Realization of AHIL concept on a SoC based FPGA-ARM9 platform for power electronic applications

In many power electronic applications the request of short development time demands reliable simulation studies to prove the control concepts in early developments stages and avoid critical behavior in real application. Simulation studies are sufficient to prove the general behavior of a control code. However, the platform architecture of the target hardware influences control behavior and code stability. Real-time requirements also demand tests on the target hardware. Consequently, the whole control system including data acquisition, control algorithm and pulse pattern generation has to be tested. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests are usually applied. They require expensive hardware and have some disadvantages caused by unavoidable delays. This paper combines the benefits of an Advanced Hardware in the Loop concept with a low-cost SoC based real-time platform. It presents a concept using SoC and dual Core architectures meaningful for real-time applications with a clear definition of responsibilities for each section resulting in a streamlined development process. A simulation test bench is introduced and the functionality is proven by measurement results.