FPGAs (Field-programmable gate arrays) are considered to be very complex to program. Why they are nevertheless needed for certain applications becomes clear when you take a closer look at the technology.
Task
Improve energy efficiency in battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrains using AI-based control strategies.
Model-based
dSPACE FPGAs can be programmed model-based.
Microsecond processing
Sampling times of real-time applications can be shifted down to the microsecond range or even faster.
Scalable I/O
The I/O can be adapted to the requirements.
Why use FPGAs?
FPGAs are an enabler for demanding real-time applications that require:
- Highly time-resolved closed-loop simulation and control applications
- I/O performance with low latency
- Customized interfaces and communication protocols
Where are FPGAs used?
Typically, the following application areas benefit particularly from the use of FPGA technology.
Highest closed-loop performance:
- Electric drives and frequency converters
- Power electronics and grids
- DC-DC converter
Hardware-in-the-loop simulation of highly time-resolved I/O:
- Electric drives and inverters
- On-board chargers
- Charging stations
- Power electronics
Flexible: Our FPGA Solutions can be Tailored to Your Needs
In the field of FPGA solutions, dSPACE offers various tools in both the hardware and software areas that can be combined with each other. There are hardware solutions such as the MicroAutoBox III for use in vehicles or the MicroLabBox II for use under laboratory conditions.
The first step is to choose the right hardware platform for you. Then you can use the Simulink-based FPGA Programming Blockset seamlessly to create FPGA applications. The FPGA Programming Blockset uses AMD™ Vitis Model Composer or MathWorks HDL Coder for HDL code generation.
Powerful: Our Hardware Solutions
With our various hardware solutions, you always have the right tool at hand for every application.
SCALEXIO: The Modular Choice
The SCALEXIO FPGA portfolio includes several FPGA baseboards with different AMD FPGA and I/O modules. The baseboard can be equipped with up to five I/O modules – depending on the needs of your application.
If you do not want to create your FPGA application completely yourself, you can use modular model libraries from dSPACE that offer communication protocols, I/O data preprocessing or even motor simulations. If required, we also offer complete model implementation as a service.
MicroLabBox II: The evolution of a revolution
MicroAutoBox III: Compact and robust in-vehicle prototyping system
What are the advantages of software programming in a dSPACE system?
Programming FPGAs is considered time-consuming. dSPACE takes a different approach. Are you already familiar with Simulink®? Then we have a good solution for you, because FPGAs can be programmed via a model-based approach in the Simulink® environment.
The key advantage is that you can program very quickly without extensive HDL knowledge. The system is predestined for fast calculations and I/O interactions. This is typically used for digital filters, protocols, controllers, precise signal generation, and acquisition, as well as for fast control loops or real-time simulations. Even the simulation of drive trains or power stages is possible.
Implementation software
This software is used to create real-time applications. dSPACE enables the seamless integration of FPGA applications into real-time applications from Simulink.
Experimentation and automation software
The experimentation software is the environment for developing and validating your projects. FPGAs fit seamlessly into this environment.
