional design approach are also presented having in mind the targeted application field. Then, the authors analyze, given the current level of technology, the contributions and the limitations of FPGAs for power converter control systems. A classification is derived according to timing constraints. State-of-the-art FPGA-based case studies are presented in order to illustrate the proposed classification. Finally, the author will offer their thoughts on future trends.