Join | Tweet | Connect Model-Based Design Streamlines Embedded Motor Control System Development

This article describes the detailed steps in building a model-based design (MBD) platform around an ARM®-based embedded motor control processor. It follows with examples of basic permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) control algorithms initially deployed and the ease of extending the functionality to include multiaxis position control for automation systems. System and circuit modeling has long been an important aspect of motor control system design. With the MBD approach, electrical, mechanical, and system-level models are used to evaluate design concepts before building and testing physical hardware. The latest simulation tools from MathWorks can model complete embedded control systems, including the electrical circuit and mechanical system domains. Meanwhile, embedded coding tools generate C code from control system models to enable direct deployment of control algorithms on embedded control platforms. These tools enable a model-based design process where control algorithms can be designed and fully tested on a simulation platform before the fina