An innovative DSP-based teaching module for electrical machine drives

An innovative digital signal processor (DSP)-based induction motor drive system featuring real-time generation of space vector modulated (SVM) waveforms, on-line speed and current acquisitions, programmable soft-start, dynamic braking, and live animation on the basics of drive operations has been developed for teaching and training purposes. Front-ended by the ubiquitous PC that hosts a TMS320C30 module board, the proposed drive system represents a fresh departure from a typical machine drive in a conventional teaching laboratory in terms of its high user-interactivity, flexibility, and fully digitized approach. It has been shown that students using this system can devote their time to fruitful discussions and in-depth experimentations rather than repetitive manual measurements of motor’s voltage and current reminiscent of typical machine laboratory procedures. Selected experimental results highlighting the salient features of the system are presented.