Abstract: A multi-processor AC motor control system having a timer processor which generates multiple synchronized PWM waveforms while minimizing software latency effects. The timer processor generates a 50% PWM duty cycle sync signal at the PWM frequency, creating a logic level transition (leading edge) in each PWM period. At each such transition, the timer processor interrupts the host processor for the purpose of updating a multi-byte timer data register with PWM on-time data stored in nonvolatile memory as a function of machine position and requested current. A separate timer channel is provided for each PWM waveform to be generated, and the timer processor sets off-to-on and on-to-off transitions of each waveform in accordance with the updated PWM on-time data such that respective off-to-on and on-to-off transitions in each waveform are centered about the leading edges of the sync signal.

Abstract: An improved digital PWM closed-loop current control for a multiple phase winding AC machine which requires only a single sensor for monitoring the current in one of the phase windings of the machine. The PWM on-time values for the various phase windings of the machine are stored in a single look-up table as a function of stator position and requested current amplitude, and the on-times used to schedule phase winding energization are periodically updated using a two-part look-up procedure. Initially, the stored on-time value for a single phase winding is retrieved from the table as a function of stator position and the requested current amplitude. The retrieved value is then compared with a measure of the actual current in the respective phase winding to form an error signal, which is used to adjust the requested current amplitude.