Search NASA⌕ Search
Home/Archive/NASA NTRS

NASA NTRS · 20260002252

Leveraging High-Level Synthesis to Migrate Motor Control Algorithms From Microcontroller to FPGA

Emily Belovich·Julie Blystone·John Maroli·Matthew Granger
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

As motor control algorithms become increasingly complex, traditional microcontroller-based implementations are reaching computational limits that prevent the controller from operating at the required speed. This paper presents a novel workflow leveraging High-Level Synthesis (HLS) to migrate motor control algorithms from a microcontroller implementation to a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation. The proposed approach utilizes the free Vitis HLS software to automatically convert Embedded Coder-generated C code from a Simulink model into Hardware Description Language (HDL) code suitable for FPGA deployment.

Explore related subjects

FPGAHigh-Level SynthesisMotor Control AlgorithmElectrified AircraftMotor Drive

Keep this discovery

BibTeXRIS

Emily Belovich, Julie Blystone, John Maroli, Matthew Granger. Leveraging High-Level Synthesis to Migrate Motor Control Algorithms From Microcontroller to FPGA. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20260002252

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

Discover connections

Electrified Aircraft subject

Connections use source metadata and explicit phrase matches, not verified experimental comparisons.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related reports

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Leveraging High-Level Synthesis to Migrate Motor Control Algorithms From Microcontroller to FPGA

As motor control algorithms become increasingly complex, traditional microcontroller-based implementations are reaching computational limits that prevent the controller from operating at the required speed. This paper presents a novel workflow leveraging High-Level Synthesis (HLS) to migrate motor control algorithms from a microcontroller implementation to a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation. The proposed approach utilizes the free Vitis HLS software to automatically convert Embedded Coder-generated C code from a Simulink model into Hardware Description Language (HDL) code suitable for FPGA deployment.

FPGA↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Novel Protection Scheme for Unbalanced Faults in Inverter Dominated Networks: A Computationally Efficient Algorithm for Entry-Level Relays

Microgrids are now a common practice in distribution systems to increase resilience and reliability. However, microgrid protection remains a critical challenge, considering its requirement to operate in both grid connected and islanded, and the variability in fault characteristics under each mode of operation. This paper presents unbalanced power (S unb ) based fault detection algorithm, which considers local voltage and current unbalances to determine faults in the system. S unb is a computationally efficient fault detection algorithm that is suitable for implementation in the programmable logic of entry level protective relays. In addition, the difference in current and voltage unbalance (D n ) is used to determine the fault type. The proposed method demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity for line-to-ground (LG), line-to-line (LL), and double line-to-ground (LLG) faults, representing the most common faults in distribution systems. It also allows relay coordination with upstream and downstream protection devices in both island and grid connected operation, while preserving grading margins. The same pickup and time multiplier settings of a particular relay for both modes of operation eliminates the need for adaptive settings, which rely on communication networks. Validation was performed with a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setup using Typhoon HIL real time simulator interfaced with three entry-level, SEL 751 relays. Results confirmed the algorithm’s ability to discriminate fault conditions, and determine the fault type under both operating modes, maintain fast detection times, and ensure proper protection coordination.

fault classification↗
NASA NTRS1998

"Long Life" Dc Brush Motor for Use on the Mars Surveyor Program

DC brush motors have several qualities which make them very attractive for space flight applications. Their mechanical commutation is simple and lightweight, requiring no external sensing and control in order to function properly. They are extremely efficient in converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Efficiencies over 80% are not uncommon, resulting in high power throughput to weight ratios. However, the inherent unreliability and short life of sliding electrical contacts, especially in vacuum, have driven previous programs to utilize complex brushless DC or the less efficient stepper motors. The Mars Surveyor Program (MSP'98) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) have developed a reliable "long life" brush type DC motor for operation in low temperature, low pressure CO2 and N2, utilizing silver-graphite brushes. The original intent was to utilize this same motor for SRTM's space operation, but the results thus far have been unsatisfactory in vacuum. This paper describes the design, test, and results of this development.

David Braun↗