Design and Analysis of Digital PID Controller in MCU and FPGA

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to design an effective realization of digital proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms using field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. Recently, FPGAs have become an alternative solution for the realization of digital control algorithm systems, which were previously dominated by general-purpose microprocessor systems. In comparison with conventional approaches, FPGA-based controllers offer various advantages such as high speed, complex functionality, and low power consumption. In addition, an FPGA-based platform has a capability to execute concurrent operations, allowing parallel architectural design of different digital controller systems. In this study, we analyze one application of hardware and software module development for realization of digital PID control algorithms in dynamic systems. We have successfully implemented and verified the FPGA-based PID controller for high speed DC motors which delivers an optimal balance of low risk, low cost, and low power. Also, we compare the performance with an MCU-based design.