Fast online model predictive control of IPMSM using parallel computing on FPGA

Model predictive control (MPC) offers a variety of advantages compared to conventional control methods. The problem with MPCs is the high computational cost and the associated long control cycle time. This makes the use of MPCs unattractive for processes with small time constants, as in permanent magnet synchronous motors with interior magnets (IPMSM) for electric vehicles. In this paper a model predictive control method for nonlinear systems with inherent output limitation is presented. This approach offers real-time capability for online MPCs even for processes with time constants in the millisecond range. This becomes feasible by the possibility of parallel computation, as provided by a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In the following, the functional principle of this real-time MPC approach is presented and the functionality is verified by simulation results of an IPMSM control for automotive applications.