Power electronic systems modelling & controller rapid prototyping - an efficient method using VHDL

This paper is concerned with the research carried out in the area of holistic modelling of power electronic systems. The method is based on the behavioural features of hardware description languages. Three examples of using VHDL for power electronic system modelling, simulation, controller design and implementation are given. The controllers, based on neural networks, fuzzy logic and vector control, are implemented using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). There are major advantages of the new approach, like: a unique modelling and evaluation environment for complete power electronic systems, the same platform is used for FPGA rapid prototyping of the digital controller, a CAD platform independent model, fast development of a reusable model/design. This approach is validated experimentally.