A model-based design
approach can help engineers
identify performance
changes and classify the
severity of issues. Designers
can then adjust the control
structure to prevent failure,
underperformance,
or inefficiencies in the
motor's operation."
C h a p t e r 1 | A d v a n c e d A c t u a t i o n S y s t e m s i n t h e Ve h i c l e C h a s s i s
performance. For instance, if a sudden load change
occurs, the MCU can rapidly adjust the voltage
applied to the motor phases to compensate, ensuring
stable and efficient operation.
Implementing such control systems in smart
actuators presents several design challenges for
engineers. For example, a tradeoff exists between
low power consumption and precision control. High-
precision control requires increased sampling and
switching frequencies, which, in turn, demand more
power. This behavior creates a balancing act where
engineers must optimize the system to achieve the
necessary precision without excessively increasing
power consumption.
Additionally, the real-world limitations of switching
devices, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-
effect transistors (MOSFETs), further complicate this
balance. These components are designed for specific
frequency ranges; pushing them beyond these limits
can lead to inefficiencies and potential failures. For
these reasons, the industry is starting to adopt
new materials like gallium nitride (GaN) and
silicon carbide (SiC), which can offer higher
Marius-Lucian Andrei
Technical Lead, Model-Based Design Team,
NXP Semiconductors
7
11 Experts Discuss Advanced Motor Control for Modern Electric Vehicles
