Simulink/ModelSim co-simulation of sensorless PMSM speed controller using reduced-order Extended Kalman Filter

Based on Simulink/Modelsim co-simulation technology, the design of a sensorless control IP (Intellectual Property) using reduced-order EKF (Extended Kalman Filter) for PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) drive is presented in this paper. Firstly, a mathematical model for PMSM is derived and the vector control is adopted. Secondly, the rotor flux position and rotor speed are estimated by using reduced-order EKF. These estimated values are feed-backed to the current loop for vector control and to the speed loop for speed control. Thirdly, the Very-High-Speed IC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) is adopted to describe the behavior of the sensorless speed control IP which includes the circuits of space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM), coordinate transformation, reduced-order EKF, PI controller, etc. Fourthly, the simulation work is performed by MATLAB/Simulink and ModelSim co-simulation mode, provided by Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Simulator Link. The PMSM, inverter and speed command are performed in Simulink and the sensorless speed control IP of PMSM drive is executed in ModelSim. Finally, the co-simulation results validate the effectiveness of the sensorless PMSM speed control system.