FPGA-Based Motor Control for Space and Aviation

Products and solutions that are developed for space and aviation applications require maximum robustness, reliability and flexibility. An example of a solution with these capabilities is motor control - electric motors perform critical functions such as attitude control, deployment mechanisms, motion and throttle valve control in space and aviation vehicles.

Our Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based multi-axis motor control solution is a deterministic, high-precision, low-power offering of an IP suite, with flexible design options and extensive resources. The solution includes algorithms for sensor-less Field Oriented Control (FOC), FOC with Hall-effect sensor, FOC with encoder, and FOC with resolver for PMSM/BLDC motors. We also offer a space grade motor driver, the LX7720, to enable holistic solution development. This solution has been optimized for our SmartFusion2® and RTG4® FPGAs and caters to industrial, medical, space and aviation segments.

RTG4 FPGA is our fourth generation of flash-based Radiation-Tolerant (RT) FPGA, supporting up to 150,000 logic elements. It is immune to radiation-induced Single Event Upsets (SEU) in the configuration memory in harsh environments such as space, medical electronics and nuclear power plants. RTG4 FPGAs are qualified to QML Class 5 and have achieved heritage on Mission Extension Vehicle-1. RTG4 is baselined on a variety of programs led by NASA, ESA and commercial new space applications.

The SmartFusion2 SoC FPGA offers up to 150,000 logic elements with an ARM® Cortex™-M3 processor. It offers the lowest power, proven security and exceptional reliability in small form factors. They are latch-up- and Neutron SEU-immune in the configuration of memory, which is prone to electronics due to higher neutron flux at typical commercial aviation altitudes of 40,000feet. SmartFusion2 has achieved significant heritage, being designed in several applications for aircraft.

Motor control applications for space and aviation mandate long operating life, high reliability and security, under high vacuum, radiation and wide operating temperature environments.

With the key advantage of reconfigurable logic, RT FPGAs can perform motor/actuator control in exploration vehicles for movement control. They are also a fitting choice for the more stringent lower orbit, geostationary orbit, and deep space applications using solar panels to power the satellite electronics. Only an elegant motion control solution can optimize the angle and efficiency of these solar panels for peak performance.

As a key component of the landing gear actuator control, SmartFusion2 FPGAs can ensure safe, smooth and damage-free takeoff and landing. Wing actuators maintain fuel efficiency in airplanes at lower speeds, typically after takeoff or when preparing to land.  With a smart actuator control solution, SmartFusion2 FPGAs can provide improved flight efficiency, saving thousands of gallons of fuel.

Explore our solution with the Dual Axis Motor Control Kit, which is a full-featured application development kit enabled with hardware and software IP blocks and a powerful Graphical User Interface (GUI). The kit is available for order online on our website, or from global distribution partners.

Watch this video to learn more.