SwitcherGear Applications

The following examples demonstrate the diverse range of converter systems that you can build with SwitcherGear.

Each example indicates the typical items in the power converter that the controller must interface to. You can compare this against the hardware interface resources provided by SwitcherGear, listed in the table to the right.

Also listed are the suggested SwitcherGear hardware modules (in addition to a base unit and microcontroller), and applicable code resources from the SwitcherWare Library.

Gate Signals 12+ PWM outputs
Current & Voltage Sensors 16 ADC inputs with PWM-synchronous sampling
Other Shaft encoder
Digital I/O (24 VDC)
Analogue I/O (±10 V, 4 to 20 mA, etc.)
CAN, RS-232, RS-485, etc.

Induction Motor Drive

3-phase induction motor drive.

Controller for a 3-phase induction motor using a 2-level IGBT voltage source inverter. Power derived from a simple diode rectifier.

Implement motor models, current controllers, PWM methods, field-weakening, sensorless control, etc.

Variations: DC link chopper, soft-charge for DC link capacitor, permanent magnet motor, etc.

Customisation: Add your code for flux model, field-oriented control, etc.

Gate Signals 6 (3 Half-Bridge)
Current Sensors 3 motor phase
Voltage Sensors 1 DC link
Other shaft encoder
SwitcherGear 1x CON002, 1x AIN004, 1x DIN001
SwitcherWare ADC, coordinate transform, dq-axis current control, PWM (SVM), PI control (flux, torque, speed)

Renewable Energy Boost Converter

PV boost converter.

Controller for photovoltaic array using 1-switch boost converter. Or permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) using additional diode rectifier.

Use with single- or three-phase AC grid interface, or as part of a DC grid system.

Variations: Interleaved boost converter.

Customisation: Add your code for maximum power point tracking (MPPT).

Gate Signals 1 (1 Boost)
Current Sensors 1 PV
Voltage Sensors 1 PV, 1 DC link
SwitcherGear 1x CON002, 1x AIN004
SwitcherWare ADC, PI control (current), PWM

Power Quality Converter

3-phase induction motor drive.

Controller for 3-wire power quality applications such as STATCOM, harmonic filters, etc.

Variations: 4-wire, soft-charge for DC link capacitor.

Customisation: Add your code for grid support and harmonic filtering.

Gate Signals 6 (3 Half-Bridge)
Current Sensors 3 line
Voltage Sensors 3 line-line, 1 DC link
SwitcherGear 1x CON002, 2x AIN004
SwitcherWare ADC, SRF PLL, coordinate transform, dq-axis current control, PWM (SVM or sine)

Energy Storage Converter

Battery storage converter.

Controller for energy storage using buck-boost converter.

Variations: Buck or boost, interleaved converters, super capacitor, add network capabilities as part of a DC grid system.

Customisation: Add your code for battery management.

Gate Signals 4 (2 Half-Bridge)
Current Sensors 1 inductor current
Voltage Sensors 1 battery, 1 DC link
SwitcherGear 1x CON002, 1x AIN004
SwitcherWare ADC, PI control (current), PWM

Dynamometer For Electrical Machines

Electric motor dynamometer.

Controller for a 3-phase test motor using two 2-level IGBT voltage-source inverters and induction motor load. Power circulates through the DC link, so power rating of supply is minimised.

Ideal as a test platform for the development of motor models, current controllers, PWM methods, field-weakening, sensorless control, etc. Or use as a test bed for electrical machines.

Variations: soft-charge for DC link capacitor.

Customisation: Add your code for motor model, field-oriented control, etc.

Gate Signals 12 (2x3 Half-Bridge)
Current Sensors 3 test motor, 3 load motor
Voltage Sensors 1 DC link
Other Shaft encoder, torque sensor
SwitcherGear 2x CON002, 2x AIN004, 1x DIN001
SwitcherWare ADC, coordinate transform, dq-axis current control, PWM (SVM), PI control (flux, torque, speed)