For the hardware-in-the-loop emulation of electrical machines, such as motors or generators, dSPACE offers the DS5380 Electronic Load Module. The module is optimized for high-speed operation as required for emulating electric motors such as those in electric steering systems. It can work as both a current sink and current source to provide bidirectional current flow, i.e., it generates or consumes real current on ECU motor outputs. The DS5380 Electronic Load Module can be combined with dSPACE modular FPGA base boards for FPGA-based motor simulation. In combination with the ready-to-use FPGA-based model libraries from dSPACE, they provide the fast response times required for emulating electrical machines. The FPGA computes parts of the simulation model for the electrical machine, e.g., from the XSG Electric Components Library, and operates the Electronic Load Module.

The DS5380 Electronic Load Module has two independent load channels that can control a unipolar current via the module’s power output stage. The module provides high-speed current control in less than 5 µs. Each module can provide a continuous current of 30 A and 300 W, and a maximum voltage of 30 V can be applied. Several modules can be connected in parallel to increase the current. Cooling is performed by a temperature-controlled fan. The modules are protected against overload and overtemperature. The control options can be configured via jumper switches. The two channels can be used as a sink and source device (bidirectional current) or they can be switched in parallel to double the maximum current if a current flow in only one direction is required. This expands the range of applications beyond electric motor simulation.