Practical Implementation of a Synchronous PWM Strategy for Low Switching Frequency FOC of im Drives with ATSAM3X8E Microcontroller

Abstract

This paper presents a practical implementation of synchronous PWM modulation algorithm for an induction motor field oriented control powered by a DC/AC inverter and implemented on a low-cost microcontroller, the ATSAM3X8E. In particular, a simple algorithm, capable to calculate automatically an optimized set of frequency modulation indexes will be presented. Hysteresis bands are also introduced in the algorithm in order to avoid multiple changeovers during modulation index transitions. Experimental tests and their results will be shown and discussed, highlighting the benefits of the present algorithm, such as reduction of current harmonic content, reduction of current ripple and, consequently, reduction of power losses in the IM drive.