SCALEXIO for Electric Motors

dSPACE announced a new solution for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of electric motors. Combining the architecture of SCALEXIO with its freely programmable FPGA board DS2655, plus a scalable electronic load, users can test electric motor control systems in a more realistic environment by emulating the real motor and generator currents, the company says.

The SCALEXIO DS2655 FPGA Base Module is user-programmable to define high-fidelity, custom models for simulating complex, dynamic systems. In a SCALEXIO HIL simulator, the FPGA is frequently used for simulating electric motors requiring very fast, computationally intensive simulation in applications such as hybrid vehicles or wind turbines. Modules can be mounted on the DS2655 base board to provide the necessary number of I/O channels.

The FPGA device can be configured graphically with standard dSPACE tools, so that users can react flexibly to new requirements, such as new I/O interfaces or faster simulation. dSPACE also provides the simulation models for HIL tests of electric motors and associated power electronics and batteries.

The solution includes a scalable dSPACE electronic load module. It emulates motor and generator currents of up to 100 A at voltages of up to 60 V. With this voltage range, the load allows auxiliary to be emulated in vehicle electrical systems of up to 48 V. The electronic loads can be used in parallel to provide higher current capability.

The Electronic Load Module can be integrated within the SCALEXIO system or installed externally. The ECU under test can be connected directly to the Electronic Load Module, resulting in short power signal connection and reduced possible signal interference.

For more information, visit dSPACE.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.