FPGA-based communication module for control of power inverters and drives

In this paper a communication solution for high demanding control systems is presented. The proposed solution is implemented in an FPGA where a control system for electric drives is realized. To create a useful project, the application was developed as open-code and furthermore, it can be implemented without costs for academic use. This solution is based on an FPGA device where a soft processor with a real time operating system is realized. Over this soft-processor, a real time operating system is implemented to create and manage an Ethernet communication. To receive the data, a computer application is created. This program provides a useful user interface to collect, save, and analyze data from the control system. The result is a communication system implemented in an FPGA. In the same device a control system could be developed using HDL language. The two systems offer a complete solution that could be included in commercial systems without the need for significant changes.